Printing Planet UK
The best file types for DTG printing in London are PNG with transparent background and vector formats such as SVG, AI, or EPS. JPEG works for photographic prints but causes quality problems on logos and text. PDF is accepted only when it contains vector artwork.
Sending the wrong file is the most common reason a DTG print looks blurry, washed out, or shows an unexpected white rectangle around the design.
PNG: The Best Raster Format for DTG
A PNG file is a pixel-based image that supports transparency. This makes it the best raster choice for DTG printing because:
- Transparent background means no white block around your design on the garment
- Lossless compression keeps image quality intact
- RGB colour mode matches the DTG printer’s colour space
Requirements for a good DTG PNG:
- Minimum 300 dpi at the size you want printed
- RGB colour mode (not CMYK)
- Transparent background (no white fill behind the design)
- For a full front chest print: at least 4000 x 4500 pixels
A 72 dpi PNG from a website will print blurry. Always export at print resolution.
Vector Files: Best for Logos and Text
Vector files (SVG, AI, EPS) store artwork as mathematical curves rather than pixels. They scale to any print size without losing sharpness. A vector logo looks equally sharp at a 3 cm patch or a full back print.
Accepted vector formats: .ai, .eps, .svg, .pdf (vector-based PDF only).
Text in vector files must be outlined (converted to paths) before submission. This prevents font substitution if the printer’s system does not have your font installed.
JPEG: Acceptable for Photography Only
JPEG uses lossy compression that creates visible artefacts at hard edges. For logos, text, or designs with sharp edges, JPEG compression creates a halo of pixel noise around the design.
If JPEG is the only option, send the largest possible file size (lowest compression setting). Never send a JPEG that has been saved and re-saved multiple times.
Common Artwork Problems and Fixes
| Problem | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| White box around the design | PNG with white background | Export with transparent background |
| Blurry print | File below 150 dpi | Re-export at 300 dpi minimum |
| Washed-out colours | CMYK colour mode | Convert to RGB in Photoshop or Illustrator |
| Font looks different | Text not outlined in vector file | Outline all text before saving |
| Looks correct on screen, wrong when printed | Screen uses 72 dpi, print needs 300 dpi | Check pixel dimensions against print size |
Free Artwork Check
Printing Planet UK checks every artwork file before printing. If your file has a problem, the shop will flag it and ask you to resend before production starts.
For a full guide on preparing files from scratch, see our artwork preparation for T-shirt printing guide.
Need a print-ready artwork check for your DTG order? Visit our full-colour T-shirt printing service page or WhatsApp Printing Planet UK to send your file for a free check before ordering.