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Click and drag designs to position | Use dimension inputs for precise sizing

What DTF (Direct-to-Film) Is - And Why It Matters

DTF stands for Direct-to-Film printing - it's a digital process where designs are printed onto a special film, then transferred to fabric using heat and pressure. It's not screen printing. It's not vinyl. It's closer to digital heat-press but with a lot more versatility.


Here's the simple way to think about it:

This process has exploded in popularity because it hits a sweet spot between quality, durability, versatility, and speed.


Why This Tool Exists

This gang sheet calculator - the tool you're looking at right now - is built to help garment decorators optimize their DTF prints:

And if you're adding this calculator to your own website, you're not just helping people calculate prints - you're giving them something useful, engaging, and SEO-worthy. That boosts visitor time on page, repeat visits, organic rankings, and conversions - the kind of signal Google loves.


How DTF Compares Across Fabrics + Durability

Below is a breakdown of how DTF performs on common materials and how durable the prints are compared to other methods:


Fabric Type Recommended? Print Durability (Wash/ Wear) Print Feel Comments
Cotton (100%) (Excellent) Soft/Moderate Classic choice; vibrant colors & long life
Polyester (100%) (Very Good) Slightly Soft Great for sportswear; colors pop
Cotton/Poly Blends (Excellent) Soft Best balance of comfort & durability
Spandex / Stretch Fabrics (Good) Moderate Some cracking if over-stretched
Nylon (Fair) Slightly Plastic Adhesion can be tricky; coated nylon does better
Canvas (Bags) (Very Good) Moderate Good for accessories and totes
Denim (Very Good) Moderate Holds well; texture affects finish
Silk / Delicate (Low) Soft but Unpredictable Not recommended; heat can damage fabric

Key Notes

Durability Ratings Explained:

Feel & Hand: DTF usually feels softer than screen print or heavy vinyl because the ink is embedded into an adhesive layer - not a thick plastic sheet.