How to Add DTF Printing
How to Add DTF Printing
Build a DTF printed order by choosing garments that can safely accept the heat application, adding the required DTF position and print size, supplying vector artwork and checking that both the garments and decoration are included before checkout.
This page covers the practical ordering steps. For more detail about the printing method, maximum size, garment limits and finish, use the DTF Printing guide.
Check the garment before adding DTF
DTF is applied with heat and pressure. It must not be used on flame-resistant garments and can damage other heat-sensitive or melt-risk fabrics. Seams, pockets, zips, panels, waterproof layers, reflective tape and compliance requirements can also restrict the available position.
If you are unsure whether the garment and position will work with DTF, send the garment link and artwork before ordering. A different garment, position or decoration method may be recommended after the combination is reviewed.
Ask about your garmentAdd DTF printing step by step
Choose the garments
Select the garment colour and enter the quantities required against each size. Confirm that the garment is likely to suit the heat-application process and intended print position.
Choose the DTF position
Select the relevant DTF decoration option for the required position. Options may include chest, front, back, sleeve or pant-leg printing depending on the garment.
Select the print size
Choose the decoration size that contains the required finished dimensions. The maximum DTF print size is 30 cm × 40 cm, but the garment may provide a smaller usable area.
Provide the vector artwork
Upload or send production-ready vector AI or EPS artwork. Include the exact print dimensions, position, important colour requirements and any design changes needed for particular garments.
Confirm the print quantity
The DTF quantity should match the number of garments receiving that design, size and position. Separate variations should be clearly identified rather than combined without explanation.
Add and check both items
Add the garments and DTF decoration to the cart. Before checkout, confirm that the garment lines and the correct DTF position, size and quantity are all shown.
Cart check
Check the garment style, colour, size and quantity, then check the DTF position, print-size option and decoration quantity. The cart needs both parts for a complete decorated order.
If a DTF line is missing or does not match the garments, correct the cart or contact PlusEmbroidery before checkout.
Order notes
State which design belongs on which garments, the finished dimensions and position, and any deliberate colour variation required for light or dark garment colours.
For repeat work, include the previous order number and identify anything that has changed in the artwork, garment, size, position or quantity.
DTF artwork requirements
DTF production requires production-ready vector artwork in AI or EPS format. A screenshot, website image or low-resolution logo may show the design but does not contain the scalable artwork needed for production.
Provide the required print dimensions and any important wording or colour details. Printed colour and screen colour can appear different, so exact screen-to-print matching should not be assumed.
Review artwork requirementsDTF minimum charge and variations
A minimum DTF decoration charge equivalent to 5 printed items applies to each production run. You may order fewer than 5 garments, but the minimum DTF charge still applies. Blank garments can be ordered with no minimum quantity.
PlusEmbroidery does not charge a DTF setup fee. The selected print size, position, artwork and production requirements still determine the decoration price.
Different artwork, print dimensions, positions or other production requirements may need separate DTF quantities and minimum-charge treatment. Add or describe each variation clearly so it can be reviewed correctly.
What happens after ordering?
1. Order review
The garments, quantities, DTF position, print size, artwork and notes are checked together.
2. Garment and artwork check
The artwork and intended position are considered against the fabric, garment construction and heat application.
3. Questions resolved
If the file, garment, placement or selected option needs clarification, PlusEmbroidery contacts you before proceeding.
4. Print preparation
The production-ready artwork is prepared and printed onto transfer film for the required production run.
5. In-house application
The transfers are applied to the approved garments using the required heat and pressure process.
6. Dispatch
The completed order is checked, packed and dispatched to the delivery address provided.
When to pause before checkout
The garment is flame resistant
Do not add DTF. This heat-applied method must not be used on flame-resistant garments.
The file is not AI or EPS
Send the available file for review, but production-ready vector AI or EPS artwork will be required before DTF production.
The position crosses garment features
Ask whether the print can be moved, resized or applied to a different garment rather than assuming the full area is usable.
Ready to add DTF printing?
Choose garments that can safely accept the heat application, add the required DTF position and size, provide the vector artwork and check both parts of the order before checkout.
Adding DTF printing FAQs
Where do I add DTF printing?
Choose the relevant DTF decoration option for the required position and size, then add it to the cart with the garments it applies to.
What artwork do I upload?
Supply production-ready vector artwork in AI or EPS format and include the intended dimensions, position and important colour or design notes.
Can I order fewer than 5 printed garments?
Yes, but the minimum DTF decoration charge equivalent to 5 printed items still applies to the production run.
Can DTF be added to any garment?
No. The fabric must tolerate heat and pressure, the position must be accessible, and the decoration must not compromise garment requirements. DTF must never be used on flame-resistant garments.
What is the largest print I can order?
The maximum DTF print size is 30 cm × 40 cm. The garment and position can reduce the actual usable area.
What happens if embroidery is recommended instead?
New embroidery follows a different approval process. You first check a printable, to-scale plot sheet for logo size, layout, spelling and the computer-generated stitch format. After approval, a physical sample is stitched and its photo reviewed for any fine-tuning. The same logo may appear slightly different across garment types because fabrics respond differently to stitching.
What should appear in my cart?
The cart should show the garments by style, colour and size, plus the correct DTF decoration item, position, size and quantity.