Artwork Upload Guidelines for Garment Printing
These guidelines ensure your designs print accurately and maintain high quality across all our printing methods including DTF (Direct to Film), HTV Vinyl, Puff Vinyl, and Glow-in-the-Dark Vinyl.
1. General Artwork Requirements (Applies to All Methods)
File Formats:
- Preferred: PNG (transparent background), PSD, AI, PDF
- Avoid: JPG (unless high resolution with solid background)
Resolution:
- Minimum: 300 DPI at actual print size
- Recommended size is 11 inches X 8 inches
Background:
- Must be transparent unless a background is intentionally part of the design
Margins & Spacing:
- Keep important elements at least 0.5 inch inside edges
- Avoid placing critical text too close to seams
2. DTF (Direct to Film) Printing Guidelines
Best For:
- Complex, multi-color designs
- Gradients, shading, photos
Design Requirements:
- High-resolution PNG with transparent background
- No color limitations (full-color printing supported)
Important Notes:
- Avoid semi-transparent pixels (can create unwanted edges)
- Fine details should be at least 0.5 pt thickness
- Colors may appear slightly darker after heat press
3. HTV (Heat Transfer Vinyl) Guidelines
Best For:
- Simple graphics, logos, text
Design Requirements:
- Vector artwork preferred (AI, SVG, EPS)
- Solid colors only (no gradients or shading)
Limitations:
- Each color = separate layer
- Maximum recommended: 2 colors per design
Minimum Thickness:
- Lines/text: 3 mm minimum
Spacing:
- Maintain 3 mm gap between elements
4. Puff Vinyl Guidelines
Best For:
- Bold typography and minimal designs with raised effect
Design Requirements:
- Thick, bold shapes only
- Avoid intricate or highly detailed artwork
Key Rules:
- Minimum line thickness: 3 mm
- Avoid small text (recommended font size: 36 pt and above)
- No gradients or fine textures
Effect Note:
- Puff expands during heat press → design may slightly enlarge
5. Glow-in-the-Dark Vinyl Guidelines
Best For:
- Highlight elements, logos, text accents
Design Requirements:
- Simple shapes and bold designs
- Solid fill only (no gradients)
Color Consideration:
- Glows in greenish hue in dark
Tips:
- Use glow vinyl selectively (not full design)
- Combine with other vinyl types for better aesthetics
6. Text Guidelines
Fonts:
- Convert all text to outlines/curves before upload
Minimum Sizes:
- DTF: 8 pt
- Vinyl: 12–18 pt minimum (depending on type)
Font Style:
- Avoid ultra-thin or decorative fonts for vinyl
- Use bold fonts for puff vinyl
Spelling & Alignment:
- Double-check text—files are printed as-is
- Ensure proper alignment and spacing
7. Color Guidelines
- Use solid, high-contrast colors
- Avoid very light colors on light garments
- For black garments:
o Add slight outline or base if needed for visibility
8. File Preparation Checklist
Before uploading, confirm:
- 300 DPI resolution
- Transparent background (if required)
- Text converted to outlines
- Colors finalized (no last-minute edits needed)
- No unwanted shadows, effects, or backgrounds
- Artwork width can be maximum 22 inches
9. Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Low-resolution images (causes blurry prints)
- Screenshots or compressed images
- Complex gradients in vinyl designs
- Very thin lines or tiny details
- Not converting fonts to outlines
- Uploading with background unintentionally
10. Print Placement Recommendations
- Standard front: Center chest (3–4 inches below collar)
- Back print: Upper back center
- Sleeve: Small logos/text only
11. Disclaimer
- What you upload is what gets printed
- Slight color variations may occur due to fabric and printing process
- Rina Clothing is not responsible for low-quality uploads
12. Support
If you’re unsure about your artwork, contact our design support team before placing bulk
orders. We can help optimize your file for the best printing results.
Rina Clothing – Delivering Premium Prints, Every Time.