DTF (Direct to Film)
Definition
What is DTF?
DTF (Direct to Film) printing is a digital heat transfer method where full-color designs are printed onto PET (polyethylene terephthalate) film using CMYK and white pigment inks, coated with thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) adhesive powder, cured, and then heat-pressed onto fabric at 300–325°F for 10–15 seconds. DTF does not require pre-treatment, weeding, or color separation, and works on cotton, polyester, blends, nylon, and other materials. DTF transfers typically last 50–80 washes and support photographic full-color designs with no per-color cost increase.
Where DTF shows up on DTF Database
Guides and comparisons on this site that cover DTF in practice.
DTF stands for Direct-to-Film. A design prints onto PET film, gets coated in hot-melt adhesive powder, cures, then heat-presses onto fabric — cotton, polyester, blends, light or dark garments, with no pretreatment and no minimums.
Read the articleDTF transfer film comes in 13- and 24-inch widths, single- or double-sided, hot or cold peel. Compare PET film types, brands, and pricing for 2026.
Read the articleDTF film is a PET release film that comes in matte vs glossy finishes and cold-peel vs hot-peel vs warm-peel release types. The film you choose affects the final look of the transfer, the press workflow, and the failure modes. A complete buyer's guide to DTF film types and what to use when.
Read the articleCompare custom direct to film transfers: how ordering works, gang sheet vs. by-size pricing, file prep, turnaround and what to check before you buy.
Read the articleCompare top DTF ink and DTF transfer film brands (PET): white ink stability, color gamut, wash durability, matte vs glossy, hot peel vs cold peel, and pricing.
Read the articleA complete buyer's guide to ordering DTF transfers online: where to buy custom and pre-made DTF prints, how pricing actually works, what to look for in a supplier, and the difference between heat transfer paper, DTF film, and ready-to-press transfers.
Read the articleRelated terms
Polyethylene terephthalate film used as the carrier for DTF printing.
A thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) powder applied to wet DTF prints that melts when heated, creating the bond between the ink and the fabric.
A machine that applies heat and even pressure to transfer DTF prints from film onto garments.