Preparation before use:

Before printing, some image editing work may be needed — such as removing backgrounds, combining images, adjusting colors, adding layers, or changing image size. These tasks are usually done using Photoshop, a professional image editing software.

Although Photoshop is not a LINKO product, we’re happy to support our customers by offering a free installation file and remote assistance if needed. This is part of our extra technical support to help you set up the software smoothly. If you need help, feel free to contact LINKO Technical Support.

Computer and File Preparation

1. Computer Requirements

To run Photoshop smoothly, we recommend at least 8GB of RAM, and a processor like Intel i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 or better. A faster computer helps speed up your editing work.

2. Prepare Your Print File

Please get your image files ready before printing. For best results, we suggest using high-resolution source files, such as AI, PSD, or high-quality JPG/PNG images.

Remember the file location (like Desktop or a common folder) and name it clearly so you can easily find it later.

Why Use Photoshop to Edit Print Files?

For DTF, UV DTF, or UV printing, well-prepared image files ensure excellent print results. Photoshop helps you:

• Make colors more accurate and attractive
• Keep the image clear and sharp
• Remove extra background cleanly
• Create spot color channels to make special colors more vivid

1. Photoshop Pre-Print Setup

1.1 Open Your Image for Printing

1.1.1Launch Photoshop

Double-click the Photoshop icon on your desktop to open the program.

1.1.2 Click “[File]” in the top-left corner.

1.1.3 Select “[Open]” from the drop-down menu.

1.1.4 Locate and open your file:

In the file browser window, find your prepared print image. Select the file, then click “[Open]” at the bottom-right corner.

1.1.5 Confirm successful opening

Your selected image will now appear in Photoshop’s workspace. If you see the image clearly, it has opened successfully.

1.2 Unlock the Image Layer(Skip this step if already unlocked)

Some images open with a locked layer by default to protect the original. You need to unlock it before editing.

1.2.1 Check Layer Lock Status

On the right side of Photoshop’s workspace, check the “LAYERS” panel. If you see a lock icon next to your image layer, it means the layer is locked and must be unlocked before you can edit it.

If the Layers panel is not visible, go to Window > Layers to show it.

1.2.2 Unlock the Layer

Double-click the locked layer. In the small window that appears, click “OK” to unlock it.

1.2.3 Confirm Layer Unlock Status

When the lock icon disappears and the layer name changes to “Layer 0“, The layer is now unlocked and ready for editing.

1.3 Modify Color Mode to CMYK（Skip if already in CMYK mode）

Our printers use CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) color mode. To ensure print colors match your screen, convert your image to CMYK. Skip this step if already set to CMYK.

1.3.1 Check the Current Color Mode

On the right side of the Photoshop interface, click the “CHANNELS” panel. It is usually located next to the “LAYERS” panel.
In the Channels panel, you can check the current color mode of your image based on the channels displayed:

• If the image is already in CMYK mode:
  You will see four channels named Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black.
  → In this case, your image is already in CMYK mode, and you can skip the following steps.
• If the image is in RGB mode (as in this example):
  You will see three channels named Red, Green, and Blue.
  → This means your image is currently in RGB mode, and you need to convert it to CMYK in the next step.

1.3.2 Switch Color Mode

Click “Image” in Photoshop’s top menu bar.

Select “Mode” → Click “CMYK Color”.

1.3.3 Confirm Conversion

A dialog box will appear asking: “Convert to CMYK?” → Click “OK”

1.3.4 Verify Color Mode Update

Go to the “CHANNELS” panel (right side of Photoshop). Confirm it shows four channels:
Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black → CMYK mode is activated.

1.4 Optimize Image Resolution

Optimizing image resolution ensures print clarity. Higher resolution = sharper image.

1.4.1 Click “Image” in Photoshop’s top menu bar → Select “Image Size”.

1.4.2 Set Resolution to 300

In the “Image Size” window, find the “Resolution” field. Change the value to 300, and make sure the unit next to it shows “Pixels/Inch”.
(Setting the resolution to 300 DPI ensures your image meets the standard for print-ready clarity.)

1.4.3 After making changes, click “OK” in the top-right corner to save settings.

1.4.4 Adjust View

The image may look zoomed in. Hold the Alt key and scroll your mouse wheel to zoom and adjust the view.

1.5 Crop the Image

Cropping removes unwanted areas, keeping only the print pattern. This reduces file size and saves printing materials/time.

1.5.1 Select Crop Tool

1.5.2 Adjust & Apply Crop

An adjustable crop border appears on your image. Drag the corners or edges to resize and reposition. The part inside the box will be kept. Press Enter to apply.

1.5.3 The crop is applied. (You will now see only the selected area. The rest is removed.)

After cropping, only your selected area remains visible.

2. Image Background Removal

When printing only the pattern (without background), you must remove the background to make it transparent.

2.1Select Magic wand

In Photoshop’s left toolbar: Locate the Magic Wand icon (or Quick Selection Tool, usually shaped like a wand).

2.2 Select Background Areas

Left-click on the background area you want to remove.
Flashing dashed lines will appear around it → Background is now selected!

2.3 Check & Add Missing Background Areas to Avoid Missing Selections

To ensure the background is completely removed, it’s recommended to zoom in on the image for a detailed check.
Hold the Alt key and scroll your mouse wheel to zoom in.
Carefully inspect the selection, especially hollow areas inside the pattern, to see if they have been selected.
Make sure the Magic Wand Tool is still active.
Then, hold down the Shift key on your keyboard.
While holding Shift, left-click on any unselected background areas, including inner hollow parts of the pattern.
→ These areas will also become surrounded by flashing dashed lines, indicating that they are now part of the selection.
(▲ Holding Shift allows you to add multiple areas to the current selection.)
If you select the wrong area by mistake, press Ctrl + Z to undo the last step.

2.4 Remove Background

Make sure all background areas (including hollow parts) show dashed selection lines.
Press the Delete key.
→ The background will disappear, and a gray-white checkered pattern will appear, which means the area is now transparent.

Note: If pressing Delete doesn’t work, the layer might be locked. Double-click the layer in the Layers panel to unlock it, then try again.

Background removal is complete! You may now continue with Creating Spot Color Channels for DTF/UV Printing
Please refer to the next section.

3. Creating Spot Color Channels for DTF/UV Printing

Spot color channels are an extra map for the printer.
In DTF/UV printing: You need colored ink. You also need white ink for a base on dark clothes (makes colors bright).Or use varnish for shiny areas.
Spot color channels tell the printer where to put: W (White ink),V (Varnish) and other custom colors (like FY for Fluorescent Yellow).

3.1 DTF White Ink & Spot Color Channel Setup

3.1.1 Open the “LAYERS” Panel

First, click the “LAYERS” panel on the right side of Photoshop.

3.1.2 Select the Design

Hold down the Ctrl key.
Click the thumbnail of the “Layer 0” with your mouse.
You will see blinking dashed lines around the design — this means it’s selected.

3.1.3 Reduce Selection (Contract)

To prevent white ink from showing outside color areas during printing, make the white ink layer slightly smaller than the color layer.
Click “Select” in Photoshop’s menu bar.
Choose “Modify”.

In the pop-up menu, click “Contract”.

Set the contract value:

Enter 1-3 pixels (smaller value for simple designs, larger for complex ones).
Example: Set to 3 pixels in this demo.
Click “OK” to confirm.

After contracting:You’ll see dashed lines inside the design edges — this means the white layer will be smaller than the color layer.

3.1.4 Create White Spot Channel (W)

Go to the “CHANNELS” panel (right side of Photoshop).
Click the panel menu icon (top-right corner).
Select “New Spot Channel”.

Set Up the Spot Channel:

Name: Type “W1”
(Critical! Must be exact. “W” = White ink)
Solidity: Set to 100% (Full white ink coverage)
Color: Leave as-is (Only for display in Photoshop)
Click “OK”.

The red area on screen shows where white ink will be applied.

Note: This red overlay is just a Photoshop preview and will not affect the actual print color.

3.1.5 For Custom Spot Colors (e.g. Fluorescent):

Clear CMYK areas where you want only custom ink (like Fy Fluorescent Yellow).
(This stops CMYK ink from mixing with your spot color)
In the “CHANNELS” panel, click the CMYK channel.
→ All CMYK channels will select automatically.

Prepare Custom Spot Color Area

Click the design areas for spot color (e.g. letters “P” and “A”).
→ Tip: Hide the “W1” channel (click eye icon) for better visibility.
To select multiple areas: Hold Shift + Click each part.

Remove CMYK Overlap
Then press Delete key.
→ This clears selected areas from CMYK channels (makes transparent).
Why? Prevents CMYK ink mixing with custom spot color ink. Keeps spot color pure.
If pressing Delete doesn’t work, the layer may need to be rasterized.
Right-click the layer in the Layers panel → Choose “Rasterize Layer“.

3.1.6 Create Custom Spot Color Channel(Fy)

Go to the “CHANNELS” panel (right side).
Click the menu icon (≡) at the panel’s top-right → Select “New Spot Channel”.

Set Up the Spot Channel:
Name: Enter “Fy”
(Note: “Fy” = Fluorescent Yellow. Customize per printer requirements.)
Color: Leave unchanged (used only for Photoshop display).

Click “OK”.

The yellow area now displayed represents where custom spot color ink will be applied during printing.

3.2 UV White Ink & Varnish Channel Setup

UV printing often requires:
White underbase (slightly smaller than color image)
Varnish layer (same size or larger than color image for wrapped edge effect)

3.2.1 Open Layers Panel

Click the “LAYERS” panel (right side of Photoshop).

3.2.2 Select the Pattern

Hold down Ctrl, then left-click the thumbnail of “Layer 0”.
→ Dashed lines appear around the pattern = Selected!

3.2.3 Shrink Selection (for White Ink Channel)

To prevent white ink edges from showing beyond color layers (“white edges”), shrink the white ink layer slightly. Click “Select” → “Modify”

Click “Contract”.

Set Contract By: 2-3 pixels (use 3 for this example).
Click “OK”.

After shrinking, the selection outline appears inside the pattern edge.
Selection ready for white ink!

3.2.4 Create UV White Ink Spot Channel (W)

Go to the “CHANNELS” panel (right side).
Click the menu icon (≡) at top-right → Select “New Spot Channel”.

Name: Enter “W1” (Critical for UV printers: Uppercase “W” triggers white ink recognition)
Solidity: Set to 100% (Ensures full-coverage white underbase)
Color: No change needed (Photoshop display only)
Click OK → Blue overlay appears on design areas.

Note: The blue tint (Photoshop’s default spot color preview) only shows where white ink will be printed. It is for preview only and will not affect the final printed color.

3.2.5 Re-select Original Design(used for varnish channel):

Varnish typically covers the entire color area (sometimes extending slightly beyond edges for full protection).
Access Layer Controls: Click the “LAYERS” panel tab (right-side toolbar).

Hold Ctrl (Win) / Cmd (Mac).
Click the “Layer 0” thumbnail again.
The pattern is selected (Dashed lines reappear around the design)

3.2.6 Expand selected area

To create a slight overlap where the varnish layer extends beyond the color ink layer (forming a protective rim), preventing unvarnished gaps at the edges.
Click “Select” in Photoshop’s top menu bar.
Hover over “Modify” in the dropdown menu.

In the sub-menu, click “Expand“.
(A dialog box will appear)

Enter 2-3 pixels in the input field:
Use 2px for simple designs with smooth edges
Use 3px for complex designs or high-wear areas
Current Example: Set to 3 pixels
Confirm by clicking “OK”.

After expanding, the selection outline extends beyond the pattern edge.
Ready for varnish layer!

3.2.7 Create Varnish Spot Channel (V)

In the “CHANNELS” panel:
Click “New Spot Channel”.

In the dialog:
Name: W2“”
Color: Leave unchanged (for visual distinction only).
Click “OK”.

Note: The purple overlay shown on screen is Photoshop’s default spot color preview. It indicates where UV varnish will be applied during printing, but does not represent the final printed color.

3.2.8 Photoshop Spot Channel Naming Guide

To ensure your RIP software correctly identifies and prints white ink, varnish, or any custom spot colors, it is essential to follow the correct naming rules when creating spot color channels in Photoshop.
This is critical for proper output during DTF, UV, or UV DTF printing.

✅ If the spot channel name is wrong, the printer will not print it correctly!

 

Spot Channel Naming Rules Table

Refer to the table below to follow the correct naming conventions required by different RIP software.

4. Saving and Exporting the Final FileAfter completing all image processing and spot color channel creation, the final step is to correctly save and export the file. Choosing the right format and settings ensures that spot color information is fully preserved and can be accurately interpreted by RIP software.4.1 Check Visibility of All ChannelsBefore saving the file, return to the Channels panel and ensure the “eye” icon to the left of every channel is turned on—especially your newly created CMYK, W (White Ink), FY (Spot Color), or V (Varnish) channels. Only channels with visible eye icons will be included during saving and read by printing software.

4.2 Save the FileIn the Photoshop menu bar at the top of the interface, click File and select Save As.

4.3 Select File FormatIn the pop-up save window, locate the Format dropdown menu and choose TIFF format. TIFF is an industry-standard format that supports spot color channels, transparency, and high-quality image data – making it the recommended choice for professional printing.

4.4 Check Critical Options and SaveAt the bottom of the save dialog, ensure both “Spot Colors” and “Layers” options are checked. These settings guarantee your spot color channels and layer information are preserved correctly. Then click the “Save” button.

4.5 Confirm Transparency SettingsA “TIFF Options” window will appear. Check the “Save Transparency” box—note this may trigger a confirmation prompt; simply click “Yes”. Finally, press “OK” to complete the process.

4.6 Final Confirmation and File StorageA confirmation window will appear—clicking OK completes the file saving process.

4.7 Verify Successful File SaveYou have now successfully modified and saved an image file containing spot color channels (can be verified at your designated file path). This file is ready for import into RIP software for subsequent printing processes.You may reopen the saved TIFF file in Photoshop and check the Channels panel to verify that the spot channels (e.g., W, V, FY) are still visible. Your file is now fully prepared with spot channels and saved correctly — ready for import into your RIP software.Our technical team has put great care and effort into creating these guides to make your workflow easier and more efficient.If you found this tutorial helpful, we’d truly appreciate your 5-star review — your feedback means a lot to us!
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