DTF stands for direct to film. It is a way of printing a full color design onto a clear film, coating it with an adhesive powder and curing it, so the finished print can be heat pressed onto a shirt, hoodie, tote or hat. That finished print is called a DTF transfer. If you see "DTF" on a craft group, a shirt listing or a print shop's website, this is what it means.
This guide covers what DTF means in printing, what a DTF transfer is, how one is made, how you press it, and how DTF compares to vinyl, sublimation, screen printing and DTG. It is written by our team at We Print U Press, a DTF print shop in Spring Hill, Florida.
In this guide
What is DTF? | What is a DTF transfer? | How DTF printing works | How to press a DTF transfer | What DTF is used for | Gang sheets | UV DTF | DTF vs. other methods | Choosing a supplier | FAQ
What Is DTF? What Does DTF Mean in Printing?
In printing, DTF means direct to film. The name describes the first step: the design is printed directly onto a sheet of clear PET film instead of directly onto the garment (that would be DTG, direct to garment) or through a screen (screen printing).
A DTF printer lays down color ink plus a layer of white ink behind it. The white layer is what lets a DTF print look bright on black and dark shirts, not just on white ones. An adhesive powder is then applied and cured, and the result is a ready to press transfer.
Here are the other DTF phrases you will run into, and what each one means:
- DTF printing: the whole process of making DTF transfers, from the printer to the curing step.
- DTF transfer: the finished print on film that you press onto fabric.
- Ready to press (RTP) transfer: a DTF transfer of a premade design you pick from a catalog instead of uploading your own art. You can browse ours in the ready to press DTF transfer collections.
- Gang sheet: one long sheet of film with many designs printed on it together. More on that below.
What Is a DTF Transfer?
A DTF transfer is a full color design printed on clear film with a heat activated adhesive on the back. You place it on the garment, press it with heat and pressure, and peel the film away. The design stays on the fabric.
Because the transfer is already printed, there is no cutting, no weeding and no layering colors one at a time like there is with vinyl. Photos, gradients, fine lines and any number of colors all print in one piece.
The short version: a DTF transfer is a ready made, full color print that you heat press onto a shirt. You do not need a DTF printer to use them. You need a heat source, a garment and the transfer.
How Does DTF Printing Work?
DTF happens in two stages. We handle the first stage in our shop. You handle the second.
Stage 1: Making the transfer (done by the print shop)
- Artwork prep. The design is set up as a PNG with a transparent background. Our DTF design guide covers file setup.
- Printing on film. A DTF printer prints the color ink and a white ink layer onto clear PET film.
- Adhesive powder. A hot melt adhesive powder is applied to the wet ink. This becomes the glue that bonds the design to the fabric.
- Curing. Heat melts and sets the powder, and the transfer is ready to ship.
Stage 2: Pressing the transfer (done by you)
You press the transfer onto your garment with a heat press, peel the film and finish it. The next section walks through it.
How to Press a DTF Transfer
Here is the basic flow. For placement, time, temperature and pressure, always follow our How to Press DTF Transfers page. It has the current instructions for our transfers.
- Pre press the garment for a few seconds to remove moisture and wrinkles.
- Position the transfer on the garment as shown on the How to Press page.
- Press using the recommended settings.
- Peel the film while it is hot. Our transfers are hot peel.
- Finish with a second press using a T-Seal silicone finishing sheet, or parchment paper or freezer paper, to smooth the print and soften the feel.
Every press is different. Two presses of the same model can run at different temperatures, so test on a spare garment before a big run.
Trying a new fabric? 100% polyester can be tricky. Keep a few extra blanks on hand the first time you press on a fabric you have not used before.
Want a softer feel? Read how to make soft DTF transfers. We sell the T-Seal in two sizes: the TSeal Half Sheet (12" x 9") and the TSeal Full Sheet (12" x 17").
Washing: wash inside out in cold water, then tumble dry on low or hang dry. Pressed and cared for properly, our transfers last 100+ washes.
What Are DTF Transfers Used For?
DTF transfers are used on t-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, tank tops, tote bags and hats. People use them for:
- Shirt businesses and boutiques that want to sell custom apparel without buying a printer.
- Print shops adding full color work without new equipment.
- Teams, schools and events: spirit wear, fundraisers, reunions and matching shirts.
- Gifts and small batches: birthdays, holidays, family trips and one off pieces.
Since there is no minimum and no setup fee per design, DTF works for one shirt or one hundred. If you are just getting started, our New Heat Press Owners: Start Here page lays out your options, and our Ready. Set. Press. Kits bundle transfers, tees and a T-Seal into one box.
What Is a DTF Gang Sheet?
A gang sheet is one sheet of DTF film with many designs printed on it together. Instead of ordering each design as a separate transfer, you fill the sheet with as many designs as fit, then cut them apart and press them one at a time.
Our gang sheets are always 22" wide and come in several lengths, starting at 22" x 24" and going up to 20 feet long. Designs that are 11" or less on at least one side print two across.
If you would rather not build your own, our premade gang sheet bundles are already laid out with themed designs.
Build your own gang sheet
Upload your designs and we print and ship them ready to press.
Start a Gang SheetPlease note: we do not print copyrighted or trademarked designs (for example Disney, NFL or famous faces) without written permission from the brand owner. A design bought from an Etsy seller is not permission from the brand owner.
What Is a UV DTF Transfer?
UV DTF is a related product made for hard surfaces instead of fabric. It uses inks cured with ultraviolet light, and it applies like a sticker. It is used on tumblers, mugs, glass, hard plastic and similar items.
Regular DTF is for fabric and needs a heat press. UV DTF is for hard goods and does not. Browse our custom UV DTF transfers.
DTF vs. Other Printing Methods
| Method | How it works | Good fit | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| DTF | Printed on film, heat pressed onto fabric | Full color designs, light or dark garments, small or mixed orders | Needs a heat source; test on new fabrics |
| Vinyl (HTV) | Cut from colored vinyl, weeded, pressed | Simple one or two color text and shapes | Weeding and layering get slow for detailed or multi color art |
| Sublimation | Dye bonds into polyester fibers | White or light colored polyester | Not for cotton or dark garments |
| Screen printing | Ink pushed through a screen, one screen per color | Large runs of the same design | Setup for each design and each color |
| DTG | Printed directly onto the garment | Full color on high cotton garments | Dark garments need pretreatment; the garment must be at the printer |
Want more detail? Read DTF vs. Vinyl and DTF vs. Sublimation.
What to Look for in a DTF Supplier
Not all DTF transfers are the same. When you compare suppliers, look at:
- Print quality: sharp detail, solid white layer and colors that match your art.
- Adhesive and curing: a well cured transfer presses cleanly and feels soft, not stiff.
- Clear pressing instructions: including whether the transfer is hot peel or cold peel.
- Turnaround: know the production time and the shipping time separately.
- A real guarantee and real people: someone you can reach if a transfer does not press right.
At We Print U Press, every order is printed in our Spring Hill, Florida shop. Standard production is 3 to 5 business days plus shipping time, with rush production available. Ground shipping is free on orders of $75 or more, and local Spring Hill customers can pick up. Every order is backed by our Print Guarantee, and our team offers phone, email and screen share support if you need help with your first press. See what makes the best DTF transfers for shirts for more on quality.
Frequently Asked Questions About DTF
What does DTF stand for?
In printing, DTF stands for direct to film. The design is printed onto film first, then heat pressed onto fabric.
What is a DTF transfer?
A full color design printed on clear film with a heat activated adhesive. You press it onto a garment and peel the film away.
Do I need a DTF printer to use DTF transfers?
No. You buy finished transfers from a print shop and press them yourself. A heat press gives the most consistent results.
Are your DTF transfers hot peel or cold peel?
Our transfers are hot peel. Full steps are on our How to Press DTF Transfers page.
What fabrics can DTF transfers go on?
Cotton, polyester and blends, on light or dark colors. 100% polyester can be tricky, so test first and keep extra blanks on hand when you try a new fabric.
What temperature do I press DTF transfers at?
Use the settings on our How to Press page as your starting point. Every press runs a little differently, so always test.
Do I need a T-Seal?
No, but it helps. A T-Seal on the finishing press gives a smoother, softer print. Parchment paper or freezer paper also work.
How long do DTF transfers last?
When pressed correctly and cared for properly, our DTF transfers last 100+ washes.
How do I wash shirts with DTF transfers?
Turn the shirt inside out, wash in cold water, and tumble dry on low or hang dry.
What is the difference between DTF and RTP?
RTP means ready to press. An RTP transfer is a DTF transfer of a premade design from a catalog, instead of your own uploaded art.
How long does a DTF order take?
Our standard production is 3 to 5 business days plus shipping time. Rush production is available. Full details are in our shipping policy.
Ready to try DTF?
Pick premade designs, upload your own, or start with a kit.
Shop Ready to Press Build a Gang Sheet New to Heat Pressing?Questions? Call 352-340-4343 (press option 2) or email hello@weprintupress.com, Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm EST. Need to see it? Ask about a screen share session.
