# 3dawg Halftoner: Halftone generator and DTF print prep in your browser

> The 3dawg Halftoner is a free browser tool for preparing artwork for DTF and screen printing. It removes any color smoothly with Color to Alpha knockout, adds single color, CMYK or simulated process halftones with many dot shapes and LPI and angle controls, softens hard edges, and exports 300 DPI transparent PNGs or 600 DPI spot channel screens. Designs can be ordered as DTF transfers.

- Open it: https://3dawg.app/halftoner
- Page: https://3dawg.app/tools/dtf-halftone-generator
- Price: Free to use. Free account to export; order the design as DTF transfers.
- Runs in the web browser on desktop, tablet and phone; nothing to install.
- Also known as: halftone maker, DTF halftone tool, remove black background for DTF, color to alpha online, simulated process separations, screen print separation software

## What you can make

- DTF-ready transparent PNGs
- Distressed and vintage halftone looks
- Soft-hand prints with less ink
- Black or shirt color knocked out of photos
- CMYK and simulated process separations
- Screens for screen printing

## Features

- **Smooth color knockout**: Remove the shirt color, black or any color with Color to Alpha math, so fades and glows keep soft edges.
- **Halftones your way**: Round, square, line, diamond, ellipse, star and more dot shapes, with LPI, angle, dot size and midtone controls.
- **CMYK and simulated process**: CMYK with GCR and white underbase, or spot inks picked from the art for simulated process.
- **Edge Style**: Fade, rough fade, torn or spray the outer edge so square images flow into the shirt.
- **Background removal**: Remove photo backgrounds, then crop the artboard edge to edge with Fit to Artwork.
- **Print-ready export**: 300 DPI transparent PNG, or 600 DPI spot channel screens for the press. Order it as DTF transfers.

## How it works

1. **Add your artwork**: Upload an image or vector, or pick one from My Artwork, on a garment-colored artboard up to 24" x 36".
2. **Knock out and halftone**: Remove colors, choose a halftone mode and dot shape, and preview it live on the shirt color.
3. **Export or order**: Download a 300 DPI PNG or screens, or add it to your cart as DTF transfers on a gang sheet.

## Who it's for

- **DTF printers**: Clean knockouts and halftones that press well on any shirt color.
- **Screen printers**: Simulated process and CMYK separations without desktop software.
- **Designers**: Vintage halftone and distressed looks for merch and brands.

## Questions

### Why use halftones on DTF transfers?

Halftones break solid areas into dots, so the transfer uses less ink and feels lighter, softer and more breathable, and fades blend into the garment instead of ending in a hard edge.

### How do I remove a black background for DTF without losing glows?

Use the Halftoner's color knockout on black (or the shirt color). It uses Color to Alpha math, so semi-transparent glows, smoke and fades keep their softness instead of leaving a dark fringe.

### Can it make screen print separations?

Yes. In CMYK or simulated process mode the export can be one 600 DPI spot channel TIFF with a screen per ink, or the composite PNG.

### Is the Halftoner free?

Yes. You can use every tool without paying. Exporting needs a free account and the export has no watermark.

### Can I order the result as DTF transfers?

Yes. Add to Cart sells the design as DTF transfers: set the copies and sizes and they are nested on a gang sheet priced by length.

## Works well with

- [Print Builder](https://3dawg.app/tools/dtf-gang-sheet-builder): Build DTF gang sheets, UV DTF stickers and custom printed fabric online. Gang Up nests every copy for you, the price follows the exact length used, no minimum. 300 DPI print files.
- [Background Remover](https://3dawg.app/tools/background-remover): Remove image backgrounds free: AI Select Subject, then fix every edge with Quick Selection, Magic Wand, Lasso, brushes and a Refine Edge brush for hair. Photoshop Select and Mask in your browser.
- [Vector Studio](https://3dawg.app/tools/image-to-vector-converter): Convert PNG and JPG logos into clean SVG vectors free in your browser, in one color or many. Edit paths, nodes and colors, then download for Cricut, Silhouette, vinyl, screen printing or embroidery.
- [AI Studio](https://3dawg.app/tools/ai-shirt-design-generator): Create shirt graphics with AI or restyle your own image in ready-made styles like screen print, mascot and vintage, then edit on the canvas. Pay per use, results saved to My Artwork.