A large DTF batch is ready for upload when each design has an approved transparent PNG, a known print size, a copy count and a clear revision. After upload, reconcile the artwork list against that record before nesting. This sequence keeps source-file problems separate from quantity and layout decisions.
NestSheet’s current input is PNG, with a 100 MB per-file upload ceiling. The Production DTF preset then prepares a mirrored 300 dpi CMYK + W1 TIFF for MainTOP. These product facts were checked on 5 October 2026.
Build a batch record before selecting files
Create a list of the artwork that belongs in the run. Use the filename and revision to identify each design, then add the intended dimensions and quantity. Keep different sizes of the same design explicit so the operator can distinguish them during placement.
| File record | What the operator needs |
|---|---|
| Source filename | A stable name that matches the approved artwork |
| Revision | The version approved for this order |
| Physical size | Intended width and height in the shop’s working unit |
| Quantity | Required copies for this production batch |
| Artwork notes | Intentional soft edges, white-only areas or orientation requirements |
| Upload status | Added successfully or a named action still to complete |
Store this record with the source files. If several customer orders share a run, retain an order reference as well. That connection becomes useful when reconciling copies and sorting the cut transfers.
Export the approved artwork as transparent PNG
Keep the editable master in the artwork editor. Export the approved design as PNG with the intended transparency, then reopen the actual exported file. Compare it with the approval before adding it to the batch.
Inspect the PNG over a dark background, a light background and a contrasting colour. Check the outer edge, holes, fine lettering, shadows and distress. A background that appears empty in the editor still needs inspection in the exported file.
Pay attention to small marks far from the main design. They may be intentional artwork or residue from an edit. Resolve that question against the approval in the source editor. A clear source boundary gives the layout and white-underbase steps a useful starting point.
The transparent-PNG guide describes alpha inspection in more detail. Its export checks apply to artwork from any editor that can deliver the required PNG.
Connect pixels to the intended print size
Record the real pixel dimensions as well as the physical dimensions requested by the order. Effective image PPI can be calculated from pixels divided by inches on each axis. Use the actual artwork dimensions when reviewing whether small text and fine edges have enough source detail for the job.
NestSheet shows effective-resolution information for placed artwork. Check that information after setting the intended size. Review the image itself alongside the readout: a source can contain soft edges or compression damage that a high metadata value leaves unchanged.
Keep the original approved source available. If the artwork needs more detail, obtain an appropriate source revision or approve a different print size through the shop’s artwork process. Then rebuild the PNG used for upload and update the batch record.
Treat the file-size ceiling as an intake limit
The upload ceiling is 100 MB per PNG. The file’s stored size and its decoded image dimensions describe different aspects of the work. A large raster can require considerable processing even when compression makes the saved PNG comparatively small.
Prepare artwork at the intended print size and retain the source master for future changes. Review the file-specific message if the uploader identifies a size or processing problem. Follow that message, then confirm the corrected PNG was added before moving on to layout.
For unusually long or large artwork, review both the source dimensions and the size required on the sheet. The large-raster guide explains the relationship between physical size, pixels and channels. Keep that check separate from how many copies the order requires.
Keep the account and sheet consistent during upload
Begin the batch in the account and sheet intended for the production work. Let the uploader report its result, then review the added artwork and any named files needing attention. Use the batch record to establish the complete set of sources before assigning the final copies.
If you change the account or start a different sheet during the task, check the resulting artwork list against the record before continuing. Treat the list actually present in the workspace as the starting point for reconciliation.
Large batches deserve a deliberate completion check. Read the messages for the entire batch, identify each file requiring action and update its status in the record. Correct and add those sources, then review the complete set again.
Reconcile each added file before nesting
For every source in the order record, confirm the matching filename and revision in the workspace. Check the intended physical dimensions and assign the required copies. Review orientation-sensitive artwork before allowing the packed layout to become the production reference.
NestSheet trims transparent borders during PNG processing. Compare the visible artwork and placed size with the approval after upload. Keep intentional shadows and soft details in the review so the final appearance remains aligned with the source decision.
Use a simple completion sequence:
- Match every source filename to the batch record.
- Confirm the approved revision.
- Set and check the physical dimensions.
- Review transparency and effective resolution.
- Set the required copies.
- Resolve the named files needing attention.
- Compare the final artwork list with the complete record.
This check prepares the batch for nesting. The order-reconciliation guide then connects the source list to the placed pieces and completed exports.
Pack the sheet and prepare its white
Choose roll width, gap and margin for the job. Auto-nest arranges rectangular artwork bounds; Manual gives the operator direct placement. Review the sheet after changing dimensions, quantities or spacing because those changes can affect its layout and used height.
Choose the sheet-wide white choke of 0, 1 or 2 px. Use the canvas views to inspect the artwork and white coverage. For final white geometry, inspect W1 in the exported Production DTF TIFF and the receiving MainTOP queue.
Keep the production export attached to the batch record. A descriptive filename lets the operator connect the TIFF to the source revisions, physical sizes and quantities that produced it.
Keep originals and the production file together
Uploaded artwork is retained for 90 days. Completed exports have a separate 72-hour default download window, shown with their expiry. Collect the ready TIFF while it is available and save it locally with the approved originals.
For a repeat order, begin from that archive and confirm the requested revision, size and copies. Use the same source-to-sheet checks when changing any of those facts. The record then remains useful across both the artwork-preparation and printing stages.
Resolve source questions before increasing the quantity
A file can be present in the artwork list while still needing an operator decision about size, transparency or revision. Review a single placed design against the order before assigning the full production quantity.
| What needs attention | Source check | Decision to record |
|---|---|---|
| Several similar filenames | Compare the artwork with the approved revision | Which PNG belongs to the order |
| Unexpected physical dimensions | Compare pixel dimensions and intended width and height | The placed print size |
| Faint pixels around the design | Inspect against contrasting backgrounds | Intentional artwork or source correction |
| An opaque rectangle behind the design | Reopen the actual exported PNG | The corrected transparent source |
| A soft small detail | Review the real pixels at final size | Better source or an approved size/detail choice |
| A named upload message | Read the message and identify the source | The corrective action and successful re-add |
After updating a source file, compare the new upload with its order row. Recheck dimensions and copies, then review the affected sheet layout. A clear revision name helps the operator distinguish the corrected artwork from an earlier source still present in the archive.
Keep source preparation separate from production-file approval. The PNG check establishes the artwork that enters the sheet; the MainTOP TIFF check establishes the file that reaches the receiving queue. Record both so a later investigation can identify where the first difference appeared.
For a batch prepared by one person and printed by another, hand over the approved source list, the completed TIFF filenames and the remaining actions. A named unresolved source is easier to manage than a vague instruction to check the batch again.
References
Current product facts checked 2 October 2026: DTF file requirements, nesting controls, Production DTF export and artwork retention.
