What is DTF?

DTF stands for Direct to Film. It is a way to put a full-color design on a shirt, hoodie, hat or bag. We print your design onto a special film. You press that film onto the fabric with heat, peel the film away, and the design stays on the garment.

If you can use a heat press, you can use DTF. No screens, no cutting, no weeding.

How DTF works

1. You send the art. A PNG with a transparent background works best.
2. We print it on film. Color ink goes down first, then a layer of white ink behind it so the colors stay bright on dark fabric.
3. We add the adhesive. A fine powder sticks to the wet ink and is melted in place. This is what bonds the print to the fabric.
4. You press it. Place the film on the garment, press with heat, and peel.

What can you press it on?

• Cotton, polyester and blends
• Light and dark colors
• T-shirts, hoodies, jerseys, hats, tote bags, aprons and more

If you are unsure about a fabric, order a free sample and test it first.

Why people choose DTF

• Unlimited colors. Photos, gradients and fine detail all print in one pass.
• No minimums. One shirt or one thousand.
• No weeding. Only the design transfers, not a background box.
• Press when you need it. Transfers store flat until you are ready to use them.

DTF compared to other methods

Method	Best for	Colors	Small orders
DTF transfers	Full-color designs on almost any fabric	Unlimited	Yes, no minimum
Screen printing	Large runs of one design	Each color adds a screen and cost	Usually not cost-effective
Heat transfer vinyl	Simple names, numbers and one or two colors	Limited, layered by hand	Yes, but slow to cut and weed
DTG (direct to garment)	Full color printed straight on cotton	Unlimited	Yes, but works best on cotton
Sublimation	Light-colored polyester	Unlimited	Yes, but not for cotton or dark colors

What is a gang sheet?

A gang sheet is one large sheet with many designs printed on it. Our sheets are 22 inches wide and you choose the length. You pay for the sheet, not for each design, so the more you fit on it, the less each print costs.

Build a gang sheet  |  Upload a finished gang sheet  |  Order a single design by size

What do I need to press DTF?

• A heat press (this gives the most consistent results)
• Parchment paper or a Teflon sheet for the finishing press
• The garment you want to decorate

Pressing instructions come with every order. For the full walkthrough, read How to Press DTF Transfers.

How do I care for a DTF print?

• Wait 24 hours before the first wash
• Wash inside out in cold or warm water
• Tumble dry low or hang dry
• Do not bleach, and do not iron directly on the print

Words you will see

• Transfer: the printed film you press onto the garment.
• Gang sheet: many designs printed together on one sheet.
• DPI: image sharpness. Use 300 DPI at the size you want printed.
• Hot peel / cold peel: whether you peel the film right away or after it cools. Follow the instructions with your order.
• Halftone: tiny dots used to print fades and shadows cleanly. Learn more.

UV DTF is coming soon

Regular DTF is for fabric. UV DTF is a peel-and-stick decal for hard surfaces like cups, tumblers, glass and metal, with no heat press needed. We are adding it soon. Join the list and we will email you when it launches.

Keep learning

Follow the steps in order, or jump to the one you need.

1. Start Here: How Ordering Works
2. Pick Your Order Type
3. Prep Your Artwork: The File Checklist
4. Halftones Explained
5. How to Load Your Gang Sheet in the Builder
6. How to Upload Your DTF Gang Sheet
7. How to Press DTF Transfers
8. Care and Reorder

More reading: DTF vs. DTG and Common DTF mistakes and how to avoid them.

Ready to try it?

Build a gang sheet, upload your file, or start with a free sample. Questions? Call (626) 684-2771 or email hub33approvals@gmail.com.