Dye Sublimation Printing Tips

Picture
• File dimensions – set up the file at full size of the output. Include ½” outside trim marks for areas that bleed. 

• Fabric Shrinkage - if transferring dye sublimation ink onto fabric, be sure to take any shrinkage into consideration in your size specifications.

• ICC Profile - Use an ICC profile appropriate to your dye sublimation print environment. 

• Document color mode – If you are using RIP software, use the RGB color mode for your graphics files. Let the RIP convert from RGB to CMYK.

• Graphics – vector graphics are preferred.

• Non-vector images, such as photographs:
  • Must be at least 150 dpi at final print size. Never use low resolution images; resizing a low resolution image to a larger size will decrease its quality.
  • Check resolution of your file by viewing the graphic at full size (zoom to 100%) on your computer screen. If the image looks unfocused, posterized or pixilated, the resolution is too low.
  • May require the use of a special ICC output profile with severe limits on black substitution for gray.
  • Should be converted to RGB.
• Layers – do not flatten your file. Keeping layers intact allows the RIP to use all the information in the file while printing.

• Fonts – it may be preferable to convert all fonts to outlines

Additional Dye Sublimation and Graphics Tips

Adobe
CIE