piece of cloth with direct-to-film printed inside label

Design more with direct-to-film printing

Create vibrant and durable designs on various fabrics

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What direct-to-film printing brings to your product range

close-up pictures of polyester, fleece, cotton, and nylon where the texture of these fabrics is visible

Direct-to-film (DTF) prints are versatile and can handle even the most complex designs. Whether your design includes photos, intricate graphics, fine art, or small text, DTF printing can bring it to life with sharp, clear, and striking results.


Direct-to-film printing is suitable for heavy-duty sportswear, outerwear, and any apparel fabric that direct-to-garment can’t print on.

Some of the fabrics include:

  • Polyester
  • Fleece
  • Cotton
  • Nylon

The new technique is incredibly versatile and can also be used for prints on various fabric blends.

Here’s why direct-to-film printing is your next fave design technique

visual representation of how direct to film printing works: special film with design is being pressed on the garment by a heat press

How direct-to-film printing works

The new technique uses a 2-step process:

1. The design is directly printed onto a special film using water-based inks. 
2. The film is then coated with a special adhesive powder and a heat press is used to transfer the design onto the fabric

vibrant and detailed print that was put on the fabric via a direct-to-film printing technique

Create lifelike and vibrant art

Direct-to-film printing can easily take on complex and intricate designs.

With this technique, you can:

  • Keep designs looking fresh even with heavy wash and wear
  • Make color or text come alive on designs using transparent space
  • Create designs for more fabrics (compared to the direct-to-garment print technique)

 

Because the printing process involves the direct transfer of images onto fabric, designs come out detailed and color gradients transition smoothly from one shade to another.

How to create direct-to-film products

Part 1
Choose a product

Pick a product from our catalog that allows DTF printing

Part 2
Add a design

Upload your file or create one with our Design Maker

Part 3
You’re all set

Place your order or add the product to your online store

Try direct-to-film now!

Choose a product and start designing

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FAQ

Other useful resources

Direct-to-garment printing All-over printing Custom embroidery

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