DTF Artwork Upload Guidelines

Why Artwork Setup is Important

At Buffalo Custom Tees, we want your transfers to look bold, vibrant, and professional. The quality of your print depends heavily on how your artwork is prepared before uploading. By following these guidelines, you’ll ensure your DTF gang sheets, custom transfers, and apparel prints come out exactly the way you envision.

✅ Accepted File Formats

We accept several file types, but some are better than others:

PNG (Preferred): Must have a transparent background and be saved at 300 DPI.
PDF: High-resolution print-ready artwork or vector format.
SVG, AI, EPS: Vector files are excellent for logos and text-based designs.

❌ We do not recommend JPG/JPEG files unless absolutely necessary. These are often low-resolution and include unwanted backgrounds.

🖼 Resolution & Size Requirements

Minimum Resolution: 300 DPI (dots per inch). This ensures crisp lines and vibrant prints.
Avoid using 72 DPI images (commonly pulled from websites or screenshots). They will look pixelated.
Size your artwork to match your chosen print size. For example, if you order an 8x10” transfer, your file should be set at 8x10” at 300 DPI.

🎨 Color Setup for Best Results

Use RGB Color Mode. Our printers automatically convert files to CMYK, but RGB preserves brightness and vibrancy.
For dark garments, ensure your artwork has strong contrast (avoid dull or faded tones).
Neon, metallic, or glitter colors cannot be reproduced unless printed with specialty inks.

🔲 Backgrounds & Transparency

Always upload artwork with a transparent background.
Designs with unwanted white or colored boxes will print exactly as uploaded.
If you need help removing a background, contact us before ordering.

✍️ Fonts & Text Guidelines

Convert all text to outlines/curves before uploading (especially in vector files).
If fonts are not converted, they may not display correctly when opened on another computer.
Make sure small text is legible at the size you intend to print.

📏 Artwork Placement for Gang Sheets

When ordering gang sheets (23” or 35” wide):

Arrange multiple designs within the sheet size.
Leave at least 0.25” spacing between each design to make cutting easier.
Do not place designs too close to the edge — leave a small border around the sheet.

🛠 Tips for Professional Results

Use clean, high-resolution graphics rather than screenshots.
Avoid thin outlines or extremely small details that may not transfer clearly.
Double-check spelling, alignment, and design size before uploading.
If ordering multiple designs, label your file clearly so we know which design is which.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

Uploading low-resolution or blurry images.
Forgetting to remove unwanted backgrounds.
Submitting files with fonts that aren’t converted to outlines.
Resizing small images to larger dimensions (this causes pixelation).

📩 Need Help With Artwork?

Not sure if your file is print-ready? No problem! Email your design to grampschamp26@outlook.com and we’ll review it before printing. Our team can recommend adjustments or help you prepare your artwork for the best possible results.