A Versatile Way to Produce Full-Color Apparel Transfers
Direct to Film, commonly called DTF, is a digital garment decoration process that prints artwork onto a special transfer film rather than directly onto the garment.
The printed image receives a layer of adhesive powder, which is then cured to create a ready-to-press transfer. A heat press transfers the finished design from the film onto the garment.
This workflow makes DTF especially versatile for custom apparel. It can produce detailed full-color graphics with white ink for both light and dark garments and works with cotton, polyester, blends and many other compatible fabrics.
- Full-color printing
Produce photographs, gradients, fine details, text and colorful artwork without separating designs into individual colors. - Light & dark garments
White DTF ink creates an opaque foundation for vibrant graphics on colored and dark fabrics. - Wide fabric compatibility
Decorate cotton, polyester, blends and many other DTF-compatible textiles. - No garment pretreatment
Unlike traditional DTG production, DTF does not require liquid pretreatment to be applied directly to the garment. - No contour cutting or weeding
The adhesive bonds to the printed image, eliminating the vinyl-style cutting and weeding process.
How Direct to Film Printing Works
DTF production combines digital printing, adhesive powder, controlled curing and heat pressing into a straightforward transfer workflow.
1. Print
Print the design onto DTF transfer film using color and white DTF textile inks.
2. Powder
Apply DTF adhesive powder to the printed ink while it is ready to accept the adhesive.
3. Cure
Heat the powdered transfer using suitable DTF curing equipment to prepare it for application.
4. Heat Press
Position the finished transfer on the garment and apply it using the appropriate heat press settings.
DTF Equipment, Consumables & Supplies
A reliable DTF workflow depends on more than the printer. Choosing compatible ink, film, powder and curing equipment helps maintain consistent transfer quality and production.
DTF Printers
Choose from compact and entry-level DTF printers through higher-capacity roll-fed systems designed for continuous commercial production.
DTF Ink
DTF textile inks include CMYK colors plus high-density white ink for producing vibrant transfers on both light and dark garments.
DTF Film & Powder
Transfer film receives the printed image while hot-melt adhesive powder creates the bond between the design and fabric.
Powder Curing Equipment
From compact curing solutions to automated powder shaker and conveyor systems, proper curing prepares transfers for final heat application.
Cleaning & Maintenance
Cleaning solutions and maintenance supplies help protect printheads, ink systems and other components used in everyday DTF production.
Parts & Accessories
Keep your DTF setup productive with replacement parts, printheads, accessories, software and supporting equipment.
Choose a DTF Setup That Fits Your Production Volume
DTF systems range from compact printers suited to smaller custom apparel operations to roll-fed, multi-printhead systems paired with automatic powdering and curing equipment. Start with the production capacity you need today while considering workflow, maintenance, available space and expected order volume.
One Printing Process for a Wide Range of Apparel
One of DTF printing's biggest advantages is flexibility. The same basic transfer process can be used for many garment colors, materials and product types.
DTF Is Well Suited For
- Custom apparel businesses
- Print shops
- Online and Etsy sellers
- Print-on-demand production
- Sports and team apparel
- School and organization merchandise
- Company uniforms and workwear
- Event merchandise
- Personalized products
What Do You Need to Start DTF Printing?
- DTF Printer
- Prints the color and white ink layers onto compatible transfer film.
- DTF Ink
- Specialized textile ink formulated for Direct to Film printing.
- DTF Transfer Film
- Special release film that carries the printed image through powdering, curing and heat transfer.
- DTF Adhesive Powder
- Hot-melt adhesive that bonds the printed design to the garment.
- Curing Equipment
- Properly melts and cures the adhesive powder before the transfer is applied to a garment.
- RIP Software
- Prepares artwork, controls color and manages the white-ink layer required for DTF production.
- Heat Press
- Applies the finished DTF transfer to the garment using controlled heat, pressure and time.
- Maintenance Supplies
- Cleaning solutions and related supplies help maintain reliable ink flow and printhead performance.
