Background Removal Guide

Background Removal Guide

For DTF printing, your artwork needs a true transparent background if you do not want a background to print. A white background or checkerboard that is actually part of the image will print.

Option 1: Photoshop — Best Option

For the most accurate results, we recommend Adobe Photoshop.

  1. Open your artwork in Photoshop.
  2. Use Remove Background or the selection tools to remove the background.
  3. Zoom in and clean up any unwanted edges.
  4. Make sure the background shows as transparent.
  5. Go to File → Export → Export As.
  6. Select PNG and make sure Transparency is turned on.
  7. Export and save your file.

Option 2: Canva Pro — Easy Option

Canva Pro's Background Remover is an easy option for most artwork.

Remove the background:

  1. Upload your image into Canva and add it to your design.
  2. Click the image.
  3. Select Edit Photo → Background Remover.
  4. Let Canva remove the background.
  5. Zoom in and check the edges. Use the erase/restore tools if anything needs cleaning up.

Download it correctly with transparency:

  1. Click Share in the top-right corner.
  2. Click Download.
  3. Under File Type, select PNG.
  4. Check/select Transparent Background.
  5. Click Download.
  6. Save the PNG to your computer.

Important: Selecting PNG alone does not always mean the background is transparent. Make sure Transparent Background is selected before downloading.

Option 3: Website Background Remover

Our website may give you the option to automatically remove your background when uploading artwork.

While this can be convenient, it does not work well with every image. It may remove parts of your design, leave pieces of the background, or have trouble with detailed artwork.

For the best results, we recommend removing your background in Photoshop or Canva Pro before uploading.

Watch for Fake Transparency

A gray-and-white checkerboard does not always mean the file is transparent. Some downloaded and AI-generated images have the checkerboard saved as part of the actual image.

If the checkerboard is part of your artwork, it will print.

Before Uploading

Make sure your file is a PNG, the background is truly transparent, the edges are clean, and no important parts of the design were accidentally removed.

Southeast Prints prints artwork as received, so always check your finished file before submitting your order.