DTF Artwork Guidelines
At Screenlab, we pioneered Direct-to-Film (DTF) printing in Australia, pushing garment printing beyond limits. Our cutting-edge DTF technology ensures vibrant, durable, and detailed prints—but to get the best results, your artwork needs to be print-ready.
Submit Files in PNG Format
with a transparent background (preferred)
300 DPI Recommended (72 DPI Minimum)
for sharp, high-quality prints
Use sRGB Colour Profile
for the most accurate colour translation
How You See It In The Online Mockup
is an accurate representation of how it will print
Semi-Transparent Elements & Soft Glows
These don’t print well and may look faded.
Drop Shadows & Low-Opacity Effects
Can cause uneven printing.
Thin Lines & Small Details
Keep all text & lines at 2mm minimum for clarity.
Fine Dots or Isolated Details
Small dots may not transfer correctly.
Pro Tip: Stick to bold, high-contrast designs for the sharpest results!
Avoid these file types: PDF, SVG, EPS, AI—our system won't process them correctly.
Need help with file setup? Check out our Design Help page
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How to Colour Match Using Our Swatches
Use this guide to match on-screen colours to how they’ll actually print.
The top row shows the colours as they print on a black AS Colour tee using our DTF process.
The bottom row is the original digital artwork file used for printing.
To achieve the closest match in your own design, reference the printed swatch and find the corresponding colour code from the digital row beneath it.
Then, use that digital colour code in your design to ensure it prints as expected.
Pro Tip: DTF prints look different on screen vs fabric. Always match using the printed result, not what looks best on screen.
The colours you see on-screen won’t always match what you see on fabric—here’s why:
- RGB vs CMYK: Your design is created in RGB, but our printers convert it to CMYK, which has a different colour range.
- Neons & Metallics: DTF cannot reproduce true neon, metallic, or ultra-bright colours.
- Garment Material Matters: A colour will print slightly differently on 100% cotton vs polyester due to fabric absorption.
- White Ink on Dark Garments: White ink on red, maroon, and other bright fabrics may appear slightly tinted.
Want the best colour accuracy? Use our GTX Colour Palette Swatches below to match colours (available for download). The top row displays photos of colours as they appear when printed on a black t-shirt.
Digital Image vs. Real-Life Print
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How is Print Positioning & Sizing Determined?
Get It Right the First Time – Your Design Prints Exactly as Previewed. If you're unsure, we recommend ordering a sample first to see how your design prints!
Our max print area is 35cm x 45cm for garments. However, the final print size may adjust slightly based on the garment type. However, you will always be shown the exact size of your design when you add to your garment.
Here’s how our maximum print size of 35cm x 45cm appears on different product sizes, ranging from XSM to 5XL (shown on the Staple Tee).
Our online designer tool ensures precise placement—how you size and position your design in the mockup is exactly how it will print.
No, we cannot manually resise or reposition your artwork beyond what is shown in your preview. Please double-check your design placement before ordering.