Getting your mockup to print at the exact size you expect is one of the most important steps in DTF printing. If your digital design looks perfect on screen but ends up too big or too small on your shirt, the problem usually comes down to DPI, canvas setup, and how your file was exported.
In this guide, we’ll explain how to make sure your DTF transfer size matches your mockup perfectly, without complex technical steps.
At Sumotransfers, every uploaded file is printed at the exact size you create in your design. That means your digital mockup should already match the inches you want on your final print.
Once you understand how to build your canvas, set DPI, and export properly, you’ll never get the wrong size again.
Start with the transfer size you plan to order
Before you open Photoshop or Canva, you need to decide which transfer format you’re ordering. On Sumotransfers, you can choose either:
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DTF by Size: Best for single front prints or logo placements.
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DTF Gang Sheet: For multiple designs on one sheet, such as 22x24 or 22x60 inches.
If your ordered transfer is 22 inches wide, your design canvas should also be exactly 22 inches wide. Set it to 300 DPI so that your mockup and printed output match perfectly. When you upload this file, the printer reads it at the same inch dimensions you designed.
Why 300 DPI matters?
DPI stands for dots per inch, and it determines how many pixels will print in every inch of your design. DTF requires 300 DPI for accurate scaling and sharp results.
When working at 300 DPI:
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A 3-inch wide design equals 900 pixels.
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A 7-inch design equals 2100 pixels.
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A 10-inch design equals 3000 pixels.
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A 12-inch design equals 3600 pixels.
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A 22-inch wide gang sheet equals 6600 pixels across.
If you design at 72 DPI or 150 DPI, your print will not scale properly. The size you see on your screen will not match the actual physical print, leading to distortions or blurriness. Always design at 300 DPI to ensure that your print matches your mockup exactly.
Setting up your design canvas
In Photoshop, follow these steps to make sure your canvas is accurate:
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Create a new document and select inches as your unit of measurement.
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Set width and height to your desired print dimensions. For example, 10x12 inches for an adult front print, or 22x24 inches for a gang sheet.
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Set resolution to 300 pixels per inch (PPI).
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Choose transparent background.
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Use RGB or sRGB color mode for DTF printing.
Now, when you place your artwork, the rulers on your screen represent real-world inches. A 10-inch object in your file will print as a 10-inch design on your garment.
Transparent PNGs for clean prints
Once your artwork is finalized, export it as a transparent PNG. This format ensures the edges of your design stay sharp and the background remains fully transparent. A transparent PNG is the universal standard for DTF transfers because it eliminates white boxes, unwanted layers, or background residue.
Tips for exporting correctly:
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Do not flatten your image onto a background color.
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Avoid using shadows or half-transparent edges unless they are part of your design.
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Keep your background layer completely transparent before export.
When your file is saved this way, what you see on your screen is exactly what will be printed onto the film.
Do not mirror your design
Unlike sublimation or older heat-transfer vinyl methods, DTF printing automatically mirrors your design before printing. You should upload your artwork exactly as you want it to appear on your final product.
If you flip or mirror your file manually, it will print backward. Always keep your file in its correct orientation when exporting and uploading.
Customizing Directly on Sumotransfers: Real-Size Mockup Preview Before You Order
Matching your mockup to the transfer size doesn’t have to be guesswork — especially when you can preview everything in real time. On the Sumotransfers Custom Product Builder, (click here) you can upload your artwork directly onto the product you plan to press, such as a Comfort Colors heavyweight t-shirt, hoodie, or sweatshirt. The tool instantly displays your design at true scale, showing how it will appear on the actual garment before you order.
When you upload your file, the builder maintains your original artwork’s proportions and resolution, ensuring the size you see on screen reflects the real print area in inches. You can drag, resize, and align your design freely, testing different placements like front chest, pocket, or back prints. Each adjustment updates the visual preview, helping you confirm that your mockup perfectly matches your intended transfer size.
The system also checks for transparent backgrounds and 300-DPI resolution, keeping your file print-ready from the moment you upload it. Once you’re satisfied with the layout, you can approve it directly within the builder — no external software, scaling, or reformatting required. The approved design is sent straight to production, ensuring what you created online is exactly what arrives ready to press.
This live customization process saves time and guarantees professional accuracy for every order. Whether you’re creating one piece or planning a full batch, it eliminates size uncertainty and ensures your transfer fits the product just the way you intended.
By using the Sumotransfers Custom DTF Builder, you can move confidently from concept to final print — previewing, adjusting, and approving everything in a single, easy-to-use workspace.
Choosing between DTF by Size and DTF Gang Sheet
If you’re unsure which ordering format fits your needs, here’s a quick breakdown:
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Choose DTF by Size if you only need one print, like a 10-inch logo for an adult shirt or a 7-inch youth front print.
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Choose a DTF Gang Sheet Online Builder if you have several designs or want to combine multiple prints on a single sheet. Gang sheets are available in standard sizes such as 22x24 or 22x60 inches.
When creating a gang sheet:
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Set your canvas to the exact dimensions of your sheet (for example, 22 inches wide by 60 inches tall).
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Arrange your designs with at least 0.25 inches of space between them.
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Use guides to align multiple designs and prevent trimming issues.
This approach minimizes waste and ensures every print fits correctly.
How to match your mockup to your print
Once your design is ready, you can easily verify that it matches your intended print size.
Follow these quick steps:
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Zoom to 100% view in your design program.
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Compare your mockup dimensions (for example, 10x12 inches) to your transfer order.
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If possible, print your design on standard paper at full scale and hold it over your shirt.
These checks ensure that what you upload will match what you receive—without any resizing or scaling surprises.
Common mistakes to avoid
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Working at 72 DPI or 150 DPI instead of 300 DPI.
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Designing in pixels instead of inches.
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Forgetting to use transparent backgrounds.
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Overcrowding gang sheets without leaving trimming space.
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Mirroring the image before upload.
Each of these mistakes leads to scale or clarity issues, but they’re easy to avoid by sticking to proper file setup.
Quick reference for sizing
Here’s a simple guide to help you estimate design sizes when planning your mockup:
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Left-chest logos: around 3 to 4 inches wide.
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Youth front prints: around 7 to 9 inches wide.
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Adult front prints: around 10 to 12 inches wide.
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Gang sheet layouts: 22 inches wide and up to 60 inches long.
These measurements are standard across the DTF industry and match the transfer size options available on Sumotransfers.
How to match your mockup size to your DTF transfer order?
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Design at 300 DPI.
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Set your canvas in inches, not pixels.
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Export as a transparent PNG with no background.
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Do not mirror your file.
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Choose DTF by Size for single prints or a 22x60 gang sheet for multiple designs.
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Double-check scale by printing or previewing at 100% zoom.
Following these steps guarantees that your mockup and transfer align perfectly when printed. The size you see is the size you’ll press.Accuracy starts with preparation. Build your mockup at full size, export as a transparent PNG, and order with confidence—your transfer will match your design exactly with Sumotransfers.
