Vector vs. Raster: Preparing Artwork Files for Error-Free Gang Sheets

📌 Key Takeaways

Vector files scale infinitely while raster files lose resolution when enlarged—choosing PDF for logos and PNG for photos prevents soft edges and rejected uploads.

• Match Format to File Type: Vector artwork exports as PDF for clean scaling; raster artwork exports as PNG or TIF to preserve pixel detail and transparency.

• Calculate Resolution at Final Size: A 600-pixel-wide image prints at 300 DPI only at 2 inches—scale it to 10 inches and resolution drops to 60 DPI.

• Never Mirror, Lower Opacity, or Upload JPG: These three actions guarantee upload failures or unpredictable press results that trigger reprints.

• Export Settings Determine Print Quality: Font embedding, transparency handling, and resolution confirmation happen during export—not at the press.

• Zoom to 400% Before Upload: If edges look stair-stepped or fuzzy at high zoom, they will print poorly regardless of file format.

Wrong file prep = soft edges, pixelation, and missed deadlines.

Print shop operators and custom apparel decorators will eliminate upload errors and reprint costs here, preparing them for the export workflows and troubleshooting protocols that follow.

The Best Price DTF Insights Team synthesizes complex topics into clear, helpful guides reviewed by expert humans for accuracy and clarity.

The file looks perfect on screen. Sharp edges, vibrant colors, every detail crisp. Then the upload fails. Or worse—it goes through, prints, and the logo comes out soft, pixelated, unusable. The deadline was tomorrow.

Vector and raster are two different "languages" your artwork can speak. Think of vector as a blueprint: mathematical instructions that tell the printer exactly where to draw each line, curve, and shape. Raster is more like a photograph—a grid of tiny colored squares (pixels) that form an image when viewed together. According to Adobe's comparison of the two formats, this fundamental difference determines whether your artwork scales cleanly or falls apart when resized.

Here's what the next seven minutes will deliver: a clear decision system for choosing the right format, the exact export settings that work, and an upload checklist that catches problems before they become expensive reprints.

 

The Fast Answer: Which File Should You Upload?

The decision comes down to how your artwork was created.

Vector artwork (logos, text, geometric designs created in Illustrator or similar software) should be exported as PDF. Vector files use mathematical paths rather than pixels, which means they scale to any size without quality loss. When you upload a vector PDF to your DTF gang sheet, the edges stay razor-sharp whether the design is two inches or twenty.

Raster artwork (photographs, detailed illustrations, anything created or edited in Photoshop) should be exported as PNG or TIF. These formats preserve the pixel information and support transparency—critical for DTF transfers where you typically want the background removed.

Three non-negotiables apply regardless of format:

• Only PNG, PDF, and TIF files are accepted for gang sheet uploads

• Do not mirror your images—the printing process handles orientation

• 300+ DPI is recommended at your final print size

 

Myth vs. Reality: Vector and Raster Are Not Interchangeable

The myth: "If it looks sharp on my screen, it will print sharp."

The reality: Screen resolution and print resolution operate on completely different scales. While modern high-definition screens vary, operating systems and web images have historically rendered at a logical resolution of roughly 72–96 pixels per inch (PPI), whereas print demands 300 PPI for crisp results. That logo looking perfect at 100% zoom on a laptop? It may contain a fraction of the information needed for a quality transfer.

Try this mental exercise: open your artwork file and zoom to 400%. What happens to the edges of text? Do thin outlines stay clean or turn into stair-stepped jaggies? Do fine details hold together or dissolve into colored blocks?

Vector artwork passes this test at any zoom level because there are no pixels to reveal—just smooth mathematical curves. Raster artwork starts showing its limitations the moment you push past its native resolution.

This distinction matters most when designs need resizing. A production manager who enlarges a 2-inch raster logo to 10 inches the night before a deadline will watch the effective resolution drop from 300 DPI to 60 DPI. The math is unforgiving. The reprint is unavoidable.

 

Print Quality Math: The 300 DPI Rule Without the Confusion

Resolution anxiety stems from a simple misunderstanding: DPI (dots per inch) or PPI (pixels per inch) must be evaluated at final print size, not the dimensions shown in your design software.

Here's the practical calculation. If you need a design to print at a specific width, multiply that width by 300 to find the minimum pixel dimension required:

A file that shows "300 DPI" in Photoshop but measures only 600 pixels wide will print at 300 DPI only if kept at 2 inches. Scale that same file to 4 inches and effective resolution drops to 150 DPI. Scale it to 10 inches and you're printing at 60 DPI—guaranteed pixelation.

The fix is straightforward: determine final size before creating or exporting artwork. Never upscale raster images after the fact. For a deeper dive into resolution requirements and how image dimensions, resolution, and resampling interact, the artwork preflight spec breaks down exactly what survives the press.

 

Export Settings Cheat Sheet

Getting the export right prevents most upload failures. The settings differ based on your software and file type.

Adobe Illustrator (Vector → PDF)

1. Go to File → Save As → PDF

2. Select "Press Quality" or "High Quality Print" preset

3. Ensure fonts are embedded (standard in the 'Press Quality' preset) or, for maximum safety, convert all text to outlines (Type → Create Outlines) prior to saving

4. Avoid adding raster effects like drop shadows or glows when possible—these embed at a fixed resolution

5. Confirm color mode matches your design intent (CMYK for print accuracy)

Adobe Photoshop (Raster → PNG)

1. Set your canvas to final print dimensions before designing

2. Confirm resolution shows 300 PPI at that size (Image → Image Size)

3. Export via File → Export → Export As → PNG

4. Enable transparency if your design has no background

5. Do not reduce opacity to create faded effects—use lighter color values instead

That last point deserves emphasis. Lowering transparency settings creates unpredictable results on press. The DTF FAQ states this explicitly: "Please do not lower the transparency settings of your designs. This results in a bad heatpress experience. To give a faded look, use lighter colors one after another."

For visual learners, Best Price DTF offers video walkthroughs for Photoshop file setup on their YouTube channel.

Canva (Raster → PNG or Vector → PDF)

Canva users face a hybrid situation. The platform can export both formats:

• For designs with text and simple shapes, export as 'PDF Print' (ensure 'Flatten PDF' is selected if supported by your printer) to maintain vector quality

• For designs containing uploaded photos or complex graphics, download as PNG at the highest quality setting

• Always check "Transparent background" if your design needs it

For visual learners, Best Price DTF offers a video walkthrough for Canva file setup on their YouTube channel.

 

Quick Reference: Export Settings at a Glance

Resolution reference: 2" @ 300 DPI = 600 px • 4" @ 300 DPI = 1,200 px • 10" @ 300 DPI = 3,000 px

Gang Sheet Readiness Checklist

Before clicking upload, run through these eight verification points:

1. Final size confirmed — Dimensions match the actual print size needed, in inches

2. Correct format selected — PDF for vector; PNG or TIF for raster

3. Background handled — Transparent where needed, or intentionally filled

4. No mirroring applied — Images face the correct direction; the print process handles any necessary flipping

5. Full opacity maintained — No reduced transparency; faded effects achieved through color choice only

6. Resolution verified at final size — 300+ DPI/PPI after any scaling

7. Spacing accounted for — Adequate gaps between designs for cutting and handling

8. Visual proof completed — Open the exported file, zoom to 200–400%, and inspect edges and fine details

This checklist pairs well with the heat pressing guide, which covers what happens after your transfers arrive.

 

Common File-Prep Mistakes That Cause Rejects

The designing DTF-friendly graphics guide explains better approaches for achieving worn or faded aesthetics without compromising print quality.

 

Troubleshooting: What to Do If Your File Won't Upload

Upload errors happen. Before assuming the worst, try these steps:

Retry in an incognito or private browser window. Cached data and browser extensions sometimes interfere with upload processes. A clean browser session eliminates these variables.

Verify the file format. Only PNG, PDF, and TIF files are accepted. A file named "design.png" that was actually saved as a JPG will fail. Check the actual file properties, not just the name.

Check file size. Extremely large files may timeout during upload. If your gang sheet file exceeds 100MB, consider splitting into smaller sections or optimizing without sacrificing resolution.

Email the file directly. If uploads continue failing, Best Price DTF accepts files via email. Send your artwork to order@bestpricedtf.com and reference your order. Large files can be shared via Google Drive or WeTransfer links. The contact page provides current contact details and response time expectations.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Best Price DTF accept JPG files for gang sheets?

No. For gang sheet uploads, only PNG, PDF, and TIF files are allowed.

Should I upload a PDF or PNG?

Best Price DTF recommends PDF for vector designs and PNG for pixel-based designs.

Can I mirror my artwork before upload?

No—do not mirror your images. The printing process handles orientation.

Can I lower opacity to get a faded look?

No—do not lower the transparency settings of your designs. Use lighter colors instead to create a faded effect.

What if my file still won't upload?

Contact Best Price DTF and email files to order@bestpricedtf.com. Large files can be shared via Drive or WeTransfer.

 

Next Step: Test With a Sample Pack or Build Your Gang Sheet

File prep confidence comes from seeing results on actual fabric.

The Free DTF Transfer Sample Pack offers a low-risk way to test the process. Press the samples, evaluate the quality, and confirm that your heat press settings dial in correctly before committing to a full production run.

Once the workflow feels solid, the gang sheet builder at Best Price DTF walks through the upload process step by step. Choose your size, upload your properly prepared files, and the system calculates pricing instantly. Orders placed before 4 PM CST ship the same day.

For policy details related to print outcomes and file quality, see the refund policy.

Our expert team uses AI tools to help organize and structure our articles. Every piece is reviewed by expert humans on our Insights Team to ensure accuracy and clarity.

 

About the Best Price DTF Insights Team

The Best Price DTF Insights Team is our dedicated engine for synthesizing complex topics into clear, helpful guides. While our content is thoroughly reviewed for clarity and accuracy, it is for informational purposes and should not replace professional advice.