How to prepare a PDF file for DTF printing production

The width of the PDF document should be 58 cm, while the length can be up to 100 meters, but it is recommended to divide longer files into segments of up to 15 meters for easier manipulation and better computer performance.

It is ideal to prepare in vectors (curves) and use the CMYK color palette. Also, you can work in the RGB palette because the rip software we use supports RGB and reproduces the colors correctly. Resolution should be 300 DPI for best results. A combination of vector and raster is possible.

Create a new file in CorelDraw. Ideally - the color palette should be in the CMYK spectrum, with a resolution of 300 dpi.

Select 58 cm as the width of the document. In our example, we will use a length of 3.5 meters or 3500mm, but you can enter the length you need. Note that the program can slow down if you have a lot of elements, so we recommend creating files up to 15m long.

• Place elements like JPEG, PNG, SVG file within the workspace. Make sure that the elements do not overlap and that there are no thin lines - the thinnest line we can print is 0.5 mm.
• If you use text, by all means convert it to curves to avoid font problems.
• Don't mirror elements - send them as a positive.
• Pay attention that the dimensions of your elements are set in the dimensions you need

If you work with white elements - it is useful to temporarily draw a square with a gray background and place it behind all layers so that the white elements are visible. When you are satisfied with the arranged elements, you can delete the square.

An example of an arranged print-ready graphic

In the following example, we will show you how to make a preparation if you need a large amount of the same graphic without having to duplicate elements countless times.

Let's say that you need 300 of the same 8.5 cm wide transfers. It is not necessary to duplicate all 300 images, it is enough to create one row of duplicates by opening a new pdf document, adjusting its length so that 6 duplicates fit.

In our example, we created a preparation that is 58cm wide and 9cm long, and on which 6 8.5cm wide replicas fit.

Considering that we want to order 300 copies - we need to print the above preparation 50 times. (300/6=50)

To know how many times to print your pdf file save with the name: "dtfpreprema_printati_50x" or "dtfpreprema_50x".

When you are satisfied with your preparation - save the file and give it an appropriate name depending on how many times it is printed. If it is not written how many times to print, we will consider that the graphic is printed once.

Select one or more pdfs and upload the files by dragging them into the provided box or simply click on:

The files will be uploaded. Then in the field "Enter the total length of the PDF preparation in centimeters (width is 58 cm)" enter the sum of the length of all your preparations.

The price will be printed at the bottom depending on the entered length. Please check that you have correctly added up all your preparations.

In our example we uploaded: (6m*2) + (4.7m*3) + (0.2m*22) + (3.1*1) = 33.60m = 3360cm

Then all you have to do is click "Add to cart" and proceed to payment. After receiving the payment, we start checking, printing and delivering your copies.

For beginners or those without design software, the DTFprint.hr online DTF Gangsheet designer is the perfect solution. With a user-friendly interface and a range of customization tools, creating DTF transfers has never been easier.

Upload one or more pdf print ready files, enter dimensions and order DTF transfers for textile products with automatic price calculation depending on the ordered length. More meters – more savings!