Photoshop Wizardry for DTG Printing: Making Your Tees Pop and Not Flop

Start with High Resolution

1. Create a New Document: Open Photoshop and create a new document. Set your resolution to at least 300 dpi and choose your canvas size based on the intended print size. This high resolution is crucial for maintaining the detail and quality of your artwork, especially for photographic elements.

2. Choose RGB Colour Mode: Since DTG printers can print more vibrant using RGB colour, start your project in RGB mode to ensure colour accuracy. Go to File > New, and under Colour Mode, select RGB Colour.
   

Design with Transparency in Mind

1. Utilize Layers: Keep different elements of your design on separate layers. This non-destructive approach allows for easy adjustments and edits. For transparency, ensure the background layer is disabled or deleted, allowing the fabric colour to show through in those areas.

2. Perfect Your Design: Utilize Photoshop’s vast array of tools to create your artwork. For photographic elements, use high-quality images to prevent pixelation or blurriness. The Pen Tool, Brush Tool, and Eraser Tool are great for refining edges and adding intricate details.
   

Saving Your Design as a PNG

1. Save Your File Correctly: Once your design is complete and you're satisfied with the transparency, it’s time to save it as a PNG. Go to File > Export > Export As..., then select PNG from the format options. Make sure to check the Transparency box to preserve transparent areas.

2. Inspect and Adjust: Before finalising, zoom in and inspect your design for any stray pixels, unwanted artefacts, or rough edges. Use the Eraser Tool or Layer Masks for clean-up to ensure a crisp, clean print.
   

Final Steps Before Printing

1. Test on a Mock-Up: Photoshop offers the ability to apply your design to a mock-up of your garment. This step is crucial for visualising the final product. Adjust the scale, rotation, and positioning of your design as necessary to best fit the garment's dimensions.
   

Adobe Photoshop is an excellent tool for preparing artwork for DTG printing, offering creatives the ability to produce detailed, vibrant designs. By following these steps, you ensure your artwork is optimised for printing, maintaining the quality and integrity of your design from screen to fabric. Remember, the beauty of DTG printing lies in its ability to capture the nuances of your artwork, making preparation key to achieving stunning results.