OneKlik DTF
How to Prepare DTF Prints
Prepare your artwork for flawless printing with tools built specifically for DTF production.
How To: Prepare DTF Prints
Preparing your artwork correctly is one of the most important steps in achieving high‑quality Direct‑to‑Film (DTF) prints. OneKlik DTF includes built‑in tools that help you optimize ink usage, improve print flexibility, and ensure vibrant results on both light and dark garments.
This guide walks through three essential preparation steps:
- Color Knockout
- Halftoning
- White Layer Preview
Color Knockout
What Is Color Knockout?
Color Knockout removes (or “knocks out”) specific colors from your design so they do not print, allowing the garment color beneath to show through.
This technique is commonly used to:
- Reduce ink usage
- Improve garment breathability and flexibility
- Prevent muddy or overly thick prints
- Create a cleaner, more integrated look
How to Apply Color Knockout
- Click the DTF Properties icon in the left menu.
- Check the Color Knockout option.
- Click the Select Color square.
- Choose the color you want to remove using:
- The color slider
- A Hex code
- The eyedropper tool to sample directly from your design
- Adjust the Tolerance slider:
- Increase tolerance to remove more shades of the selected color
- Decrease tolerance to be more precise
Best Practices for Color Knockout
- Use knockout when the garment color should visibly replace part of the design.
- Preview the result with a Background Color that matches your intended shirt color.
- Avoid knocking out colors critical to readability or branding.
Halftoning
What Is Halftoning?
Halftoning uses patterns of dots or lines to simulate lighter tones, gradients, or shading instead of solid ink coverage.
In DTF printing, halftoning:
- Reduces ink buildup
- Improves flexibility and comfort
- Creates smoother fades and gradients
- Enhances detailed and photographic designs
How to Apply Halftoning
- Click the DTF Properties icon in the left menu.
- Enable Halftone.
- Select the color you want to halftone (usually a lighter or secondary color).
- Choose a Pattern Type:
- Halftone Dots
- Halftone Lines
- Perlin Noise
- Simplex Noise
- Choose a Pattern Size:
- Select one of the presets, or
- Use the slider for custom sizing
- Adjust additional controls:
- Tolerance – how much of the color is affected
- Softness – smoothness of the transition
- Angle – orientation of the pattern
Best Practices for Halftoning
- Halftone lighter colors, gradients, or shading—not bold primary colors.
- Keep important edges or text solid for sharp detail.
- Use halftoning to improve garment feel without losing visual quality.
White Layer Preview
Why the White Layer Matters
In DTF printing, a white ink base is printed beneath colors—especially important on dark garments. The white layer ensures color vibrancy and opacity.
Previewing the white layer helps you:
- Confirm proper white coverage
- Avoid stiff prints caused by excess white ink
- Prevent dull colors caused by insufficient white
- Catch unwanted white edges before printing
How to Preview the White Layer
- Click the DTF Properties icon in the left menu.
- Check Preview White Layer.
The preview displays:
- White areas → where white ink will print
- Black areas → where no white ink will be applied and garment color shows through
Colored ink will print on top of the white areas during production.
Best Practices for White Layer Setup
- Ensure all colored elements that need vibrancy are backed by white.
- Avoid unnecessary white coverage to maintain flexibility.
- Use the preview before exporting to catch edge or opacity issues.