Direct to Film (DTF) Printing is one of the most innovative and versatile custom apparel printing technologies available today. Unlike traditional methods, DTF prints your design on a special film and transfers it to the fabric using heat and pressure—making it ideal for vivid, long-lasting results on a wide range of materials.
Whether your design is bold, intricate, colorful, or all three, DTF gets the job done with precision. No matter your experience level with custom printing, our expert team will walk you through every step to bring your vision to life.
DTF is quickly becoming the go-to choice for custom apparel printing—and for good reason. It offers superior quality, flexibility, and affordability compared to other print methods, especially when printing on non-cotton fabrics or unusual placements like sleeves or caps.
DTF combines the best of both worlds: the vivid detail of digital printing with the versatility of heat transfer. This makes it a game-changer for brands, small businesses, and events.
To make sure your custom print looks amazing, we recommend the following design guidelines:
300 DPI at the actual print size is ideal for sharp, clean designs.
Not sure if your file is ready? Contact us and our designers will double-check it for you—for free!
Here’s what happens once we receive your design:
We print your design in reverse on a special PET film using high-quality DTF ink, including a white underbase for vibrant colors. The printed film is then coated with a powdered adhesive.
The film goes through a curing process where heat is used to melt the adhesive powder, bonding it to the ink. This prepares the transfer for application to any fabric.
The design film is heat-pressed onto the garment at a high temperature, activating the adhesive and permanently bonding the print to the fabric.
After cooling, we peel away the film, leaving your high-quality design behind. We may also perform a second heat press to ensure durability.
Yes! DTF prints beautifully on cotton, polyester, blends, spandex, canvas, denim—you name it.
It depends on the fabric and quantity. DTF offers better material flexibility and durability; DTG is ideal for high-res printing on 100% cotton.
With proper care, DTF prints last over 50 washes with no major fading or cracking.
No! We accept single-shirt orders as well as bulk requests.
DTF uses full-color digital prints instead of cut vinyl layers, making it better for intricate designs, gradients, and photos.
No—DTF prints are highly durable and resist cracking and peeling when properly cured and cared for.
Yes! DTF is perfect for photo-quality prints and complex, multicolor artwork.
Nope. DTF does not require any pretreatment, making the process faster and more versatile.
Avoid ironing directly on the design. Turn the shirt inside out or place a cloth over the print if needed..
Wash inside out with cold water, use gentle cycle, and air dry or tumble dry low. Avoid bleach.
Yes! It’s cost-effective for both small and large runs, ideal for businesses and resellers.
Absolutely. Just make sure it’s clean and compatible. Reach out to us and we’ll confirm if it works.
DTF prints stand out on any color thanks to a white base layer—perfect for dark and bright fabrics alike.
Most orders ship within 3–5 business days. Need it sooner? We offer rush options too.