DTF Printing
DTF Printing
Add detailed, full-colour or larger printed artwork to workwear, uniforms, teamwear and promotional apparel ordered through PlusEmbroidery when the garment can safely accept the heat application. DTF printing is completed in-house and can be a strong option when a design or placement does not translate well into embroidery.
DTF stands for Direct to Film. The artwork is printed onto transfer film and applied to the garment using controlled heat and pressure. The finished print sits on the surface of the fabric, giving a different appearance and feel from stitched embroidery.
Where DTF printing works well
DTF printing is often considered when the artwork contains fine detail, multiple colours, gradients or a larger design area. The garment, fabric, construction, print position and intended use still need to suit the heat-application process.
Detailed logos
Artwork with small design elements or colour detail that may lose clarity when converted into stitches.
Larger designs
Full-front, back and other larger placements where embroidery could become heavy or impractical.
Full-colour artwork
Logos, illustrations and promotional designs using multiple colours, shading or gradients.
Flexible placements
Chest, sleeve, back or pant-leg positions where the garment provides a safe, accessible print area.
DTF printing cannot be applied to every garment
Because DTF transfers are applied with heat and pressure, the fabric must tolerate the application process. DTF printing must not be used on flame-resistant garments and can damage other heat-sensitive or melt-risk fabrics.
Seams, pockets, zips, panels, lining, stretch, waterproof layers, reflective tape and compliance requirements can also affect the available print area. A different position, garment or decoration method may be needed after the combination is reviewed.
Artwork and print size
Production-ready vector artwork is required
DTF artwork must be supplied as a vector AI or EPS file so it can be prepared cleanly at the required finished size. A screenshot, website image or low-resolution image may look acceptable on screen but still lack the information needed for production.
Review DTF artwork requirementsMaximum print area
The maximum DTF print size available through PlusEmbroidery is 30 cm × 40 cm. The usable area may be smaller where garment panels, seams, pockets, zips, reflective tape or the proportions of the artwork limit the position.
Provide the required finished size and position when known so the artwork and garment can be considered together.
Printed colours can appear different from the same artwork viewed on a screen, and the garment colour and fabric can influence the finished impression. Brand colour references are helpful, but an exact screen-to-print colour match should not be assumed.
DTF pricing and minimum charge
PlusEmbroidery does not charge a DTF setup fee. The decoration price still depends on the selected print option, finished size, artwork requirements, position and quantity.
A minimum DTF decoration charge equivalent to 5 printed items applies to each production run. You can order fewer than 5 garments, but the minimum DTF charge still applies. Blank garments can be ordered with no minimum quantity.
Where the design, print size, position or garment requirements change, the decoration may need to be treated as a separate production setup even when the artwork belongs to the same organisation.
From artwork to completed print
Choose the garment and position
Select the garment, colours, sizes and intended print position, allowing for its fabric and construction.
Provide production-ready artwork
Supply the vector AI or EPS file, required finished size, position and any important colour or design notes.
Artwork and garment review
The artwork, print size, placement and garment are checked together before the order proceeds.
Print preparation
The approved artwork is prepared and printed onto transfer film for the required production run.
Heat application
The transfer is applied in-house using the heat, pressure and process appropriate for the approved garment.
Production and dispatch
The completed garments are checked, packed and dispatched to the delivery address on the order.
Repeating a DTF printed design
Include the previous order number when the same design is required again. An existing file can generally be reviewed for reuse when the artwork, size, position, garment and other production requirements remain unchanged.
A review may be needed if the artwork, garment, colour, print size, placement or order requirements change. Clear notes about what should remain the same and what is changing help prevent assumptions.
Learn about repeat uniform ordersRelated decoration guidance
Embroidery vs DTF Printing
Compare the finish, artwork, placement and garment considerations for both methods.
Compare the methodsArtwork Requirements
Check what file to provide and what information helps prepare artwork correctly.
Prepare your artworkHow to Add DTF Printing
Follow the practical online steps for adding garments and DTF decoration to the order.
See the ordering stepsReady to plan a DTF printed order?
Choose the garments and DTF position online, or send the vector artwork with the intended garment, print position, finished size and quantity when the combination needs to be checked first.
DTF printing FAQs
When should I consider DTF printing?
DTF is often considered for detailed, full-colour or larger artwork on garments that can safely accept the heat application. The artwork, fabric, garment construction, placement and intended use all need to be considered together.
What artwork file is required?
Production-ready vector artwork in AI or EPS format is required for DTF production. Include the intended print size and any important colour or design requirements.
What is the maximum DTF print size?
The maximum available print size is 30 cm × 40 cm. The usable area can be smaller depending on the garment and position.
Can DTF be applied to flame-resistant garments?
No. DTF printing must not be used on flame-resistant garments and may also damage other fabrics that cannot tolerate the heat application.
Is there a minimum order?
A minimum DTF decoration charge equivalent to 5 printed items applies per production run. Fewer garments may be ordered, but the minimum charge still applies. Blank garments have no minimum quantity.
What changes if embroidery is chosen instead?
A new embroidered logo has two approvals: first a printable, to-scale plot sheet for checking size, layout, spelling and the computer-generated stitch format, then a photo of the stitched sample for final review and any fine-tuning. Because fabrics respond differently to thread tension, the same logo can look slightly different across garment types.
Does PlusEmbroidery charge a DTF setup fee?
No setup fee is charged for DTF printing. Decoration pricing, minimum charges and any requirements associated with the artwork, size, position and order still apply.