Direct-to-Film transfers work on polyester, nylon, cotton, leather, and more. The most versatile printing method—perfect when other techniques fall short.
Direct-to-Film (DTF) printing creates full-color transfers that can be heat-pressed onto virtually any fabric. Unlike DTG (which requires cotton) or screen printing (which needs volume), DTF works on everything from performance polyester to leather bags.
Why Choose DTF Printing:
Universal Compatibility: Works on polyester, nylon, cotton, leather, spandex, and more
Vibrant on Dark Fabrics: Built-in white layer ensures colors pop on any garment color
Stretchy & Durable: Transfers flex with the fabric—perfect for athletic wear
No Minimums: Order one piece or one thousand
Fast Turnaround: No screens to create means quicker production
Use our online builders to upload your designs, arrange them exactly how you want, and order instantly. No waiting for quotes—see your price in real-time as you build
Maximize Your Space
Arrange multiple designs on a single sheet to reduce waste and save money
Instant Pricing
See your total cost as you build—no surprises, no waiting for quotes
Auto-Arrange Option
Let our system automatically optimize your layout for maximum efficiency
Order Instantly
Submit your gang sheet directly—no back-and-forth emails required
How It Works
Choose Your Sheet Size
Select from standard gang sheet sizes or create a custom size
Upload Your Designs
Drag and drop PNG files with transparent backgrounds
Arrange & Resize
Position your designs manually or use auto-arrange for optimal layout
Add to Cart & Checkout
Review your gang sheet, see the price, and complete your order
Typical turnaround: 24-48 Hours
DTF By Size
Ordering by size makes it easier than ever. Put any design on any product.
DTF is our most versatile method. Here's when it shines brightest.
Ideal For
Polyester and performance/athletic wear
Nylon bags, backpacks, and accessories
Dark-colored garments of any fabric type
Small orders and single-piece runs
Large orders of complex designs
Full-color designs with gradients and photos
Items where DTG or screen printing won't work
Consider Alternatives
Very large bulk orders (500+)—screen printing may be more economical
Items that can't be heat-pressed (some delicate materials)
When a softer hand feel is critical (DTG on cotton may be better)
Need sure which method? We'll help you choose. Screen printing for bulk, DTG for soft cotton prints.
How DTF Printing Works
A simple process that delivers versatile, durable results on any fabric.
Step 01
Upload Your Design
Send us, or upload your artwork—we'll optimize it for DTF printing and prepare the transfer film.
Step 02
Print & Powder
Your design is printed on special film, then coated with adhesive powder for bonding.
Step 03
Heat Transfer
The transfer is heat-pressed onto your garment, bonding permanently to the fabric.
Step 04
Quality Check & Ship
Every item is inspected for quality before packaging and shipping to you.
Looking for DTF Decorated Apparel?
Are you looking into decorated apparel and promotion items, DTF decoration may be the perfect fit. If you are involved producing quality branding for your group, we can assist you in placing an order that fullfills all of your branded item needs.
DTF Decoration is great for:
Athletic & Sports
Outdoor & Technical Gear
Fashion & Retail
Corporate & Promotional
Print On Demand
Events
DTF Decoration
Multi-Color branding
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Products Available
Perfect Applications for DTF printing
Athletic & Sports
Outdoor & Technical Gear
Fashion, Retail & Stores
Corporate & Promotional
Print On Demand
Events & Fundraisers
Custom jerseys and team uniforms
Jackets and outerwear with logos
Small-batch fashion lines
Performance polo shirts
Internal and External Corporate
Give aways
Performance activewear
Backpacks and gear bags
Polyester-blend streetwear
Polyester-blend corporate wear
Spirit Stores
Single Run Retail
Moisture-wicking training gear
Technical fabric apparel
Limited edition drops
Trade show giveaways (bags, hats)
Fundraisers
On-Site Pressing
Tournament and league apparel
Promotional outdoor products
Sample production before large orders
Specialty promotional items
Merch
Resale Items
Technical Specifications
Everything you need to know about our DTF printing capabilities.
Minimum Order
1 Piece
No minimums—perfect for samples and small runs
Colors
Unlimited
Full CMYK with white underbase for dark fabrics
TURNAROUND TIME
7-10 business days
Rush orders available for tight deadlines
COMPATIBLE FABRICS
Wide Variety
Polyester, nylon, cotton, leather, spandex, and more
No setup fees, no color limits. DTF pricing is straightforward and predictable.
Pricing Factors
Transfer size (small, medium, large, oversized)
Number of print locations
Garment type (we can source or print on yours)
Quantity ordered
Versatility bonus: DTF works on fabrics where other methods fail—often the only option for polyester and performance wear.
Typical Pricing Range
Based on standard garment with front transfer
Small transfer (4"x4") $12-$18
Medium transfer (8"x10") $18-$25
Large print (12"x14") $22-$30
Average Order $600
Volume discounts available
order 25+ pieces for better per-piece pricing
Whats included in every order
Free artwork optimization
Digital Proof Approval
Quality Inspection
Individual folding
Pick-up or Local Delivery
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about our DTF printing services.
What's the minimum order for DTG printing?
There's no minimum! You can order as few as one piece. DTG is perfect for samples, prototypes, or small runs where screen printing minimums don't make sense.
How does DTG compare to screen printing?
DTG is ideal for small orders (1-24 pieces) and complex, full-color designs. Screen printing becomes more cost-effective at 25+ pieces with simpler designs. We'll recommend the best method for your specific project.
What fabrics work best with DTG?
DTG works best on 100% cotton or high-cotton blends (50%+ cotton). The ink absorbs into natural fibers for vibrant, long-lasting prints. For polyester or performance fabrics, we recommend DTF printing instead.
How durable are DTG prints??
Very durable! With proper care (wash inside-out, cold water, tumble dry low), DTG prints last 50+ washes without significant fading. The ink becomes part of the fabric, not just sitting on top.
Can you print on dark-colored shirts?
Yes! We use a white underbase layer for dark garments, which allows full-color printing on any shirt color. The print may have a slightly different hand feel on dark shirts due to the underbase.
What file format should i send?
PNG with transparent background at 300 DPI is ideal. We also accept JPG, PDF, AI, EPS, and PSD files. Don't worry if your file isn't perfect—we'll optimize it for DTG at no extra charge.
How long does production take?
Standard turnaround is 7-10 business days from art approval. Rush orders are available for tight deadlines—just let us know your timeline when requesting a quote.
Do you offer samples?
Absolutely! Since there's no minimum order, you can order a single sample before committing to a larger run. This is one of the biggest advantages of DTG printing.
Ready to Elevate Your Brand?
Get a free quote today—expert printing with artisan quality and production speed. We'll respond within 24 hours.