Overview
Lossless raster image format commonly used for sublimation, DTF, DTG, UV printing, and mockups—with optional alpha transparency.
Quick facts
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Best for
- Sublimation, raster art, mockups
- Supports transparency
- Yes
- Vector
- No
- Recommended DPI
- 300
Excellent for
- Shirts (DTF / sublimation)★★★★★
- Tumblers & mugs★★★★★
- Mousepads★★★★★
- Coasters★★★★★
- 100% cotton (DTG only)★★★★★
Compatible with
Pros & cons
Pros
- ✔Full color
- ✔Lossless quality
- ✔Transparency support
- ✔Wide software support
Cons
- ✘Large file sizes at print resolution
- ✘Not scalable like vector
- ✘No built-in CMYK in all apps
Creator & maker guides
Preparing artwork
- Work in formats suited for export: PNG
Resolution & export
- 300 PPI at final print dimensions
- sRGB color space for most dye-sub and DTF workflows
- PNG-24 with alpha when transparency is required
- Avoid JPEG round-trips before print
Bleed & safe areas
No items yet.
Common mistakes
- Designing at 72 PPI screen size
- Forgetting bleed on wrapped drinkware
Workflow
- 1
Design
Create art at final print size at 300 DPI in Photoshop, GIMP, or Procreate.
- 2
Export PNG
Flatten for delivery; keep a layered master file archived.
- 3
Print / transfer
Maker prints via sublimation, DTF, DTG, or UV depending on product.
- 4
Finished product
Press, cure, or dry per method; inspect color and registration.
Best practices
- 1Export at 300 PPI at final print dimensions.
- 2Use PNG-24 with alpha for DTF and sublimation overlays.
- 3Flatten only for delivery; keep layered masters archived.
Common mistakes
Low resolution
Causes blurry prints when art is scaled up after export.
RGB export
Colors can shift after printing if profiles are not managed.
Incorrect heat (downstream)
Maker-side press issues can wash out or ghost transfers.
Troubleshooting
| Symptom | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| 72 DPI exports labeled as print-ready | See guides below for context | Review creator/maker tabs and troubleshooting table |
| Premultiplied alpha causing halos on dark garments | See guides below for context | Review creator/maker tabs and troubleshooting table |
| CMYK PNG when the workflow expects sRGB | 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
Downloads
PNG print template
Coming soon
sRGB export checklist
Coming soon