How to create a gang sheet on Canva

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Key Points - TLDR;

- Gang sheets streamline the DTF transfer process by combining multiple designs into a single, large file, saving time and money.
- Optimal Sizes 13x22", 22x36", and 22x60" gang sheets, providing generous yet manageable sizes for optimal quantity discounts.
- Canva Pro is important for downloading your gang sheets at the highest resolution possible as well as downloading with transparent backgrounds.
- Download files as PNGs at 3X in Canva to ensure high-quality prints and avoid errors during the transfer process.

 

 

 

 

By: Alex S. - 5/07/2024

 

Creating the Gang Sheet in Canva: 

Ah, the creation of a gang sheet in Canva - it's where the magic happens. And today, I'm here to guide you through each step, ensuring that not a single inch of precious space is wasted. Let's dive right in.

First things first, head over to canva.com. Now, while Canva's free version can do a lot, having a Canva Pro membership unlocks some handy features for crafting your gang sheet. So, for the sake of creating something spectacular, let's proceed with the assumption that you've got the Pro version at your fingertips.

 

canva homepage

Once you're logged in, navigate to the homepage where all the creative magic begins. Look for the prominent purple button in the top right corner that says "Create a Design." Go ahead, click it.

A dropdown menu will present itself, but we're looking for "Custom size" lying quietly at the bottom. Our journey begins here.

create design button on canva.com

By default, Canva's sizing is in pixels, but we're playing in the big leagues with inches. So, let's switch those units before moving forward.

change units for custom size create your design button on canva

Now, it's time to input your dimensions according to the gang sheet size you're aiming for. But here's a pro tip that might just save your sanity later: size down a tad. For instance, if you're targeting a 13x22” sheet, try setting it to 12.9x21.9”. Every little helps.

With your dimensions set, behold your blank gang sheet canvas, ready and waiting for your designs.

blank gang sheet canvas made using Canva

As you start uploading or creating designs on your gang sheet, you'll notice Canva's helpful purple alignment lines. These aren't just pretty; they're your best friends in saving space and achieving that uniform, professional look.

alignment guides on canva

For those who like things just so, the "Position" button at the top of the designer in Canva is your gateway to perfection. This brings up Canva's alignment and positioning tools, which are, frankly, invaluable.

position and alignment tools for your designs made using Canva.com

One last tip before you dive into design bliss: ensure all designs are tightly cropped. Any extra white space can throw off Canva’s sizing and leave your prints feeling a little...underwhelmed.

blank space around design example with a properly cropped design and improperly cropped design

Armed with these steps and tips, creating your gang sheet in Canva should feel less like undertaking a Herculean task and more like a walk in the park. Ready to make the most of your gang sheet and get the best bang for your buck? Let's get designing and download our file! 

 

Creating a gang sheet is like unlocking a cheat code for your DTF transfer orders. It not only streamlines the entire process but also saves you a pretty penny. Picture this: a single, large file bustling with various designs. They can be as diverse as you like, both in design and size. It's the Swiss Army knife of saving on your orders.

In this article I've tailored three handy sizes for you: 13x22”, 22x36”, and 22x60”. These options are your golden tickets to grabbing those coveted quantity discounts. But here's the kicker: while these sizes are generous, they're still within the Goldilocks zone—not too big to handle, not too small to matter. This sweet spot ensures your designs are just the right size to avoid any upload hiccups or, even worse, those pesky unnoticed mistakes.

 

gang sheet created on canva

However, transcending the 60” mark on your gang sheet is like venturing into the wild west. You're more likely to encounter those notorious outlaws - misalignment, cut off designs, or a miscalculated count of your designs.

But fear not. Teaming up with AMS Transfers, you're not thrown into the deep end with just a gang sheet and a wish. Their innovative gang sheet builder is your trusty sidekick. It's designed for you to drag and drop your creations with ease, ensuring a seamless experience from start to finish.

gang sheet builder

Ready to dive in and become a gang sheet guru? Stick around as we navigate the ins and outs of crafting the perfect gang sheet using none other than Canva.

Downloading Your Gang Sheet from Canva

Alright, we've designed our gang sheet in Canva, and it's looking pretty stellar, if I do say so myself. But we're not quite done yet. Now, we need to save our masterpiece, and this is super important, so I'm going to break it down Barney-style, making it crystal clear. Pay close attention, especially if you're aiming for those quality DTF transfers that'll make your designs pop.

First things first—this is where being a Canva Pro member really pays off. Without Pro, you're kind of handcuffed to downloading medium-quality JPG images. And let me be blunt: JPGs with their white backgrounds are a big no-no for DTF transfers. It's like showing up to a black-tie event in flip-flops. Just...don't.

share button to download gang sheet made on canva.com

So, you're going to click on the "Share" button, right there at the top right corner of your screen. Got it? Good. Next, choose "Download." Easy.

If you're rocking Canva Pro (which you totally should be for this), you'll have the luxury of downloading your file as a PNG. And here's a crucial step: Make sure that sizing slider is dragged all the way to the right. This isn't just for show. Doing this cranks your design up to the highest possible quality, boosting the DPI (that's Dots Per Inch, for the uninitiated) on your gang sheet into the stratosphere.

size quality slider on canva.com

Let's hit pause for a second because I've got a hot tip for you: For the highest quality DTF transfer, your design files need to be at least 300dpi before you even upload them to Canva. Think of it this way: Uploading high-quality files is like baking a cake with the finest ingredients. Sizing your gang sheet to 300dpi? That's just icing on the cake. And we all know the cake is kind of meh without delicious icing.

Now, tip #2: Since you're downloading your gang sheet at a crisp 300dpi, the quality checker over at AMSTransfers.com is going to give your file the nod of approval without batting an eye. But don't let that lull you into a false sense of security. Remember, the quality of the individual designs you uploaded matters big time. So make sure each one is up to snuff, preferably 300dpi as well, to avoid any nasty surprises like low-quality prints.

example comparison of a low quality DTF design and a high quality ready to print DTF design

In a nutshell: Uploading high-quality designs, sizing right, and choosing the correct download settings are your three musketeers for achieving the perfect DTF transfers. With these tips in your back pocket, you're all set to make your designs shine.

Ordering DTF Gang Sheets

You've crossed the design desert, navigated the saving savannah, and now, my friends, you’ve arrived at the final landmark on our journey: getting your gang sheet printed. This step is where all your hard work pays off, and I'm here to make sure it's as smooth as silk. Let's get to it.

By now, you're standing proud with your gang sheet file in hand, all prepped and primed for printing. But how do you transform this digital masterpiece into a tangible marvel? The answer is simpler than you might think.

First up, head over to your printing platform of choice. For this scenario, let's say we're teaming up with the gang sheet builder at AMS Transfers, seeing as how we've been riding with them from the get-go. Here's where the magic you've worked earlier really starts to sparkle.

AMS Transfers gang sheet sizing options

Instead of the tedious task of uploading dozens of designs one by one—imagine trying to herd cats—your gang sheet swoops in like a superhero. You have just one file. Uno. That’s it.

Select the sizing option that matches the dimensions of your gang sheet. Remember those careful measurements you chose earlier? They're about to pay off big time.

uploading custom designs to gang sheet builder on amstransfers.com

Now, hit that upload button. Watch as your single, all-encompassing file rides up into the cloud, ready to be transformed into high-quality DTF transfers. It’s a sweet moment, one that deserves a pat on the back (go ahead, I'll wait).

gang sheet being uploaded to a gang sheet builder

And just like that, you're finished. Add your gang sheet to the cart, and you're a mere step away from seeing your designs come to life.

positioning and alignment tools on gang sheet builder using amstransfers.com

Let's take a moment to reflect. What started as a collection of individual designs is now a unified, print-ready powerhouse. It’s a classic tale of efficiency, quality, and, let's be honest, a little bit of Canva wizardry.

So there you have it, a journey’s end. With your gang sheet uploaded and ready to go, the only thing left to do is hit that order button and wait for your designs to arrive. Congratulations, you've officially become a gang sheet printing maestro.

gang sheet added to cart for purchase online

By holding your hand through this process, I hope not only to have illuminated the path but also to have lit a fire in you for creating more. Remember, with each design, you're not just printing graphics; you're bringing visions to life. So go forth, and let those prints shine.

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