Submitting the right design file is the most important step for achieving professional-grade prints. Whether you’re creating artwork for DTF (Direct-to-Film) or DTG (Direct-to-Garment) printing, even a small error in file setup can affect how your final product looks.
At Merch Factory, we’ve built our system to make this process simple — but preparing your design correctly before upload ensures your prints come out exactly as you imagined.
Here’s a complete guide to help you get it right every time.
1. Create the Correct Design Size (with the Right DPI)
Before you start designing, make sure your canvas matches your desired print size.
For example, if you want your design to be 10 inches wide and 12 inches high, set your canvas to exactly that size in your design tool — 10” x 12”.
Always set your resolution (DPI) to 300 DPI — this is the industry standard for sharp, detailed prints.
- If you go too low (like 72 or 150 DPI), the design will look blurry or pixelated.
- If you go too high, it can cause errors in our print editor.
To keep things smooth, our system supports DPI between 250 and 600, so you’re safe within that range.
Example (if your tool doesn’t show DPI):
You can calculate pixels manually — multiply your size by 300.
- Width: 10 inches × 300 = 3,000 px
- Height: 12 inches × 300 = 3,600 px
Picture showing Affinity Tool with DPI, Width & Height
2. Export as PNG with Transparent Background
When your design is ready, export it as a PNG file with a transparent background.
- PNG format preserves image quality without compression.
- Transparency ensures the design prints cleanly on any garment color.
While PNG files are in RGB color mode (used for screens), our printers automatically convert to CMYK for accurate color reproduction.
At Merch Factory, we’ve optimized our workflow so your final prints are 99% color-accurate to what you see on screen.
⚡ Pro tip: Avoid exporting as JPG — it removes transparency and slightly reduces color depth.
3. Avoid Semi-Transparency, Shadows, and Blur Effects
This is a crucial step most beginners miss.
Our DTF and DTG printers print color first and then apply a layer of white ink underneath to make colors pop.
If your design includes semi-transparent elements, shadows, or blur effects, the white ink can show through and distort the image.
The result may look washed out, patchy, or uneven.
To prevent this:
- Use solid colors instead of transparency or feathering.
- Avoid soft shadow glows or opacity effects in Photoshop or Canva.
- Test your design on a colored background before exporting to see how it behaves.
4. Create Designs Inside “Saved Products” (Recommended Workflow)
For best results and fewer errors, we recommend creating your designs inside the “Saved Products” section on your Merch Factory dashboard.
Why?
When you use this workflow:
- Your file goes through extra validation checks before printing.
- The system automatically ensures your DPI, size, and transparency settings are correct.
- You can preview how your design fits on different product views (front, back, etc.).
Avoid creating and ordering directly from the New Order section — it skips some of these checks and might cause reprints or delays.
✔️ Pro tip: Always preview your saved design before finalizing — what you see there is exactly how your final product will print.
5. Bonus: Quick Checklist Before Submitting
Here’s a one-minute checklist to make sure your design is print-ready:
- Canvas matches final print size (in inches or pixels)
- Resolution set to 300 DPI
- File exported as PNG with transparency
- No semi-transparency or blurred edges
- Colors look accurate in RGB
- Design saved inside Saved Products for checks
Follow these and your print quality will be consistently professional, sharp, and accurate.
At Merch Factory, Quality Starts with Your Design
We’ve built Merch Factory to make print-on-demand effortless — but great prints begin with great design preparation.
Our upgraded DTF printing setup ensures vibrant, long-lasting prints that feel premium. With the right file setup, you unlock the full potential of our printers and get merch your audience will love.
Ready to start designing? Log in to your dashboard and upload your artwork today at www.merchfactory.in