Overview
Portable Document Format for print-ready raster and vector handoffs—common for sublimation, DTF, and DTG when creators export from design apps.
Quick facts
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Best for
- Print · document
- Typical output
- Typical cost
- Free
Excellent for
- Sublimation★★★★★
- DTF★★★★★
- DTG★★★★★
- Multi-page print proofs★★★★★
Compatible with
Production
File types
Pros & cons
Pros
- ✔Sublimation
- ✔DTF
- ✔DTG
- ✔Multi-page print proofs
Cons
- ✘Vinyl or laser cutting without vector paths
- ✘3D printing
Creator & maker guides
Preparing artwork
- Work in formats suited for export: PDF
Resolution & export
- Export at 300 PPI for raster elements at final print size.
- Embed fonts or outline type before export.
Bleed & safe areas
No items yet.
Common mistakes
- Low-resolution raster placed inside PDF
- RGB vs CMYK mismatch with shop RIP
- Fonts not embedded causing substitution
Best practices
- 1Export at 300 PPI for raster elements at final print size.
- 2Embed fonts or outline type before export.
- 3Use PDF/X or high-quality print presets when available.
Common mistakes
Low
resolution raster placed inside PDF
RGB vs CMYK mismatch with shop RIP
RGB vs CMYK mismatch with shop RIP
Fonts not embedded causing substitution
Fonts not embedded causing substitution
Troubleshooting
| Symptom | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Low-resolution raster placed inside PDF | See guides below for context | Review creator/maker tabs and troubleshooting table |
| RGB vs CMYK mismatch with shop RIP | See guides below for context | Review creator/maker tabs and troubleshooting table |
| Fonts not embedded causing substitution | See guides below for context | Review creator/maker tabs and troubleshooting table |
Helpful tools
DPI & resolution calculator
SoonImage size calculator
SoonBleed generator
SoonAspect ratio calculator
SoonHeat press time & temperature
SoonSublimation wrap calculator
Soon