DTF vs DTG: which print is right for your shirt or tote
Last updated October 15, 2026
Direct-to-film and direct-to-garment printing compared: how each works, what it feels like, which fabrics and colors suit it, and which one your custom shirt, hoodie or tote bag gets.
Two ways to put ink on fabric
Direct-to-film (DTF) prints your artwork onto a special film in full color, backs it with a fine adhesive powder, and presses it into the garment with heat. Direct-to-garment (DTG) works like an inkjet printer for fabric: water-based ink goes straight into the fibers, with no film and no transfer.
Both print photographs and detailed artwork in full color, one piece at a time, with no setup and no minimum. The differences are in the fabrics and colors each can handle, and in how the print feels.
Side by side
| DTF (heat transfer) | DTG (direct to garment) | |
|---|---|---|
| Fabrics | Cotton, blends and polyester | Natural fabrics such as cotton canvas |
| Garment color | Any: a white base layer under the design keeps colors true on black and navy | Best on light natural fabric |
| Detail | Fine lines, small text and gradients, built on the film first | Full color and photographic detail |
| Feel | A soft, flexible layer that moves with the fabric | In the fibers, so it feels like part of the fabric |
| Care | Regular washing, turned inside out | Regular washing |
Which one your product gets
You do not choose the method; the product does. Our T-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, tank tops, kids' wear and caps are printed by heat transfer, because they come in many fabrics and colors and DTF prints the same on all of them. Our canvas tote bag is printed direct to garment, because cotton canvas takes water-based ink best.
Each product page names its print method under About this product, with a link to the method's page.
Preparing artwork for either
- Use a PNG with a transparent background so only the design prints; a JPEG prints as a rectangle.
- Keep text and faces a little inside the printable area the editor marks.
- For dark garments, remember DTF lays a white base under your design: light colors stay light.
