Custom Heat Transfers

Our premium Direct to Film (DTF) Transfers – also known as heat transfers are the perfect solution for vibrant, durable, and professional-quality prints to apply to a variety of fabrics and materials. With no minimums or set up costs, our dtf transfers are the perfect option for hobbyists, small businesses and large operations alike to up their apparel branding game. 

Don’t have a design ready? No problem! Use our easy-to-use online designer to craft your custom heat transfers with ease.

  • Compatible with All Fabrics and Colors
  • Bold, Vibrant Colors with Sharp, Detailed Designs
  • Durable and Washer/Dryer-Friendly
  • No Minimum Order Requirements or Setup Costs

For best results with Direct To Film/Heat Transfers, please upload your artwork in Vector File format (EPS – Adobe Illustrator).

White T-shirt with "Your Logo Here" being applied by heat transfer decal
Step 1 - Choose Size and Quantity

Choose Size

Choose the size you want for your product

Step 2 - Choose Add-Ons

Choose Options

Choose the options you want for your product

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Step 3 - Choose Design Method
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Design Methods

Design from Scratch Pencil Icon | Decals.com

Design from Scratch

With our easy to use online designer, you can quickly design your custom heat transfers. Just upload an image or logo from your computer or choose from our wide selection of clipart to create your personalized dtf transfer.

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Upload a File

If you decide to upload an original file, instead of designing your own, you will need to upload an .eps file. This ensures that you will receive the highest quality decals possible! Once you have added your product to your cart and select your shipping method, a proof will be emailed to you. When you approve your proof and make a payment, your order will be complete.

Payment

All orders must be paid up front prior to being put into production. We accept VISA, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover credit cards. We also accept checks, which must be received prior to your direct to film heat transfers being put into production. 

Live Order Tracking

Back in the early days of making decals, we built a system called Live Order Tracking that enables our customers to track their order through every stage of our streamlined process, from order placement to delivery.

Live Order Tracking Icons

After placing your order for custom heat transfer decals, you’ll receive a unique Live Order Tracking number via email that will allow you to track your decals every step of the way. Need the current status of your order? Just click the link in the email and get the most recent updates from our dynamic Live Order Tracking system.

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Production Time Tables

Our flexible production times range from three to seven business days. This allows you to make the final decision on when you need your order.

3 Business Day Express:

Have an extra two days, but still need your products quickly? The express option is ideal for you!

3 Business Days Standard Infographic

  • Orders approved after 5:00 PM CST will be processed the following business day,
  • Emergency/same day rushes are available in some cases, Please speak with a customer service representative today for more information,
  • Note: The time it will take to receive your product includes the production time as well as the shipping time.
  • Turnaround starts from the time the file upload is complete. If an order is flagged in our prepress department or a proof is requested awaiting approval, turnaround starts from the time the approval is given.

5 Business Days Standard:

This is our most popular fast turnaround option. Free and speedy enough for almost any custom order.

5 Business Days Saver

  • Orders approved after 5:00 PM CST will be processed the following business day,
  • Emergency/same day rushes are available in some cases, Please speak with a customer service representative today for more information,
  • Note: The time it will take to receive your product includes the production time as well as the shipping time.
  • Turnaround starts from the time the file upload is complete. If an order is flagged in our prepress department or a proof is requested awaiting approval, turnaround starts from the time the approval is given.

7 Business Days Saver:

If you’re not in a rush, then you can save some money by choosing our 7 Day Saver option.

 

5 Business Days Saver

 

  • Orders approved after 5:00 PM CST will be processed the following business day
  • Emergency/same day rushes are available in some cases, Please speak with a customer service representative today for more information,
  • Note: The time it will take to receive your product includes the production time as well as the shipping time.
  • Turnaround starts from the time the file upload is complete. If an order is flagged in our prepress department or a proof is requested awaiting approval, turnaround starts from the time the approval is given.

Create Your Product

Direct to Film (DTF) Transfers Artwork Specifications

Preferred Files for Printing

The maximum file size we accept is 100 MB. Our preferred file types are:

  • Adobe Illustrator EPS (Encapsulated Post Script)
  • PDF (Adobe PDF)

When submitting these files, make sure you convert all fonts to outlines or curves to ensure they print correctly and the fonts are not substituted. 

Additional Files Accepted

  • JPG (High Resolution JPEG)
  • TIFF (High Resolution TIFF)
  • PNG (High Resolution PNG)

File Tips

  • Set up size proportionate to the exact size product you are ordering 
  • Convert all text to outlines 
  • Only Allow for bleed if necessary
  • Never flatten/merge layers in a PSD file
  • Indicate the cut line clearly for all decal products

Vector Art

Vector art consists of lines and curves that are mathematically defined objects. When viewing art in key line mode you can see the points or vectors when connecting your lines and curves. They can also be seen when using the pen tool or editing the points along a path. Vector art is ideal for type and drawn shapes because they can be enlarged to any size while maintaining crisp outlines and details without sacrificing quality. The distance between the vectors is calculated mathematically and is not dependent upon resolution. 

Raster Art

Raster images consist of colored squares, called pixels. They are created by combining a series of various colored pixels. Digital photographs are made up of pixels. If you view a raster image at 200% or more you are able to see the individual pixels that make up the image. Raster images are dependent upon resolution so image enlargement is limited by the individual size at which the file was created. If a file is produced at a size that is larger than its resolution will allow, the quality will decrease. Printing a low resolution file will result in pixelation. Individual pixels are large enough to be easily discernable. Increasing the resolution will not solve this problem is there are not enough pixels to begin with. The program will add more pixels based upon the estimation of their location and will then assign their neighboring pixels's color value. This may cause an image to look muddy. 

If submitting these files, please follow the guidelines below:

  • 100% scale (full size output) at 100 dpi
  • 50% scale at 200 dpi or higher
  • 25% scale at 300 dpi or higher
  • 10% scale at 600-1200 dpi recommended

Design Services

 

If you are not able to provide us with a print ready artwork, our art department would be able to recreate your artwork in vector format for printing. Most logos or images can be recreated for and additional cost, which depends on the difficulty of your design. Artwork design service discounts may apply. Please contact a customer service representative today for more details.

This service needs to be paid for in advance of us printing your order. We will keep your recreated vector artwork on file for you to use on all future orders.

Releasing the recreated vector artwork to you for personal use can be done for an additional cost.

Create Your Product

Shipping

  • You can expect your Decals.com order to arrive within 2 - 4 business days (after production time) to 90% of the United States.
  • Unless otherwise specified, at the time of ordering, your custom transfer decals will ship via UPS Ground.
  • If you have any questions about shipping rates or rush production, please contact our friendly Customer Service Representatives at (320) 391-5250 prior to ordering.
  • You will receive a tracking number once your package has shipped.
  • To read more about our shipping information visit our shipping policy page.

Shipping Methods:

  • Economy (5-15 Days)
  • Standard (3-5 Business Days)
  • Three Day (3 Business Days)
  • Two Day (2 Business Days)
  • Overnight (1 Business Day)

Important Economy Shipping Notes:

  • If choosing economy shipping, please include additional postal information such as your P.O. Box in the "Address Two" field on the checkout page to help ensure delivery.
  • Using economy shipping can also add an additional 5 - 10 days, depending on where the package is being shipped to. 

National and International Shipping Notes:

  • Decals.com ships throughout the United States and Internationally.
  • All international shipments must have shipping labels as well as customs documentation provided by the customers. We will only accept international shipping labels from the following carriers, USP and UPS.
  • Contact a Customer Service Representative at (320) 391-5250 for more information.

Create Your Product

How to Apply Your DTF Heat Transfer

Applying your DTF Heat Transfer is easy peasy, even for beginners and can be done with both a commercial heat press or an at home iron. 

 

1. Prepare your surface: Ensure the item that you are transferring the design onto is clean and free of wrinkles. Give the material a quick press to help ensure a smooth application surface

2. Position your design:  Place your DTF transfer onto your desired surface (with the front masking still attached) 

3. Apply Heat: Apply ~350 degree F heat for 15 seconds on a cotton t shirt and for 30 seconds on a sweatshirt. If you are applying to a polyester material, we recommend lowering the heat to ~ 290 degrees F and pressing for 15 seconds. 

4. Peel Away: Let your heat transfer cool before removing with a clean even peel. 

Optional: for best results after peeling, put a piece of parchment paper over the image and repress for 5 seconds.

Create Your Product

More About Custom Heat Transfers Return to Top

Take your branding to the next level with our high-quality, full-color heat press transfers. Using Direct to Film (DTF) technology, we print your custom designs in reverse onto a special film, apply a hot melt powder while the ink is still wet, and cure the prints in an oven for lasting durability. Once ready, simply apply the transfer to your chosen fabric with heat—no complex equipment needed.

Whether you're branding shirts, hats, tote bags, uniforms, or other custom merchandise, our DTF heat transfers make it easy. Just place, press, and peel for vibrant, professional-looking results that stay bold wash after wash.

Looking for more merchandising options? Create custom Holographic Stickers or Die-Cut stickers for eye-catching business branding.

How to Apply Your DTF Transfers

Applying your DTF Heat Transfer is easy peasy, even for beginners and can be done with both a commercial heat press or an at home iron. 

1. Prepare your surface: Ensure the item that you are transferring the design onto is clean and free of wrinkles. Give the material a quick press to help ensure of a smooth application surface

2. Position your design:  Place your DTF transfer onto your desired surface (with the front masking still attached) 

3. Apply Heat: Apply ~350 degree F heat for 15 seconds on a cotton t shirt and for 30 seconds on a sweatshirt. If you are applying to a polyester material, we recommend lowering the heat to ~ 290 degrees F and pressing for 15 seconds. 

4. Peel Away: Let your heat transfer cool before removing with a clean even peel. 

Optional: for best results after peeling, put a piece of parchment paper over the image and repress for 5 seconds.

Washing Instructions for DTF Transfers

To help maintain the longevity of your custom dtf transfers, we recommend you do the following when washing any garment that has an iron on transfer placed upon it. 

  • Wait at least 24 hours after placement to allow the adhesive to cure fully into the surface.
  • Turn the garment inside out.
  • Wash in cold water.
  • Tumble dry at the lowest available temperature.
  • Wash with like colors, preferably the same color.
  • No bleach.
  • No dry cleaning.

 

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Why Choose Decals.com?

Customer Service

Our customer service is 100% in-house and comprised of friendly, professional graphic designers.

Made in the USA

All of our products are proudly made and manufactured here in the USA!

 

Fast Turnaround

Standard turnaround time ships your product within three business days.

Track Your Order

Track your order, every step of the way, with our proprietary live order tracking system.

Frequently Asked Questions Return to Top

Product Information

What is a dtf transfer?

A heat transfer decal is made using a special direct-to-film (DTF) technology.  This allows the image to be transfered to materials and other heat-safe surfaces. The design is printed without any background, allowing it to blend into the fabric once applied.

What is DTF Printing?

Direct-To-Film or (DTF) is a printing technique where designs are printed onto a special film. This film is then transferred onto various substrates using heat. Because of the versatility and durability of Direct-To-Film, it is often used for apparel and other fabric-based surfaces. It’s also worth noting that in the broader printing industry that DTF can also refer to Direct-To-Fabric, this is a process in which a design is printed directly onto a fabric roll before being cut and assembled.

What material are your heat transfers made from?

Heat transfer vinyl, oftentimes known as HTV, is a special type of vinyl material that is cut into your design and then placed into the fabric or other heat-safe surfaces using a heat press or household iron. The heat stimulates the adhesive on the back of the vinyl, connecting it permanently to the material.

Can I use multiple colors, fonts, and images in my design?

For sure! We digitally print our iron on heat transfers in full color, so you can have as many colors, fonts and images as you would like for no additional charge!

The only occasion that color affects pricing is if you were to request a color match proof. Please contact our customer service team if you need a color match proof!

What are the size limitations for these dtf transfer?

Our custom dtf transfers have a minimum print width and height of 2” and a maximum print width and height of 13”.

Are dtf transfers machine washable?

Yes! All of our heat transfers are machine washable and dryable. We do recommend turning your shirt inside out when washing and drying to help extend the lifespan of the iron on transfer. 

How long do DTF transfers last?

DTF transfers can last a long time, but it all comes down to a few variables. For example when it comes to washing, using cool water helps preserve the integrity of the print. Just as important, avoid aggressive or high-heat dryers, as excessive heat can cause the design to deteriorate over time. Finally, proper application from the start is key—a well-applied heat transfer often results in long-lasting, high-quality results.
 

Common Uses

What are some common uses for custom heat transfers?

Heat transfer decals or DTF prints are commonly used to apply logos, lettering, or designs onto apparel/fabric items. They work great for custom T-shirts, uniforms, hats, tote bags, and other promotional items.

What surfaces can direct to film transfers be placed on?

Our direct to film transfers combine best with fabrics such as cotton, polyester, and blends. However, they are not recommended for soft fabrics like silk or heat-sensitive materials.

How to remove heat transfers?

Our Iron on heat transfers are not removable. Once they are applied with heat, they are permanently locked into the fabric and cannot be removed or repositioned.