Last updated: July 27, 2026
DTF printing, short for Direct to Film printing, is a method of printing full colour designs onto a special film and then heat pressing them onto fabric. It works on almost any material, including cotton, polyester, blends, and denim, and it does not require screens, weeding, or minimum order quantities. This makes it one of the most popular printing methods for small businesses, custom apparel, and print on demand shops in Australia and worldwide.
This guide explains what DTF printing is, how it works, how it compares to other methods, and what to know before placing an order.
What is DTF printing?
DTF stands for Direct to Film. A design is printed onto a clear PET film using special DTF inks, then a layer of hot melt adhesive powder is applied while the ink is still wet. The film is cured, and the finished transfer is heat pressed onto a garment or fabric surface. Once pressed, the film backing is peeled away, leaving only the design on the fabric.
Unlike sublimation, DTF works on any colour fabric, including black and dark garments, because the ink sits on top of the fabric rather than dyeing the fibres. Unlike screen printing, there is no setup cost or minimum order, since each transfer is printed on demand. Browse our DTF Heat Transfer range to see the options available.
How does DTF printing work?
The process follows the same basic steps regardless of who is printing it:
- Design the artwork. Files are usually created as high-resolution PNGs with a transparent background, ideally at 300 DPI or higher.
- Print the film. The design is printed onto PET film using CMYK inks, plus a white ink layer that sits underneath the colour so it shows up on dark fabric. Standard DTF uses five ink channels (CMYK plus white). Some printers, including Pure Pack, offer a 9-colour option using CMYK + RGBO + White, which adds red, green, and blue ink channels for brighter colours, smoother gradients, and sharper detail. Read our Vivid Pro 9-colour DTF vs standard DTF guide to see the difference.
- Apply adhesive powder. While the ink is still wet, hot melt adhesive powder is applied over the print and any excess is shaken off.
- Cure the film. The film passes through a curing oven or heater so the adhesive melts and bonds to the ink.
- Heat press onto fabric. The cured film is placed ink side down on the garment and pressed at around 155°C with firm, even pressure for 10 to 15 seconds. Exact temperature, pressure, and time can vary depending on the fabric, so always check the recommended settings for the specific material you are pressing onto.
- Peel the film. The backing film is peeled off, either hot or cold depending on the film type, leaving the finished design on the fabric.
Because steps one through four are usually done by a specialist printer, most customers only need to handle the final two steps: pressing and peeling.
DTF printing vs screen printing
| DTF Printing | Screen Printing | |
|---|---|---|
| Setup cost | None | A new screen is needed for each colour |
| Minimum order | None, works for one item or thousands | Usually needs a minimum run to be cost-effective |
| Number of colours | Unlimited, full colour and gradients | Each colour adds cost and screens |
| Best for | Small runs, custom orders, complex designs | Large runs of the same simple design |
| Turnaround | Fast, often 1 to 2 business days | Slower due to screen setup |
| Fabric compatibility | Cotton, polyester, blends, denim, and more | Best on natural fibres like cotton |
Screen printing is more cost-effective once you are printing 100 or more of the exact same design. For anything smaller, more detailed, or with photographic colour gradients, DTF is usually the better and cheaper option. For custom orders with multiple designs, a gang sheet builder lets you combine everything on one sheet to save on cost.
DTF printing vs sublimation
Sublimation only works on polyester or polyester-coated products and cannot print white ink, so it does not show up on dark fabric. DTF works on any fabric type and any colour, including black, and produces a slightly thicker, more vibrant print with a soft hand feel. If you are printing on 100 per cent cotton or on dark garments, DTF is the better choice. If you are printing on white or light coloured polyester items like mugs or performance shirts, sublimation can be a cheaper option.
How durable are DTF transfers?
DTF transfers are known for being stretch-resistant and long-lasting. When applied correctly and cared for properly, most transfers hold up for 50 or more washes without cracking, peeling, or fading.
To get the most life out of a DTF transfer:
- Wash garments inside out in cold water
- Avoid bleach and fabric softener
- Tumble dry on low heat or air dry
- Do not iron directly on the design
What can DTF transfers be applied to?
DTF works on almost any fabric, including:
- Cotton
- Polyester
- Cotton and polyester blends
- Nylon
- Canvas
- Denim
- Leather
It is not recommended for waterproof or silicone-coated fabrics, since the adhesive needs a fabric surface to bond to properly.
What file format do I need for DTF printing?
Most DTF printers ask for a PNG file with a transparent background, at least 300 DPI resolution. Vector files such as AI, EPS, or SVG are also accepted and often preferred for logos and text, since they scale without losing quality. Thin lines and small text should be at least 1mm, or about 4 pixels, wide so they print clearly. Semi-transparent areas should be avoided, as they do not reproduce well with DTF ink.
How much does DTF printing cost?
Cost depends on the size of the design and whether you are ordering single transfers or a gang sheet, which is one large sheet holding multiple designs printed together. Gang sheets lower the cost per transfer significantly, since you are paying for one sheet of film rather than several separate small prints. Most Australian DTF printers, including Pure Pack, charge no setup fees and have no minimum order requirements, so pricing scales with the size and quantity you need. You can build your own gang sheet online or order a single transfer by size if you only need one design.
Can I use a household iron for DTF transfers?
A heat press is strongly recommended over a household iron. A heat press provides even pressure and a consistent, accurate temperature across the whole design, while a household iron struggles to apply the same pressure evenly. This usually results in patchy adhesion or parts of the design lifting after a few washes.
Frequently asked questions
What does DTF stand for? DTF stands for Direct to Film. It refers to a printing method where a design is printed onto a film, then heat pressed onto fabric.
Is DTF printing the same as vinyl? No. Vinyl (HTV) is cut from a solid coloured sheet and applied as a single flat colour or pre-cut design. DTF is printed, so it supports full colour, photographic detail, and gradients that vinyl cannot achieve.
Does DTF printing work on black shirts? Yes. DTF uses a white ink base layer underneath the coloured ink, so designs print clearly and stay vibrant on black and other dark fabrics.
How long does a DTF transfer last? With proper care, most DTF transfers last 50 or more washes without cracking or fading.
What temperature do you press a DTF transfer at? Most DTF transfers are pressed at around 155°C for 10 to 15 seconds, then peeled hot or cold depending on the film, followed by a second press for the best results.
Do I need to mirror my design before printing? No. Your printer will handle mirroring the artwork during the print process. You only need to supply the design as it should appear on the finished garment.
Is there a minimum order for DTF printing? No. One of the main advantages of DTF is that there is no minimum order. You can order a single transfer by size or thousands on a gang sheet.
Pure Pack prints DTF heat transfers in Brisbane, with no minimums and a 1 to 2 business day turnaround. Build a gang sheet or order by size.
