How to build a DTF gang sheet
- 1
Add your designs. Drop them on the page, choose files, or paste with Ctrl+V (Cmd+V on a Mac). Transparent PNGs work best.
- 2
Set the print size and copies. Type the width each design should print at (the height follows) and how many copies you need. PNGs that carry their DPI start at their real size.
- 3
Choose the sheet. Pick 22, 11 or 24 inches wide and a length, or turn on Shortest sheet that fits everything.
- 4
Check the layout. Designs are packed automatically. Drag any of them to move it, and use Auto-arrange to pack everything again.
- 5
Export the PNG. Download the full size sheet at 300 DPI and upload it to your DTF printer or print shop.
Common gang sheet sizes
Most DTF shops print on film that is 22 inches wide and sell gang sheets by length. Desktop DTF printers use narrower film, so pick 11 inches for A3 size machines. Check the maximum length your shop accepts before you order a long sheet.
| Sheet | At 300 DPI | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| 22 x 24 in | 6600 x 7200 px | A few large prints or a test run |
| 22 x 60 in | 6600 x 18000 px | A typical small batch of mixed designs |
| 22 x 120 in | 6600 x 36000 px | Larger runs with many repeats |
| 11 x 24 in | 3300 x 7200 px | Desktop A3 size DTF printers |
Spacing, margins and trimming
Leave at least a quarter inch between designs so you can cut them apart with scissors or a trimmer without clipping an edge. A quarter inch margin keeps artwork away from the edge of the film, where feeding and powder coverage are less even. If you cut with a machine or press several designs at once, a little more space makes handling easier.
The builder keeps the spacing exact when it packs. When you drag a design it snaps to the same spacing grid; hold Shift to move it freely.
Resolution: why 300 DPI matters
A DTF printer prints the file at its size and DPI. A design that is 1500 pixels wide covers 5 inches at 300 DPI, but stretched to 10 inches it drops to 150 DPI and the edges go soft.
The builder shows the effective DPI of every design at the size you set. 300 or more is ideal, 150 to 300 is usually fine for bold graphics, and under 150 is flagged because it may print blurry. To fix it, print smaller or start from a larger file. The exported sheet itself is always 300 DPI, so 22 x 60 inches comes out at 6600 x 18000 pixels.
Transparent backgrounds only
DTF prints every pixel that is not transparent, including white boxes and soft shadows. Remove backgrounds before you add designs. The halftone generator and the threshold image converter both export transparent 300 DPI PNGs with hard edges, made for DTF, and they arrive here at their real print size.
Frequently asked questions
What is a DTF gang sheet?
It is one large film with many designs printed together. You order a single sheet, cut the designs apart and press each one, which costs far less than ordering transfers one by one.
What size should my gang sheet be?
Match your printer or print shop. 22 inches wide is the most common, with lengths like 24, 36, 48, 60, 84 and 120 inches. Turn on Shortest sheet that fits everything to get the smallest standard length for your designs.
How much space should I leave between designs?
A quarter inch (0.25 in) is a good default for cutting by hand. Leave more if you cut with a machine or if your shop asks for it.
Can the builder rotate designs to save space?
Yes. Every design has a Rotate switch. When it is on, auto-arrange can turn the design 90 degrees if that fits more on the sheet. Turn it off for designs you want to keep upright.
Why is a design marked as low resolution?
It is stretched beyond its pixels at the size you set. Under 150 DPI the print can look blurry. Make it smaller on the sheet or replace it with a larger file.
Are my files uploaded anywhere?
No. The builder runs in your browser and the PNG is created on your device. Nothing is sent to a server.
What file does it export?
A transparent PNG at 300 DPI at the full sheet size, with the DPI written into the file. A 22 x 60 inch sheet is 6600 x 18000 pixels.
More free print tools
- Halftone generatorTurn photos and chrome art into print-ready dots with real LPI at your print size.
- Threshold image converterClean one color lettering, logos and stencils with no background.
- Print size calculatorFind the right width for chest, back and sleeve prints.
- Oversized tee mockup generatorSee your design on a 3D oversized t-shirt before you print.