How to prepare a PDF file for Custom Gang Sheet, by customer

Creating high-quality graphic PDF file for DTF printers is key to achieving optimal printing results. Although PDF preparation can be done in different graphic programs, we recommends using Adobe Illustrator or Adope Photoshop for the best precision and control. Here we will guide you step by step through the preparation process for DTF transfers.

We do recommned, using our Online Gang Sheet Builder, and not, making your own Gang Sheet, The online tool is faster, and automatick checkes for quality, and spreads out the design evenly.

Key guidelines for creating your print ready PDF / PNG

Preparation dimensions:

The width of the PDF document should be 55 cm, while the length can be up to 10 meters.

Formats and colors

It is ideal to prepare in vectors (curves) and use the CMYK color palette. Also, you can work in the RGB palette because the rip software we use supports RGB and reproduces the colors correctly. Resolution should be 300 DPI for best results. A combination of vector and raster is possible.

A guide to preparing PDFs for printing in Adobe Illlustrator

1. New file width 55 cm

The color palette should be in the CMYK spectrum, with a resolution of 300 dpi.

Select 55 cm as the width of the document. In our example, we will use a length of 3 meters, but you can enter the length you need. Note that the program can slow down if you have a lot of elements, so we recommend creating files up to 10m.

2. - If you combine several different graphics into one file

Creation of the so-called Gangsheet, which can contain many different motifs

Place elements like JPEG, PNG, SVG file within the workspace. Make sure that the elements do not overlap and that there are no thin lines - the thinnest line we can print is 0.5 mm.
If you use text, by all means convert it to curves to avoid font problems.
Don't mirror elements - send them as a positive.
Pay attention that the dimensions of your elements are set in the dimensions you need

An example of an arranged print-ready graphic

3.

If you work with white elements - it is useful to temporarily draw a square with a gray background and place it behind all layers so that the white elements are visible. When you are satisfied with the arranged elements, you can delete the square. In this case, we made a grey background, that we delete, before saving as PDF.