Exporting Illustrator Files to PNG for DTF Printing

Adobe Illustrator is a powerhouse for creating vector graphics, but when it comes to printing those awesome designs, you often need them in a raster format like PNG. Whether you’re creating artwork for t-shirts, stickers, or promotional materials, exporting your Illustrator files correctly is crucial for achieving high-quality results.

Why we don’t accept Vector files? Vector files are great for screen printing or large format printing while keeping the graphics in high quality. We have found out that when using vector files for DTF Printing, colors come out dull and not as accurate as .png files. Because of the color profiling in Illustrator, colors will change tint while printed. PNG files will provide the most accurate output

Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure your PNGs are print-ready:

1. Prepare Your Artwork

• Color Mode: Ensure your document is in CMYK for printing.
• Resolution: While vector graphics are resolution-independent, setting your document raster effects to 300 ppi (pixels per inch) is a good practice for print.
• Trim: Use the Artboard tool to define the area you want to export. This ensures you don’t have any unwanted blank space around your design.

2. Exporting Your File

• File > Export > Export As: This opens the export dialog box.
• Choose PNG (png): Select PNG as your file format.
• Set the Export Options:
  • Resolution: Choose “High (300 ppi)” for best print quality.
  • Anti-aliasing: Use “Art Optimized” for smooth edges.
  • Background: Choose “Transparent”, all graphics need to be on a transparent background.
• Export: Click “Export” to save your PNG file.

3. Advanced Options

• Slices: If you need to export specific sections of your artwork, you can use the Slice tool to divide it into separate PNG files.
• Asset Export: For exporting multiple assets at once, the Asset Export panel is a handy tool.

Tips for Print-Ready PNGs

• When you have exported your file as .png try to open it in Photoshop to make sure your .png file saved correctly with all requirements.

Why This Matters for Ton Atelier Customers

At Ton Atelier, we strive to provide the highest quality custom heat transfers. By following these steps to export your Illustrator files as print-ready PNGs, you’ll ensure your designs look their best when transformed onto apparel or other products.

Need Help?

If you have any questions or need assistance with file preparation, our team is always here to help! Contact us, and we’ll be happy to guide you through the process.

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