Impressions - April 2016 - 59

CorelDRAW. Vectors are created using mathematic
equations within points, lines and shapes to
create images that maintain clarity when scaled
up or down without any loss of quality.
Vector art is extremely common and many designers
prefer using vector programs. But most DTG software
will not read vector art files. Therefore, you
must export your vector art to a raster format.

A DTG ART PREP RECAP
*

Look for and design high-resolution art. Remember that 300 dpi
is best, but you also can work with 72 dpi art that has extremely
large image dimensions.

*

File Formats

Save art from Adobe Photoshop or export from Illustrator to
ensure a transparent background, preferably in PNG format.

When saving art for DTG printing, always assume
the image will need a transparent background.
This is especially the case if you plan to print
on dark garments with white ink.
Most DTG software will accept JPG, PNG, TIFF
and other formats. JPG is only good on light
garments that do not use white ink; otherwise,
on a dark garment, the image's background will
be printed in white ink.
You must save or export your files as PNG or
TIFF to preserve transparency. I recommend saving
your print files as PNG, as it is a universal
format that allows you to preserve transparency
and maintain resolution.
To save your print-ready images in Photoshop or
Paint, go to File>Save As>png. In Illustrator or
CorelDRAW, you must export your image by going
to File>Export>png.
If you are creating your own artwork in a raster
program, always ensure you have a transparent
background layer. This looks like a white and gray
grid. If you see a white or colored background
instead of the transparency grid, your printer
will print the solid background on dark garments.
When exporting from a vector program, adjust
the art size to the approximate print dimensions
and export as a PNG file at 300 dpi.

JPG files are
only good on light
garments that do
not use white ink;
otherwise, the
background of the
image will print
white ink.

*

Design or convert art to RGB.

*

Remember to optimize your article before printing.

A 300 dpi image
at 10" x 8" is
sufficient and
also allows you
to increase its
dimensions while
still maintaining
decent quality.

Color and File Optimization
RGB is an additive color model in which red, green
and blue hues are combined to form a color gamut.
RGB input typically is used on electronic devices,
TVs, computer screens, etc. RGB offers a larger
color gamut than CMYK.
CMYK is a subtractive process requiring a white
background using four colors; cyan, magenta, yellow,
and black ink. It is the standard process for most
common digital printing processes, and nearly all
DTG printers use CMYK and white ink.
Even though this is the case, it's a best practice
to design art in RGB mode for all print applications
for the following reasons:
1. CMYK file sizes are about 25% larger than those
of RGB files.
2. Most filters and image enhancements are only
available in RGB color mode.
3. Web art and most printers require RGB color
mode so there is no need for conversion
from CMYK.
Because you're working in a vibrant spectrum
like RGB, you'll need to consider some functions
you can use to optimize your artwork for maximum
quality. The following list, courtesy of Great Dane
Graphics, is useful for those who work in Photoshop;
however, all of the functions also should available
in Corel Paint.

APRIL 2016

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Impressions - April 2016

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