RIP-ready export
Export your DTF sheet as a TIFF or a PNG.
The Production DTF preset keeps the MainTOP handoff consistent: TIFF, CMYK plus one W1 white channel, 300 dpi and mirrored for transfer. For a RIP that builds white itself, export a transparent PNG. Set the filename, review the sheet’s choke and export.
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Production DTF preset
One clear print-file specification.
The export dialog shows the format, colour, white channel, channel count, resolution and transfer orientation together.
- TIFF is the production export format for MainTOP; a PNG with transparency is the second format, for RIPs that build white.
- CMYK carries the colour artwork; W1 carries the white underbase.
- The preset writes five channels at 300 dpi.
- The TIFF is mirrored for transfer by default; the mirror switch in the export window sets it for either format. Confirm orientation in the RIP with asymmetric artwork or text.
PNG export
A transparent PNG for RIPs that build white.
Choose PNG when your RIP makes the white underbase from transparency.
- 8-bit RGB with transparency, an embedded sRGB profile and 300 dpi.
- Alpha stays as composed and the RIP builds the white, so the sheet-wide choke applies to the TIFF.
- Positions, rotation, trims, cut marks and file names match the TIFF of the same sheet.
- The PNG starts unmirrored; switch mirroring on if your RIP expects a mirrored file.
Spot channels
Give W1 a clear role in the queue.
W1 is the white separation in the Production DTF TIFF. Inspect its mapping and coverage in the MainTOP queue you will use.
- The production preset uses the white-channel name W1.
- The export dialog shows the chosen 0, 1 or 2 px choke beside W1.
- The chosen choke applies to the entire sheet and is stored with the export job.
- NestSheet prepares the file; MainTOP handles the receiving print queue and printer setup.
Colour
Keep the colour handoff consistent.
- The production preset uses its fixed CMYK output profile.
- Upload transparent PNG artwork and check its size and appearance before nesting.
- Use a known colour sample when approving the receiving queue, film and garment combination.
After the render
Collect the result from your account.
- Ready files are available through the export result and Recent exports. The default download window is 72 hours; check the displayed expiry.
- Set a descriptive filename so the operator can match the downloaded file to the job record.
- Sign in to the account that created the export. Save a local production copy while its download is available.
Spec sheet
The production export specification.
Every value below is read from the current product; the sources are noted in this page’s code.
| Parameter | As shipped |
|---|---|
| Format | TIFF |
| Colour | CMYK |
| White | one W1 white channel |
| Total channels | 5: C, M, Y, K, W1 |
| Resolution | 300 dpi |
| Transfer orientation | mirrored by default; a switch in the export window |
| Target workflow | MainTOP |
| Choke | 0 / 1 / 2 px for the whole sheet; default 2 px |
| Artwork input | transparent PNG; 500 MB per-file upload ceiling |
| Retention | 72 hours by default; displayed expiry governs the download |
| Second format | PNG: 8-bit RGB + transparency, sRGB, 300 dpi; white built by the RIP |
FAQ
The questions operators actually search.
Should DTF files be RGB or CMYK?
Prepare transparent RGB PNG artwork for upload to NestSheet. The Production DTF preset then writes CMYK colour and one W1 white separation in a mirrored 300 dpi TIFF for MainTOP. Check the exported dimensions and receiving colour settings with a known sample before releasing a new artwork and material combination to production. For a RIP that builds white, NestSheet can also export the sheet as a transparent RGB PNG.
Can NestSheet export a PNG instead of a TIFF?
Yes. Choose PNG in the export window to get the whole sheet as an 8-bit RGB PNG with transparency at 300 dpi and an embedded sRGB profile, for RIPs that build the white underbase themselves. The sheet-wide choke applies to the TIFF, because the RIP makes the white from the PNG’s transparency. A switch sets mirroring for either format.
What does the Production DTF preset include?
The preset includes TIFF format, CMYK colour, one W1 white channel, 300 dpi resolution and mirrored transfer orientation. Those settings appear together in the export dialog. The operator chooses a filename and the sheet-wide choke of 0, 1 or 2 px, then downloads the completed file for the MainTOP print queue.
How do I check the exported white channel?
Open the TIFF in your MainTOP production queue and inspect W1 as the white separation. Compare solid areas, transparent holes, fine lines and small text with the approved artwork at final size. Confirm physical dimensions and orientation as well. A small print gives you a practical approval step for a new queue or material combination.
Can I download a completed export again?
Open Recent exports while signed in to the account that created the file and use its available download action. NestSheet retains ready export files for 72 hours by default and displays the expiry. Save a local copy for production records. Uploaded artwork has a separate 90-day retention period, so keep your approved originals too.
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