Glossary → PNG
PNG.
Portable Network Graphics, the lossless raster format that can carry transparency
A lossless raster format whose value in print-on-demand is the alpha channel: it can store a transparent background, which on DTG and DTF is the instruction for where no ink and no white go. Printful calls PNG usually the best option for DTG, and Printify's DTF checklist asks for PNG-24 with a 100% transparent background. The format allows transparency without guaranteeing it. A PNG exported on a white canvas is as solid as a JPEG, and soft edge pixels survive the export untouched, so the file has to be checked, not just named. Platforms cap the size, at 200 MB and 20,000 × 20,000 px at Printful and 100 MB at Printify, which a 300 DPI all-over panel can reach before it runs short of pixels.
Where this matters: DTG printing › File format · DTF › File format · Sublimation › File format · Wall decor › File format and size limits · Screen printing › File format · Embroidery › File format and digitising · UV printing › File format · HTV and vinyl › File format · Stickers › File format · Mug and tumbler template sizes, DPI and seam › File format · All-over print › File format and size
Related terms: Alpha channel