NestSheet to MainTOP

Prepare a DTF TIFF for MainTOP.

Use the Production DTF preset to export the sheet as a mirrored 300 dpi TIFF with CMYK and one W1 white channel. Check the actual file in your MainTOP queue before releasing the run.

Start your first sheet See the export specification

Current NestSheet specifications and vendor workflow references, checked on ; RIP claims carry vendor sources below.

NestSheet export window with the Production DTF preset: TIFF, CMYK, W1 with 2 px choke, five channels, 300 dpi, mirrored — the file specification this MainTop guide works from
Production DTF preset — TIFF · CMYK + W1 · 300 dpi · mirrored.

The RIP

What MainTOP is — and what it wants.

The current NestSheet production profile targets MainTOP. Treat the export and the receiving queue as two steps: NestSheet writes the sheet and its white separation; the operator opens the file in MainTOP and confirms the queue’s interpretation before printing.

Keep a small reference job with asymmetric artwork, a solid colour area, white artwork, a transparent hole and fine detail. Record the final dimensions and selected choke, then use the same queue to review the TIFF and its white coverage. This gives repeat jobs a clear starting point.

How-to

From PNG artwork to the MainTOP queue.

Use these checks on the actual production file.

  1. Set the artwork sizes and copies

    Upload transparent PNG files. Check the intended physical size, effective resolution and copy count for each design. Keep the approved artwork and quantities beside the job so the packed sheet can be reconciled before export.

  2. Pack the usable film width

    Choose the roll width and adjust gap and margin for printing, handling and cutting. Auto-nest arranges the batch; Manual lets you place pieces by hand. Review rotated designs and every outer edge at the selected sheet size.

  3. Choose the white choke

    Set 0, 1 or 2 px for the whole sheet. Use the canvas views to inspect artwork and white coverage. The White only view shows coverage before export choke; judge the final inset and fine details from the exported W1 separation.

    NestSheet sheet in the Art + White view, the colour artwork over its white underbase, with White 2 px choke in the top bar
    Art + White: the artwork over its white underbase; the sheet’s choke, 2 px, sits in the top bar.

  4. Export the production TIFF

    Open Export and review the Production DTF preset: TIFF, CMYK + W1, five channels, 300 dpi and mirrored. Check the displayed choke and choose a useful filename. Download the ready file and keep it with the job record.

  5. Check the file in MainTOP

    Open the TIFF in the receiving queue. Confirm physical dimensions, orientation, colour and W1 mapping. Inspect white artwork, transparent holes and fine lines. Approve a small print for a new setup, then record the queue and material settings used.

The preset

What the Production DTF preset writes.

Current export-dialog specification, checked 2 October 2026.

Current file specification and receiving-workflow checks
Field Value or check
Preset Production DTF preset
Format TIFF
Colour CMYK
White separation one channel named W1
Total channels 5: C, M, Y, K, W1
Transfer mirrored
Resolution 300 dpi
Choke 0 / 1 / 2 px; default 2 px
Choke scope whole sheet
Ready-file download 72 hours by default; check displayed expiry

Failure modes

Inspect the symptom before changing the job.

Check the source artwork, sheet and receiving queue in that order.

White edge appears too wide

SymptomA pale outline follows the colour edge in the sample.

PreventionInspect the PNG alpha and W1 geometry, then check colour-to-white registration. Compare choke settings with the same print size and queue. Record the setting that passes the actual sample.

Small text needs review

SymptomFine strokes or isolated dots look different in the printed result.

PreventionInspect the exported W1 at final size. The production generator rescues qualifying thin details; use a test containing your actual small lettering and dots to approve their coverage.

Sheet size changes in the queue

SymptomMainTOP reports dimensions that differ from the sheet record.

PreventionCompare the exported physical dimensions with the receiving queue’s scaling and media setup. Use a known-size reference and confirm the intended orientation before releasing the batch.

A repeat job needs its original file

SymptomThe operator needs the same production TIFF for another run.

PreventionSign in to the account that created the export and check Recent exports. Download while the shown expiry is current and store the file locally with the approved artwork and queue record.

FAQ

The questions operators actually search.

What file does NestSheet export for MainTOP?
NestSheet’s Production DTF preset exports a mirrored 300 dpi TIFF with CMYK colour and one white channel named W1. The export dialog shows five total channels and the selected sheet-wide choke. Open the downloaded file in the MainTOP queue and confirm its dimensions, orientation and white mapping before running a new setup.
What choke setting should I use?
The default is 2 px, with 0, 1 and 2 px available for the whole sheet. Compare those choices on a small job containing your real edges, thin lines and text at final size. Inspect the exported W1 and approve a print using the same queue and materials as the production order.
Where should I check the final white edge?
Check the final white edge in the exported W1 separation and the receiving MainTOP queue. The canvas White only view shows coverage before export choke is applied. Use the canvas for artwork inspection, then inspect the actual TIFF for final inset, thin-detail coverage, physical size and orientation before approving the production setup.

Sources

Where the RIP facts come from.

Current NestSheet specifications and vendor workflow references, checked on the date shown. What each vendor states — versions, downloads, headline features — is cited from the vendor’s own pages.

Keep going

Related on this site.

Prepare your next MainTOP sheet.

Add transparent PNGs, pack the roll, choose the choke and download the production TIFF.

Start your first sheet See pricing
  • TIFF · CMYK + W1
  • Choke 0 / 1 / 2 px
  • MainTOP production handoff