Documentation

DTF Transfer Studio - a comprehensive tool for preparing graphic files for DTF (Direct-to-Film) printing. The application allows for verification, editing, management of spot colors, cutting paths, and optimal arrangement of designs on printing sheets (Gang Sheet).

  • Interface Overview
  • Key Features and Sections
  • Tips and Troubleshooting

Interface Overview

  • Main Area:
    - Editor: Preview and editing of a single graphic file.
    - Gang Sheet: Preview and management of sheets with arranged graphics.
  • Sidebar:
    Dynamically changes content depending on the active main tab.
  • File List:
    Displays recently opened/added files, their size, and the number of copies on sheets.
  • Menu Bar:
    Access to all application functions.
  • Status Bar:
    Information about status, zoom, and memory usage.

Key Features and Sections

1. File Verification (Sidebar -> Basic -> DTF Verification)
Automatic analysis of files (PNG, JPG, TIFF, PDF) upon addition.

  • Minimum Resolution: 300 DPI required. Lower values are flagged.
  • Transparency: Required for PNG, TIFF, PDF. Absence marked as ERROR.
  • Color Mode: CMYK recommended. Other modes (RGB, Grayscale) accepted with a warning.
  • Re-Verification: Use the 'Verify' button after making changes in the editor.

 

2. Graphic Editor (Tab "Editor")
The Sidebar contains tools grouped into tabs:

  • Basic: Dimensions, DPI, Color Mode, Proportions.
  • Edit: Rotate, Flip, Crop (automatic and manual), Enhancements (Brightness, Contrast, Sharpness, Blur), Remove White Background.
  • Spot Colors: Defining additional colors (e.g., White). Raster type (burned-in) or Vector type (for PDF). Setting offset and opacity. Reorder by dragging.
  • Cutting Paths: Defining paths (e.g., 'CutContour') with offset. Exported only to PDF as vectors.
  • Halftones: Halftone or Dither effects for selected areas (Transparency, Black, White, Selected Color). Allows simulating printing on colored materials.

 

3. Gang Sheet (Arranging on Sheet)

  • Settings (Sidebar -> Canvas): Sheet size, units, margins, element visibility.
  • Layout (Sidebar -> Layout): Algorithm and sorting selection. 'Optimize Placement' button.
  • Copy Management: Double-click on the copy count in the file list.
  • Manipulation: Move (LMB), Rotate (MMB), Scale (Shift+MMB).
  • Multiple Sheets: Automatic creation during optimization. Manual adding/removing/renaming (context menu or 'Layout' menu).

 

4. Saving / Export

  • Editor:
    - File -> Save (Ctrl+S): Overwrites the original (raster) or saves a PDF.
    - File -> Save As... (Ctrl+Shift+S): Save to a new file (PNG, JPG, TIFF, PDF).
  • Gang Sheet:
    - File -> Save Sheet...: Export sheets to TIFF, PNG, or PDF (single or multi-page).

 

5. Undo/Redo (Ctrl+Z / Ctrl+Y)
Separate histories for Editor and Project (Gang Sheet).

Tips and Troubleshooting

  • Poppler: Required for PDF. Ensure it's in PATH or set POPPLER_PATH.
  • Vector Libraries: Requires `reportlab` and `opencv-python` to save vector PDFs.
  • Memory: Large files can consume a lot of RAM. Monitor the status bar. Restarting the application may help.
  • Performance: Optimization and rendering may take some time.
  • Logs: The `app.log` file in the application directory contains detailed information.