Print methods
How you actually produce a design (screen print, DTF transfer, UV, laser engraving) changes what the final file needs to be: its resolution, colour mode, bleed and print marks all differ. A print method captures all of that once, as a reusable profile, so you’re not re-entering output settings on every product, and so the same artwork goes out correctly whether it’s heading to a t-shirt press or an engraver. It’s also what lets you charge differently by production method. This guide covers when you need one and every setting it holds.
When you need one
If you only ever output one way, the print area’s export settings are enough. Print methods earn their keep when you:
- produce the same artwork several ways (e.g. DTF Transfer for shirts, UV Print for mugs), each needing different output;
- want consistent output settings across many products without repeating yourself; or
- charge differently per production method (a pricing rule can apply to a specific print method).
Create a print method
Open Print Methods and click + Add Print Method. The form has two tabs, Export Settings and Editor Features, and saves with Save Changes (or Discard to cancel).
Identity
- Name — a clear label, e.g. Screen Print 300 DPI.
- Technique — the production method: Offset / Screen Print, Laser Engraving, UV Print, Sticker / Vinyl, DTF Transfer, or Preview Only (for mockups that aren’t sent to production).
- Active — turn the method on or off.
Output Format
- Default Format — PNG, JPG or PDF.
- DPI — output resolution from 72 to 1200, with quick presets. 300 DPI is the usual minimum for print.
- Preview Quality — 1–100%, controls the on-screen preview (not the production file).
- Color Mode — RGB (screens, most digital print), CMYK (professional print), or Grayscale (single-colour work).
Print Marks & Dimensions
- Bleed — extra margin around the edge for trimming, in mm (0–20).
- Padding — space added inside the output, in mm (0–50).
- Crop Marks — add trim guides for the printer.
- Trim Transparent Edges — crop empty space around the artwork.
- Flatten Layers — merge everything into one layer in the output.
- Convert Text to Outlines — turn text into shapes so fonts render correctly at the printer.
- Transparent Background — keep the background see-through (PNG/PDF).
Several of these are three-state toggles: inherit (use the default), on, or off. "Inherit" lets a product fall back to its own settings unless the print method overrides them.
Editor Features
The Editor Features tab controls which editor tools are available for products using this method, so, for example, an engraving method can switch off colour options that don’t apply. Set these to match what makes sense for that production process.
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