How to Use PNG Files for Sublimation, DTF, UVDTF & Decal Printing

McKnight Designs & Co | Digital Art for Crafters & Designers

If you’ve ever downloaded a cute PNG design and thought, “Okay… now what?” — you’re not alone. With all the acronyms and print types floating around—UVDTF, DTF, sublimation, printable vinyl—it can get confusing fast.

This guide walks you through how to use PNG files for all the major methods, what they’re best for, which printers to use, and the must-know prep steps. Whether you're crafting for fun or printing for your shop, this post breaks it all down in simple, clear terms.

Quick Lingo/Acronym Guide

Licensing & Vendor Printing Policy

All PNG designs from McKnight Designs & Co come with a standard license for:

• Personal use

• Small business use (up to 250 physical items per design)

Third-party printer involved? If you're sending a design to a UVDTF, DTF, or gang sheet vendor, the printer must either:

• Purchase their own license

• OR sign our Vendor Waiver Agreement stating they’ll only use the file for your order and will not retain it

• Read Licensing Info

• Download Vendor Waiver

• Buy Commercial License for Bulk Use

• See Recommended Vendors & Supplies

What Is a PNG File?

A PNG is a high-resolution image file with a transparent background—ideal for printing on glass, cups, t-shirts, keychains, and more.

Our PNGs are:

• 300+ DPI

• Created on 12" x 12" canvases (or sized for wraps, decals, or keychains)

• Designed in RGB color profile for best compatibility with modern printers

Resizing Tip: You can scale PNGs down for smaller items, but avoid making them larger than the original size to maintain quality.

1. Sublimation Printing with PNG Files

What Is Sublimation?

Sublimation uses heat and pressure to permanently bond dye-based ink into the surface of sublimation-ready blanks (usually polyester-coated or polymer-treated). It’s seamless, vibrant, and long-lasting.

Best For:

• 16 oz glass cans

• Shirts (65%+ polyester)

• Mugs, puzzles, coasters, blankets, mousepads

Popular Printer Brands & Vendors:

• Printers: Sawgrass SG500/SG1000, Epson EcoTank (converted)

• Inks/Papers: Hiipoo Ink, Cosmos Ink, A-Sub Paper

• Pre-printed Transfer Vendors: Etsy, small batch sublimation vendors

Recommended Software & Tools:

• Canva

• Cricut Design Space

• Silhouette Studio

• Photoshop

• Affinity Designer

• Illustrator

Steps: How to Use PNGs for Sublimation

These are general steps. Always follow the exact instructions for your printer, blanks, and heat press.

1. Open & Resize PNG

   • Size to fit your blank in any design program

   • Do not enlarge past original PNG dimensions

2. Mirror the Image

   • Sublimation must be printed mirrored to transfer correctly

3. Print the Design

   • Use sublimation ink + sublimation paper

   • RGB color profile for vibrant results

   • Print mirrored

4. Prep Your Blank

   • Use only sublimation-ready blanks (poly-coated or 65%+ poly fabric)

   • Wipe hard surfaces with alcohol

   • Lint roll fabrics thoroughly

   • Handle with clean, dry hands—natural skin oils can cause adhesion issues

5. Secure the Transfer

   • Use heat-safe tape to hold design in place

   • This helps avoid ghosting

6. Heat Press Settings

   • Temp: 385–400°F

   • Time: 30–60 seconds

   • Pressure: Firm and even

7. Cool & Peel

   • Let cool briefly

   • Peel to reveal your permanent, vibrant design

Shop Sublimation-Ready PNGs | Recommended Supplies

2. DTF Printing with PNG Files

What Is DTF?

Direct-to-Film (DTF) creates full-color heat transfers by printing onto film, applying adhesive powder, and then heat pressing the design onto fabric or hard surfaces. It works on dark and light items—including cotton.

Best For:

• Cotton or dark-colored shirts

• Totes, hoodies, hats

• Hard surfaces with treated coatings

Popular Printer Brands & Vendors:

• Printers: Procolored, Uninet iColor, STS Mutoh, Prestige A3+

• Powders & Films: DTF Station, All American Print Supply, Procolored

• Vendors: DTF Gang Sheet shops, small print providers

Recommended Software & Tools:

• RIP Software (AcroRIP, FlexiPrint, etc.)

• Canva (for layout)

• Silhouette Studio

• Photoshop

• Cricut Design Space (for Print & Cut)

Steps: How to Use PNGs for DTF

Always check film and ink brand recommendations. These are general guidelines.

1. Open & Resize PNG

   • Use RIP or layout software to size as needed

   • Arrange gang sheets if printing in bulk

2. Do NOT Mirror

   • DTF prints right-reading

3. Print & Apply Adhesive Powder

   • Print with a white underbase

   • Apply powder while ink is wet

   • Shake off excess

   • Cure with hover press or DTF curing oven

4. Prep Your Blank

   • Lint roll fabric items

   • Wipe hard goods if applicable

   • Always handle blanks with clean, dry hands to avoid film adhesion issues

5. Heat Press the Transfer

   • Temp: 300–320°F

   • Time: 15–20 seconds

   • Pressure: Medium

6. Cold Peel & Optional Repress

   • Wait until the transfer is fully cooled

   • Peel carrier film

   • Repress with parchment paper for smoother feel (optional)

Shop DTF-Friendly PNGs | Recommended Print Vendors

3. UVDTF Printing with PNG Files

What Is UVDTF?

UV Direct-to-Film (UVDTF) is a peel-and-stick, no-heat transfer method where UV ink is cured onto film and backed with adhesive. It works on smooth, hard surfaces like glass cans, tumblers, and acrylic blanks.

Best For:

• Glass cans & tumblers

• Acrylic keychains, signs

• Phone grips, pens, jars

Popular Printer Brands & Vendors:

• UVDTF Printers: Procolored UV DTF Printer, Mimaki UV

• Shops/Vendors: ZippyDtf, CustomUVTransfers, Vinylandmore, Amazon sellers

Recommended Software & Tools:

• Illustrator

• Photoshop

• Canva

• Silhouette Studio

• Vendor-supplied UVDTF templates or sizing guides

Steps: How to Use PNGs for UVDTF

Every vendor is different—follow their template or sizing notes if required.

1. Send or Upload PNG File

   • Transparent background, 300+ DPI

   • Most vendors will format and prep the sheet

2. Clean the Surface

   • Use alcohol on hard surfaces only

   • Let dry fully

   • Handle with clean, dry hands—skin oils may prevent full adhesion

3. Apply the Transfer

   • Peel the white backing

   • Align carefully on the blank

   • Rub firmly with a squeegee or firm edge

   • Slowly peel the top carrier film

Shop UVDTF-Friendly PNGs | Recommended Print Vendors

BONUS: Printable Vinyl, White Toner & Waterslide Decals

You can also use our PNGs for custom decal methods like:

1. Printable Vinyl (Inkjet or Eco-Solvent)

• Print onto clear or white vinyl

• Seal (inkjet) or laminate for durability

• Cut with Cricut/Silhouette

• Use transfer tape for application

• Best for: Cups, notebooks, planners, smooth surfaces

2. White Toner Transfers

• Use printers like Uninet, Ghost, or OKI

• Apply using a no-cut transfer system

• Often used on mugs, tumblers, and acrylics

• Bright, professional, and vibrant

3. Waterslide Decals

• Print on waterslide paper (clear or white)

• Seal with 2–3 coats if inkjet

• Soak, slide onto item, and smooth

• Use on: Tumblers (under epoxy), glassware, ornaments

Shop PNGs for Decals & Epoxy Tumblers

Compare Print Methods

Looking for Print-Ready PNGs?

Everything in our shop is designed with printing in mind:

• Shop 16 oz Glass Can Wraps

• Browse Keychain PNG Sets

• SVG + PNG Bundles

• Element Sheets for Decals

• View License Info + Vendor Waiver

  • Download our Vendor Waiver

Coming Soon to the Blog:

• Beginner’s Guide to Sublimation with Glass Cans

• How to Send Files for UVDTF Printing

• DTF vs Sublimation: Pros, Cons & Use Cases

• White Toner Printing vs Printable Vinyl

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Written by Natasha – McKnight Designs & Co
Digital Designs. Clean Files. Endless Creativity.
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