Create A Custom Gang Sheet

Creating gang sheets is simple once you get the hang of it, but a few small mistakes can make things harder than they need to be. Here are some common issues people run into when setting up gang sheets and the best ways to fix them.

1. Planning Ahead

Challenge: Jumping into the design without a plan often leads to wasted space and extra work. You might start arranging your designs only to realize that your files are not sized correctly or that you do not have enough room on the sheet.

Solution: Before you start, take a few minutes to plan.

• Make a list of all the designs you want to print.
  
• Decide on the sizes you need for each one.
  
• Prepare your files so they are ready to upload or place on the sheet.
  
• Estimate how long your gang sheet needs to be to fit everything.
  

This helps you use space efficiently and avoid last-minute changes.

2. File Types

Challenge: Mixing different file types can cause problems with image quality or backgrounds. For example, some files may lose sharpness when resized, or others may include unwanted white boxes.

Solution: Use the right file type for the best print quality.

• Best formats: AI, EPS, PDF (these are vector files that stay sharp at any size)
  
• Good formats: PNG, PSD (good for images with transparency)
  
• Avoid if possible: JPG, JPEG (they often include backgrounds and lose quality)
  

If you are unsure, use PNG files with transparent backgrounds or ask your printer what formats they prefer.

3. Color Settings

Challenge: Designs can look different on screen than they do after printing. This usually happens because of color settings.

Solution: Keep your designs in RGB color mode while creating them. RGB provides brighter colors and better results for DTF printing. Most printers convert your files automatically, so you don’t need to worry about switching to CMYK yourself.

Tips:

• Always check your preview or proof before printing.
  
• Avoid changing color modes manually.
  
• Keep your monitor brightness normal so colors look realistic.
  

4. Resolution and Sizing

Challenge: Some designs look clear on your computer but print blurry or pixelated. This usually happens when the file is too small or stretched too much.

Solution:

• Use high-resolution images (at least 300 DPI).
  
• Avoid stretching or squishing your designs.
  
• If you are using vector files, you don’t need to worry about size — they stay sharp at any scale.
  
• Check each design’s actual print size before finalizing your layout.
  

5. Backgrounds

Challenge: Solid backgrounds around your designs waste space and can make cutting harder.

Solution: Use files with transparent backgrounds whenever possible.

• PNG and PSD files support transparency.
  
• You can remove backgrounds using simple tools or ask your printer to help.
  
• After removing a background, check your design on both light and dark backgrounds to make sure it looks clean.
  

6. Spacing and Layout

Challenge: Placing designs too close together makes them hard to cut apart, while leaving too much space wastes material.

Solution:

• Leave at least half an inch between each design.
  
• Keep your layout neat and balanced.
  
• Arrange designs of different shapes together to fill space efficiently.
  
• Avoid overlapping any parts of your artwork.
  

The goal is to use as much of your sheet as possible while keeping it easy to cut and press later.

7. Trying Different Versions

Challenge: Testing multiple versions of your design (different sizes or colors) can become expensive and time-consuming when done one at a time.

Solution: Gang sheets make testing easy.

• Add multiple versions of the same design to one sheet.
  
• Try different sizes, colors, or styles.
  
• Label each version clearly so you can compare them later.
  

This helps you find what works best before printing in large quantities.

8. Large Designs

Challenge: Some large designs do not fit side by side on a 22-inch-wide sheet.

Solution:

• Rotate designs to fit them better on the sheet.
  
• Scale them slightly smaller if needed, most prints still look great at 10 inches instead of 12.
  
• Use empty spaces to add smaller designs like sleeve or tag prints.
  
• If necessary, split your designs across multiple sheets.
  

Tip: Keep a small library of logos or small designs ready. They are perfect for filling in leftover space on your gang sheet.