Design more with DTF printing
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What is DTF printing?
DTF (direct-to-film) printing is a flexible printing method that uses a specialized film transfer process. It lets you apply full-color designs—including gradients and fine detail—on several types of fabrics, like cotton, polyester, and blends.
When you pair stunning designs with the right DTF printing company, you’ll get durable, bright, vibrant, unmatched-quality DTF prints with consistent, professional results.
How does DTF printing work?
The direct-to-film printing process is simple, precise, and provides great quality and long-term durability.
1. Design creation
Start by creating or uploading your artwork. Our Design Maker supports high-resolution images with unlimited colors.
2. Print to film
A DTF printer applies your design onto a special transfer film using water-based pigment inks.
3. Adhesive powder
The printed film is coated with a fine powder, then cured with heat to activate it.
4. Heat press
The film transfer is placed on the garment and applied with a heat press machine, bonding the ink to the fabric.
5. Cold peeling
After a few seconds, the sheet is removed using the cold peeling technique, leaving a durable, vibrant print.
Looking for a product to try DTF printing?
Choose a product and start designing
DTF vs DTG: What’s the difference?
What’s the difference between direct-to-garment (DTG) and direct-to-film? Both produce high-quality prints, but DTF works better on a wider range of fabrics, including polyester and blends. DTG requires pretreatment and is best suited for cotton.
Design and order DTF products with Printful
Sign up
Create your Printful account—it’s free and easy.
Choose a product
Pick a product from our Catalog that supports DTF printing.
Add a design
Upload your art or use our Design Maker to create something new.
Save and order
Order for yourself or add the product to your online business page.
See what others think about our DTF printing services
FAQ
DTF stands for direct-to-film—a decoration method where your design is printed onto a special film, coated with adhesive powder, and then transferred to fabric using a heat press machine.
It’s ideal for producing vibrant, detailed designs on a wide range of textiles, including cotton, polyester, and blends. The most popular use is direct-to-film shirt printing.
It depends on the fabric and how it’s being used. DTF transfer printing works on more surfaces, including cotton and dark garments, and doesn’t require polyester-only materials.
Sublimation printing, on the other hand, delivers long-lasting, perfect results but only works on light-colored polyester. If you need more versatility, broader material options, or a more cost-effective option, DTF is the better fit.
No. You’ll need a reliable, dedicated DTF printer specifically designed to work with transfer film, DTF inks, and powder adhesive.
Regular inkjet or laser printers aren’t compatible with the DTF printing process or capable of producing durable designs that withstand regular wash cycles
When applied properly, DTF transfers are extremely durable. They can withstand repeated wash cycles without fading, peeling, or cracking—maintaining color and clarity over time. Printful’s high-quality DTF prints for shirts are made to endure high friction and frequent wear.
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