Are you exploring modern textile printing methods? Direct-to-Film (DTF) might be your answer. Discover why DTF is gaining traction and how it compares to other popular printing techniques.
What is Direct-to-Film (DTF) Printing?
Benefits of DTF Printing:
DTF vs. Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printing:
DTF vs. Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV):
DTF vs. Sublimation Transfers:
Final Thoughts: While DTF is still budding, its unique benefits make it a favorite for many textile printers. Stay updated with the evolving printing technology, and consider DTF for your next project.
Choosing the Right Image Format for Your Prints
When it comes to preparing a file for printing, it is important to use the correct image format. Whether you are creating a brochure, business card, poster or any other printed material, using the wrong format can lead to blurry images and pixelated prints. So how do you decide which format to use? Enter raster and vector images.
Understanding Raster Images
A raster image is made up of thousands of tiny pixels arranged in a grid pattern. This type of image is best used for photographs, complex graphics or artwork that contains gradients, textures and shading. The most common raster formats are JPG (short for Joint Photographic Experts Group) and PNG (Portable Network Graphics). Raster images have a fixed resolution—meaning they cannot be enlarged without losing quality—so it’s important to make sure your image is large enough to begin with. Otherwise, when you try to enlarge it later on, your image will become blurry or pixelated.
Understanding Vector Images
A vector image is composed of shapes and paths that are created using mathematical equations instead of pixels. This allows them to be scaled up infinitely without losing any resolution or quality. Vector images commonly use EPS (Encapsulated PostScript) and SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) formats which work well with logos or illustrations made up of lines and shapes. Unlike raster images, vector images often require specialized software such as Adobe Illustrator in order for them to be edited correctly.
Conclusion:
Using the right type of image format can help ensure that your prints look great every time. Whether you choose a raster or vector image depends on what type of content you’re printing out; if it’s something like a photograph or complex graphic then go with a raster format but if it’s something simple like a logo then opt for the vector format instead. No matter what you choose though, always make sure that your source file is saved at an appropriate size so that your prints don’t come out fuzzy or pixelated! With this knowledge under your belt there should be no stopping you from creating great looking prints anytime!
Key Component in a Desktop Publishing Workflow
Free software such as below.
You can print full color on the front or on both sides of your flat piece. For folded products you can print full color on the outside or the outside and inside of your piece.
You can select one of several premium paper types for your piece.
100 lb. Gloss Text
Our 100 lb. gloss text is a thicker paper weight stock with a glossy sheen on both sides. This paper is an ideal choice for a more durable, heavier piece than other text weight stocks and provides a gloss finish to make colors more vibrant.
70 lb. Matte Recycled Text
Our 70 lb. recycled matte text stock is an eco-friendly, lightweight matte text stock that contains post-consumer material. This thinner text stock will give your piece a crisp, clean matte look.
100 lb. Gloss Cover
Our 100 lb. gloss cover stock is a thick, premium cover stock with a glossy sheen on both sides. This is thicker and heavier than a text weight stock and has a gloss finish to make colors more vibrant.
80 lb. Matte Recycled Cover
Our 80 lb. recycled matte cover stock is an eco-friendly, thicker matte stock that contains post-consumer material. This cover stock will give your piece a crisp, clean matte look.
13 pt. Matte Cover
Our 13 pt. matte cover stock is an ideal choice for products where a matte finish is desired. It presents a more subtle, sophisticated look.
13 pt. 100% Recycled Matte Cover
Our 13 pt. recycled matte cover stock is the ultimate eco-friendly choice. This paper is made from 100% post-consumer waste and has excellent printing characteristics combined with a sophisticated matte finish.
80 lb. 100% Recycled Uncoated Text
Our 80 lb. recycled uncoated text stock is the ultimate eco-friendly page choice. Made from 100% post-consumer waste it has excellent printing characteristics combined with a writeable, uncoated finish.
Brilliant White 80 lb. Linen Text
A bright white linen textured paper stock. Comprised of 30% post-consumer waste, it’s also an eco-friendly option — perfect for any full-color application and a clean, crisp and classic look.
Natural White 80 lb. Linen Text
A classic, elegant creamy white linen paper stock that is smooth to the touch. Comprised of 30% post-consumer waste, it’s an eco-friendly option — ideal for sophisticated, high-end applications. Due to the base color of this paper we recommend solid colors or black-only printing in your design.
You can print full color on the front or on both sides of your flat piece. For folded products you can print full color on the outside or the outside and inside of your piece.
Add an optional perforation to your piece. You will need to work with customer service on file setup for this selection.
Your order will be scored and/or folded per your selection.
Flat (No Folding)
No folding or scoring will be applied to your piece.
Tri-Fold / Letter-Fold
A tri-fold, also known as a letter-fold, is constructed by folding a sheet twice like a mailed letter.
Half-Fold
A half-fold, also known as a book fold, is constructed by folding a sheet once, creating two equal halves.
Z-Fold
A z-fold, also known as a fan fold or zig-zag fold, is constructed by folding a sheet twice in the shape of the letter “Z”.
Double Parallel Fold
A double-parallel fold, also known as a parallel center, is constructed by folding a sheet in half, and then in half once again.
Right-Angle Half Fold
A right-angle half-fold, also known as a French fold, is constructed by folding a sheet in half horizontally, and then in half once again vertically.
Accordion Fold
An accordion-fold is constructed by folding a sheet three times in a zig-zag pattern, creating a piece that expands like an accordion.
Gate Fold
A gate-fold is constructed by folding a sheet inwards on each side, creating two side panels that open like doors or gates.
Double Gate Fold
A double-gate fold is constructed by folding a sheet inwards on each side, creating two side panels that open like doors, and then folding the sheet in half.
For an additional fee, you can order a printed proof that entitles you to receive up to three hardcopy proof revisions. A hardcopy proof offers a color accuracy guarantee for the final proof that is approved by you.
Choosing the right weight for your project can impact its durability, convey quality, and influence the first impression your intended audience has of your project.
Here are some of the most common card stock weights and their typical uses:
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