File Preparation & Artwork Guidelines

Prepare Your Artwork for the Best DTF Print Quality

At GameTime Custom Designs, we want every order to produce vibrant colors, sharp details, and professional results. Following these artwork guidelines helps ensure your DTF transfers, DTF gang sheets, and custom printed products are printed exactly as intended.

Accepted File Formats

For the best results, we recommend uploading one of the following file types:

  • PNG (Preferred)
  • PDF
  • SVG
  • AI (Adobe Illustrator)
  • EPS
  • PSD (Layers flattened when possible)

Preferred Format: PNG with a Transparent Background

Recommended Artwork Resolution

For crisp, high-quality printing:

  • 300 DPI (Dots Per Inch) (Recommended)
  • Design at the actual print size
  • Use high-resolution graphics
  • Avoid screenshots or low-quality images

Low-resolution artwork may print blurry or pixelated.

Transparent Backgrounds

For the cleanest finished product:

✔ Use a transparent background whenever possible.

Avoid:

  • White background boxes
  • Colored backgrounds unless they are part of the design
  • Unwanted borders

Artwork Size

Create your artwork at the size you want it printed.

For example:

  • 3" × 3"
  • 5" × 5"
  • 10" × 10"
  • 11" × 11"
  • 12" × 12"
  • 13" × 19"

Scaling up small images can reduce print quality.

Color Mode

For the most accurate results:

  • RGB Color Mode (Preferred for artwork submission)

Please note that printed colors may vary slightly from what you see on your screen due to monitor settings and the printing process.

Line Thickness

Very thin lines can be difficult to reproduce.

We recommend:

  • Minimum line thickness: 1 pt
  • Small details should be large enough to print clearly.

Text Guidelines

Before uploading:

✔ Convert fonts to outlines or curves whenever possible.

If fonts are not outlined, they may be substituted if unavailable.

Avoid Low-Quality Artwork

Please do not upload:

  • Screenshots
  • Images copied from social media
  • Small web images
  • Blurry graphics
  • Pixelated artwork
  • Watermarked images

High-quality files produce the best results.

Gang Sheet Guidelines

When building your DTF Gang Sheet:

  • Leave a small amount of space between designs.
  • Ensure artwork is correctly sized before uploading.
  • Double-check spelling, colors, and layout.
  • Arrange designs to maximize sheet space.

Our online builder makes it easy to create efficient gang sheets while reducing material waste.

Print-Ready Artwork

Your file should be:

  • Final size
  • Transparent background
  • 300 DPI
  • High resolution
  • Properly aligned
  • Ready to print

Files submitted as print-ready are printed as received.

Copyright & Trademarks

By uploading artwork, you confirm that:

  • You own the design or
  • You have permission to reproduce it.

GameTime Custom Designs does not reproduce copyrighted or trademarked artwork without proper authorization.

Examples include:

  • Professional sports team logos
  • Brand logos
  • Movie and television characters
  • Licensed artwork
  • Celebrity images
  • Copyrighted graphics

Orders containing unauthorized copyrighted material may be canceled.

Artwork Review

We visually review artwork before production.

If we notice an obvious issue—such as extremely low resolution, missing transparency, or an unsupported file format—we'll contact you when possible before printing. While we strive to catch common problems, customers are responsible for ensuring artwork is correct before submitting an order.

Common Artwork Mistakes

Avoid these common issues:

  • ❌ Low-resolution images
  • ❌ White backgrounds
  • ❌ Misspelled text
  • ❌ Incorrect sizing
  • ❌ Blurry graphics
  • ❌ Cropped artwork
  • ❌ Poor-quality screenshots
  • ❌ Hidden layers
  • ❌ Missing transparency

Need Help Preparing Your Artwork?

If you're unsure whether your artwork is ready for printing, we're happy to help.

Our team can answer questions about:

  • File preparation
  • Image resolution
  • Sizing
  • Transparent backgrounds
  • Gang sheet layouts
  • Print quality
  • Artwork optimization

Artwork Checklist

Before submitting your order, confirm that your file meets these requirements:

✔ 300 DPI resolution
✔ Transparent background (PNG preferred)
✔ Correct print size
✔ High-resolution artwork
✔ Text outlined or converted to curves (when applicable)
✔ RGB color mode
✔ No watermarks or copyrighted content
✔ Final artwork reviewed for spelling and layout

Questions? Contact Us

If you need assistance with your artwork before placing an order, our team is here to help.

📍 GameTime Custom Designs
8052 Pebble Creek Court
Indianapolis, IN 46268
United States

📞 Phone: 317-364-6100

✉️ Email: gametimecustomdesigns@gmail.com

Professional DTF Printing Starts with Great Artwork

Following these guidelines helps ensure your DTF transfers, DTF gang sheets, and custom products are produced with sharp detail, vibrant color, and professional-quality results every time. At GameTime Custom Designs, we're committed to delivering prints you'll be proud to press, wear, and share.