Build a gang sheet
Arrange several logos or designs together online and maximize the available printing area.
Build your DTF gang sheet →Welcome to the world of DTF
The Complete DTF Transfer Guide
Everything you need to know from artwork to finished apparel
DTF transfers, also known as direct-to-film transfers, make it possible to create detailed, full-colour custom apparel without cutting vinyl or separating artwork into individual screen-printing colours.
RBA Transfers prints premium ready-to-press DTF transfers for apparel decorators, small businesses, print shops, creators, schools, teams and personal projects throughout the United States, Canada and worldwide.
This guide explains custom DTF printing, gang sheets, artwork preparation, sizing, compatible fabrics, heat-press application, garment care, wholesale ordering and how DTF compares with other apparel-decoration methods.
Choose the best way to order
Start with the option that best matches your artwork and production workflow.
Upload a completed sheet
Already prepared your print-ready layout? Upload the finished gang sheet at the exact size required.
Upload a completed gang sheet →Shop ready-made designs
Browse RBA’s growing collection of ready-to-press transfers for apparel, gifts, businesses and seasonal projects.
Shop DTF transfer designs →From digital artwork to custom apparel
How custom DTF transfers are created and applied
A successful DTF project begins with clean artwork and ends with consistent heat, pressure and garment care.
Prepare artwork
Create a high-resolution file at the intended print size with a transparent background.
Choose your format
Build a gang sheet, upload a completed layout or select ready-made transfers.
Print and prepare
RBA prints the design with colour, a full white underbase and heat-activated adhesive powder.
Press the transfer
Position the design, apply firm pressure, hot peel and repress using RBA’s recommended instructions.
Preparing artwork for DTF printing
Clear artwork helps produce crisp edges, readable text and detailed custom DTF transfers. Files should be created at the intended print dimensions rather than enlarged after uploading.
- Use a transparent background whenever applicable.
- Prepare artwork at approximately 300 DPI when possible.
- Use PNG, AI, EPS or another approved print-ready format.
- Avoid blurry screenshots and heavily compressed images.
- Do not mirror the artwork before uploading.
- Keep fine lines and small lettering thick enough to print clearly.
Compatible fabrics for DTF transfers
DTF transfers are widely used on cotton, polyester and cotton-polyester blends. They can also work on many triblends, canvas items and selected specialty fabrics when properly tested.
Always confirm that the garment can tolerate the required heat and pressure. Nylon, coated fabrics and highly elastic materials may require additional testing.
Explore compatible DTF fabrics →How to press hot-peel DTF transfers
Pre-press the garment, position the transfer and apply even heat with firm pressure. Peel the film hot according to RBA’s instructions, cover the design and complete a short repress.
Heat presses can vary, so test your equipment and fabric before completing a large production run.
View RBA heat-press instructions →
DTF transfer sizing and placement
Final dimensions depend on the garment, artwork proportions and desired placement. Measure the printable area before ordering.
Left chest
Small logos and business branding
Adult front or back
Full-size shirt and hoodie designs
Youth and toddler
Reduced sizing for smaller garments
Sleeves and labels
Compact branding and finishing details
Choosing the right apparel-decoration method
DTF compared with screen printing, HTV, sublimation and DTG
Every printing method has advantages. DTF is especially useful for detailed full-colour artwork, flexible order quantities and decorating a wide range of compatible garments.
DTF printing
Ideal for colourful artwork, small or large quantities, detailed logos and many cotton, polyester and blended garments.
Screen printing
Often effective for large runs with limited colours, but may require separate screens, setup and minimum quantities.
HTV
Useful for simple names, numbers and solid-colour designs, but detailed multi-colour artwork can require extensive cutting and layering.
Sublimation and DTG
Sublimation works best with compatible polyester products, while DTG prints directly onto suitable garments using specialized equipment.
DTF transfers for growing businesses
Custom DTF transfers allow businesses to order what they need, combine several designs on gang sheets and expand production without operating an in-house DTF printer.
RBA supports custom orders, recurring production, bulk DTF printing and wholesale customers throughout the United States, Canada and international markets.
Apparel Decorators
Print Shops
Clothing Brands
Etsy Sellers
Schools
Sports Teams
Promotional Companies
Fundraisers
Home-Based Businesses
Event Organizers
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about DTF transfers
What is a DTF transfer?
A DTF transfer is a printed direct-to-film design prepared with colour ink, a white underbase and heat-activated adhesive. It is applied to compatible apparel using a heat press.
What is a DTF gang sheet?
A gang sheet combines multiple logos or designs on one larger printed sheet. Customers cut the individual transfers apart and press them onto their chosen garments.
Can DTF transfers be applied to dark garments?
Yes. DTF printing includes a white ink underbase that helps colours remain visible and vibrant when applied to dark garments.
How long do DTF transfers last?
Durability depends on correct application, garment composition and care. Proper heat, pressure, repressing and washing practices help support a long-lasting finished result.
Do I need a commercial heat press?
A commercial-style heat press is recommended because it provides more consistent heat and pressure than a household iron or many handheld pressing tools.
Does RBA offer wholesale DTF printing?
Yes. RBA Transfers works with apparel businesses, print shops, promotional companies and other customers requiring recurring or higher-volume DTF production.
Where does RBA ship DTF transfers?
RBA serves customers throughout the United States and Canada and also ships internationally, subject to the shipping options available during checkout.
Start your next DTF project
Arrange your designs online and order premium ready-to-press custom DTF transfers from RBA Transfers.