Artwork / File Preparation
Prepare Your Artwork for the Best Print Quality
High-quality artwork helps produce sharper details, cleaner edges, and more vibrant DTF and UV DTF transfers. Before uploading your design to Kinard’s Creations, review the guidelines below to help prevent delays or unexpected print results.
Recommended File Format
For best results, we recommend:
- PNG format
- Transparent background
- 300 DPI recommended
- Artwork created at or near the final print size
- High-resolution, clean artwork
- RGB color mode preferred for digital artwork
Avoid screenshots, heavily compressed images, or low-resolution files whenever possible.
Transparent Background Required
If you do not want a background printed, your file should have a true transparent background.
A white background in your artwork is not the same as transparency. If white is included in the file, it may be treated as part of the design.
Please check your artwork carefully before uploading.
Create Artwork at the Correct Size
Your design should be created at the approximate size you want it printed.
For example, if you order an 11" × 11" transfer, your artwork should be designed to fit within that area without stretching or distorting the image.
We do not recommend enlarging very small artwork because it can cause pixelation and loss of detail.
Do Not Mirror Your Artwork
Please upload your artwork in its normal readable orientation.
Do not mirror or reverse the design unless specifically instructed to do so. We will handle the required production setup during printing.
Check Your Image Quality
Before submitting your file, zoom in and check for:
- Pixelated edges
- Blurry text
- Jagged lines
- Unwanted backgrounds
- Stray pixels
- White boxes or halos around the design
- Missing portions of artwork
- Low-resolution logos
Your finished transfer will reflect the quality of the artwork submitted.
Fonts & Text
Make sure all spelling, names, dates, numbers, and other text are correct before uploading.
If you are submitting an editable design file, fonts should be outlined, converted to shapes, or rasterized to help prevent font substitutions.
For PNG artwork, make sure all text is already finalized.
Small Text & Fine Details
Extremely thin lines, very small text, tiny dots, and extremely fine details may not reproduce reliably.
For better results:
- Use readable text sizes
- Avoid ultra-thin lines
- Give small details enough thickness
- Make sure important elements have adequate contrast
This is especially important for smaller transfers.
Gang Sheet Artwork
When creating or uploading a DTF gang sheet, make sure:
- All designs stay inside the printable area
- No artwork extends beyond the sheet boundaries
- Designs do not overlap
- Each image is sized correctly
- Unwanted backgrounds are removed
- Artwork is ready to print
- Designs have adequate spacing for cutting
If using an online gang sheet builder, review the entire sheet carefully before submitting your order.
UV DTF Artwork Preparation
For UV DTF transfers, use high-resolution artwork with clean edges and a transparent background whenever possible.
UV DTF works particularly well for logos, decals, names, graphics, and decorative designs applied to smooth hard surfaces.
Very tiny details or extremely thin elements may be difficult to transfer cleanly, so keep important design elements clear and substantial.
Color Disclaimer
Colors displayed on phones, tablets, and computer monitors can vary from printed colors.
Differences may occur due to:
- Screen brightness
- Monitor settings
- Color profiles
- Artwork quality
- Printing materials
- Production processes
Because of these differences, an exact screen-to-print color match cannot always be guaranteed.
Artwork Responsibility
Customers are responsible for reviewing their artwork before submitting an order, including:
- Spelling
- Sizing
- Design placement
- Image quality
- Background removal
- Colors
- Copyright or usage rights
Kinard’s Creations will print artwork based on the file provided unless another arrangement has been made.
Need Help With Your Artwork?
Not sure whether your file is ready for printing? Contact Kinard’s Creations before placing your order.
Phone: 864-202-2527
Email: johann.kinard@yahoo.com
We’ll help you determine whether your artwork is suitable for DTF transfers, UV DTF transfers, or custom gang sheet printing.