What Is a DTF Transfer Sheet? Sizes, Pricing and How to Use One
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A DTF transfer sheet is a piece of PET film printed with your designs in full color over a white ink base, coated with hot-melt adhesive powder and cured, ready to heat press onto fabric. At DTF Sirius, sheets are 22 inches wide, $0.75 per inch of length (22 × 12 is $9), with no minimum order.
If you are new to direct-to-film printing, the word "sheet" can mean a few different things depending on who is selling it. This guide explains what is actually on a DTF transfer sheet, which sizes are common, how pricing works, and how to go from a sheet in the mailbox to a finished shirt.
What is on a DTF transfer sheet?
Every DTF transfer sheet has the same four layers, built up in this order at the print shop:
- Clear PET film. The carrier. Your design is printed on it in reverse, which is why you upload artwork unmirrored and the printer handles the flip.
- CMYK color ink. The full-color image: photos, gradients, fine lines and small text.
- White ink underbase. A solid white layer printed behind the color so the design looks the same on a black hoodie as on a white tee.
- Adhesive powder, cured. A hot-melt powder that sticks only to the wet ink and is then heated until it fuses. This is what bonds the print to the fabric when you press it.
The result is a flexible film you can cut with scissors. There is nothing to weed and no transfer tape: you position the design, press it, and peel the film away.
DTF transfer sheet sizes
Most DTF printers run 22-inch-wide film, so sheets are sold by length. At DTF Sirius every sheet is 22 inches wide, and you can choose a length from 12 inches up to 240 inches (20 feet): 12, 24, 36, 38, 40 and 48 inches, then every 12 inches up to 240.
| Sheet size | Area | DTF price | UV DTF price | Fits about (with 1/4-in gaps) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22 × 12 in | 264 sq in | $9 | $36 | 18 left-chest logos (3 × 3) or 2 full fronts (10 × 12) |
| 22 × 24 in | 528 sq in | $18 | $72 | 25 designs at 4 × 4 in |
| 22 × 60 in | 1,320 sq in | $45 | $180 | 70 designs at 4 × 4 or 8 full fronts |
| 22 × 120 in | 2,640 sq in | $90 | $360 | 18 full fronts (10 × 12) |
| 22 × 240 in | 5,280 sq in | $180 | $720 | Large team and shop runs |
For a design-by-design breakdown of how many prints fit on each length, see DTF gang sheet sizes or run the numbers on the gang sheet calculator.
DTF transfer sheet pricing
Sheet pricing is linear: you pay for length, not for how many designs you place on it. DTF is $0.75 per inch of a 22-inch-wide sheet, which works out to about 3.4¢ per square inch. UV DTF, the peel-and-stick version for hard surfaces, is $3.00 per inch, about 13.6¢ per square inch. There is no minimum order and no setup fee, the per-inch rate is the same at any quantity, and orders of $120 or more ship free in the US.
That means the cheapest way to use a sheet is to fill it. Ten small logos and one large back print on the same 22 × 24 sheet cost $18 in total. The full price tables live on DTF gang sheet pricing.
Sheet, gang sheet or transfers by size?
A "DTF transfer sheet" and a "gang sheet" are usually the same product: one length of film carrying many designs. The alternative is ordering each design at its own size. Here is how to choose.
| Option | Best for | How it is priced |
|---|---|---|
| DTF Gang Sheet Builder | Many designs or sizes; you arrange them in your browser | By sheet length ($0.75 per inch) |
| DTF Upload Gang Sheet | You already built a 22-inch-wide file in Photoshop, Illustrator or Canva | By the size of your file |
| DTF Transfers by Size | A few designs at exact sizes, no layout work | By the square inch of each design; the uploader shows your total |
Every option can be ordered pre-cut so each design arrives cut out and ready to place. Pre-cut pricing is quoted on request.
How to use a DTF transfer sheet, step by step
- Cut the designs apart. Use scissors and leave a small margin of clear film around each print.
- Heat the press to 315–325°F and set medium-firm pressure.
- Pre-press the garment for a few seconds to remove moisture and wrinkles.
- Position the transfer print side down on the fabric. Heat-resistant tape helps on sleeves and hats.
- Press for 6–12 seconds.
- Peel hot. Remove the film right away while it is still hot, in one smooth motion.
- Optional finish: a second press of about 5 seconds with parchment paper gives a softer, more matte look.
Settings vary a little by fabric; polyester should stay at the low end of the range to limit dye migration. Full directions are on Heat Press Instructions and DTF press settings by fabric.
What to upload: file requirements
- Format: PNG with a transparent background works best. JPG, SVG, PDF, PSD, AI and EPS are also accepted.
- Background: anything in the file prints, including white boxes behind a logo. JPG files cannot be transparent.
- Resolution: 300 DPI at the final print size.
- Orientation: do not mirror the artwork.
- Proofing: files are printed exactly as submitted, so check spelling and colors before you order.
For layout tips, see how to prepare artwork for a DTF gang sheet.
Turnaround, shipping and care
Sheets are printed in-house and shipped across the US. Orders placed by 2 PM ET Monday through Friday (excluding US federal holidays) ship the same day with tracking. Typical delivery is 1–2 business days to New York, New Jersey and New England and 2–4 business days to the rest of the US. If a sheet arrives misprinted, damaged or wrong, email photos within 7 days of delivery and it is reprinted or refunded.
Once pressed, wash garments inside out in cold water and tumble dry low. Pressed as directed, the transfers are rated for 50+ washes.
Frequently asked questions
What is a DTF transfer sheet?
A length of PET film printed with full-color designs over a white ink base, coated with adhesive powder and cured. You cut out each design and heat press it onto fabric, then peel the film away.
What size are DTF transfer sheets?
Most are 22 inches wide and sold by length. DTF Sirius offers lengths from 12 to 240 inches; the smallest is 22 × 12 inches.
How much does a DTF transfer sheet cost?
At DTF Sirius, DTF sheets are $0.75 per inch of length, so 22 × 12 is $9, 22 × 60 is $45 and 22 × 120 is $90. UV DTF sheets are $3.00 per inch, so 22 × 12 is $36.
Is there a minimum order for DTF transfer sheets?
No. You can order a single 22 × 12 sheet, and the per-inch rate is the same at any quantity. There is no setup fee.
Are DTF transfer sheets ready to press?
Yes. They arrive printed, powdered and cured. Cut the designs apart, press at 315–325°F with medium-firm pressure for 6–12 seconds and peel hot.
Can I press a DTF transfer sheet with a household iron?
It is not recommended. An iron does not deliver even heat and pressure, so results are inconsistent and less durable. Use a heat press.
Can you cut the designs apart for me?
Yes. Every DTF and UV DTF sheet and transfer can be ordered pre-cut, so each design arrives cut out and ready to place. Pre-cut pricing is quoted on request at info@dtfsirius.com.
What is the difference between DTF and UV DTF sheets?
DTF sheets are heat pressed onto fabric. UV DTF sheets are peel-and-stick decals for hard, smooth surfaces such as glass, stainless steel and ceramic, with no heat press; let them set 24 hours before washing. See DTF vs UV DTF.