Welcome to the world of Direct-to-Film printing. Whether you're in the t-shirt business or just dipping your toes into custom apparel, this comprehensive glossary will help you navigate the terminology like a pro. From basic concepts to advanced techniques, we've got it covered. Let's demystify the language of DTF.
Table of contents
- Basic DTF Concepts
- Heat Press Terminology
- Transfer Types and Techniques
- Design and File Preparation
- Color Adjustment and Image Enhancement
- Fabric and Fit Terminology
- Garment construction terminology
- Legal and Business Terminology
- Storage and Wash Care
Basic DTF concepts
DTF Transfer: A heat transfer process where designs are printed on special PET film and then transferred to various materials using a heat press.
PET Film: A special polyester film that acts as the carrier for DTF prints, designed to hold the ink and adhesive.
DTF Ink: Specially formulated inks used in DTF printing to create vibrant, flexible, and durable images.
Hot Melt Powder: An adhesive powder applied to the ink on PET film, helping the design adhere to the substrate during heat pressing.
Substrate: The surface onto which a DTF transfer is applied, such as cotton, polyester, or even leather.
DTF Printer: A specialized printer that prints high-resolution designs onto PET film using CMYK and white ink.
RIP Software: Software that manages the design and printing process, ensuring proper color management and print quality.
Tunnel Oven: A device used to cure the adhesive powder on DTF film, preparing the transfer for heat pressing.
Heat press terminology
Heat Press: A machine that uses heat and pressure to transfer DTF designs from the PET film onto different materials.
Platen: The heated surface of a heat press that applies heat and pressure to transfer designs onto fabric.
Clamshell Press: A type of heat press that opens vertically, with a compact design ideal for small spaces.
Swing-Away Press: A heat press where the top platen swings away to provide better access to the garment.
Pressure Setting: This feature allows you to adjust the pressure based on the thickness of the material being printed.
Silicone Upper Platen Cover: A protective cover made of silicone that sits on the heat press platen, helping to prevent scorch marks and reduce pressing time by up to 4x.
Protective Cover Sheet: A sheet used between the heat press and the garment to evenly distribute heat and prevent scorching.
Heat Press Pillow: A tool used inside garments to ensure even pressure over raised areas like seams or buttons, reducing the risk of scorch marks.
Application Pad: A thick pad placed over the transfer to help distribute heat more evenly on delicate fabrics.
Garment Protector Pad: A silicone pad used to protect garments and ensure even pressure distribution during pressing.
Cricut Press: A smaller heat press used for precision pressing on garments with challenging areas like buttons or zippers.
Pocket Platen: A smaller interchangeable platen designed for pressing pockets, sleeves, or other tight spaces.
Mini Cricut Press: A small heat press ideal for pressing tight areas like pockets, avoiding raised seams for better results.TPU Powder: A hot-melt adhesive powder used in DTF printing that provides a soft, flexible finish. When heated, it creates a strong bond between the ink and fabric, working effectively on both natural and synthetic materials.
Thermal Heat Tape: Heat-resistant tape used to secure transfers in place during pressing. It won't leave residue on garments and can be reused multiple times, making it ideal for precise DTF transfer placement.
Protective Guard Magnets: Small magnets designed to hold silicone sheets and protective guards in place on your heat press. They ensure consistent coverage and prevent shifting during pressing while allowing quick sheet removal.
DTF Inks: Specially formulated water-based inks designed for DTF printing. These inks create vibrant, durable prints that remain flexible after curing, making them ideal for garment decoration.
UV Application Squeegee: A handheld tool with a felt edge used to apply DTF transfers, particularly UV DTF 3D PermaStickers™. Its medium-flex design and felt strip help protect surfaces while ensuring smooth, bubble-free application.
Alignment Ruler Set: A set of clear rulers designed specifically for garment decoration. These rulers feature measurements and guides for various necklines and print locations, ensuring consistent, professional placement of DTF transfers across different garment sizes.
Self-Healing Cutting Mat: A durable cutting surface made from multiple layers of PVC that "heals" itself after cuts. Essential for trimming DTF transfers, it protects both your work surface and cutting tools while ensuring clean, precise cuts.
Transfer types and techniques
Hot Peel DTF Transfer: This is a heat transfer method in which the film is removed immediately after pressing while still hot. It is ideal for fast production and simpler designs.
Cold Peel DTF Transfer: A method where the film is peeled after cooling completely, better for intricate designs and durability.
Easy Peel Transfer: A flexible option that can be peeled warm or cold, offering a balance between speed and quality.
Peel Timing: The specific timing at which a transfer film is removed affects the final result.
UV DTF Transfer: A transfer process using UV-curable inks printed on transparent film, cured by UV light to create a durable, raised effect, mainly for non-porous surfaces like glass or metal.
PermaStickers: UV DTF transfers branded as durable, weather-resistant stickers, ideal for hard surfaces like tech accessories and vehicles.
Gang Sheets: Large sheets that contain multiple designs, optimizing material use and reducing transfer costs by printing several designs on one sheet.
Gang Sheet Builder: An online design tool that lets you arrange multiple DTF transfers on a single sheet without needing graphic design software. This web-based app helps you maximize material usage and reduce costs by organizing various designs efficiently on one transfer sheet.
Glitter Transfers: A type of transfer that incorporates a layer of glitter within the print, creating a sparkling effect without needing additional materials or processes.
Rhinestone Effect: Adds individual rhinestones to DTF transfers, giving a "bedazzled" appearance perfect for high-glamour or standout designs.
Puff Effect: Pre-raised elements incorporated into DTF transfers to add texture and a 3D look, commonly used for logos or small design areas.
Pattern Texture: A technique that adds tiny holes, lines, or shapes to the design for a lighter, breathable finish, often used for athletic or summer apparel.
Design and file preparation
Vector Files: Graphics composed of paths defined by mathematical formulas. They can be scaled infinitely without losing quality, making them ideal for logos and sharp designs. Common formats include AI and EPS.
Raster Files: Images made of pixels, each carrying specific color information. Raster files are best for complex designs and photographs but lose quality when scaled up. Common formats include PNG and TIFF.
DPI (Dots Per Inch): A measurement of resolution for raster images, with 300 DPI recommended for high-quality DTF transfers to ensure sharpness in print.
RGB (Red, Green, Blue): An additive color model used for digital screens, capable of producing a wide range of vibrant colors through light mixing.
CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black): A subtractive color model used in printing, where colors are created by subtracting light, often leading to less vibrant prints compared to RGB.
Color Gamut: The complete range of colors that can be represented in a given color model; RGB has a wider gamut than CMYK.
sRGB: A standard RGB color space commonly used for digital images recommended for designing files that will be printed via DTF.
Rich Black: A mix of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black in CMYK to achieve a deeper, more vibrant black in printing.
Halftones: A design technique that uses tiny dots to break up solid areas of color, enhancing breathability and softness in prints.
Distress Effect: A design technique that intentionally creates a worn or vintage look, reducing the plastic feel while adding texture.
Underbase: The layer of white ink in DTF printing which can be adjusted to reduce the thickness and improve softness.
Bleed: Extra space around the design that ensures no white edges are visible after printing and cutting.
Edge Tolerance: The allowance for minor shifts in design placement ensures clean edges.
Knockout Text: A design method where text or shapes are cut out from the background to create contrast.
Anti-Aliasing: A technique used in digital graphics to smooth jagged edges in curved lines or text, creating a cleaner print.
Color adjustment and image enhancement
Brightness: Adjusting the overall lightness of an image to make colors appear more vivid.
Contrast: Enhancing the difference between light and dark areas to improve depth and color definition.
Vibrance: A more subtle adjustment than saturation, enhancing less-saturated colors without affecting already bright colors too drastically.
Saturation: Increases the intensity of all colors but can lead to unrealistic effects if overdone.
Selective Color: A tool used in graphic design to adjust the color balance within specific parts of the design.
Levels & Curves: Tools for adjusting shadows, mid-tones, and highlights, helping fine-tune image brightness and contrast for optimal vibrancy.
Complementary Colors: Color pairs that contrast strongly (e.g., red and green) to enhance the vibrancy of a design.
Bold Outlines: Thick outlines around design elements to boost contrast and make details pop, especially on dark backgrounds.
HSB (Hue, Saturation, Brightness): A color selection tool that allows for more intuitive adjustments within both RGB and CMYK color modes.
Color Theory: The study of how colors interact to influence emotions and aesthetics. In t-shirt design, this is crucial for creating visually appealing and resonant designs.
Choke and Spread: Techniques used to prevent colors from bleeding into each other during printing.
Soft Proofing: Viewing a digital simulation of how the final printed design will appear.
Color Matching: Adjusting colors in the design to match the final printed output as closely as possible.
Fabric and fit terminology
Cotton: A natural, breathable fiber popular for its softness and versatility in t-shirt production.
Polyester: A synthetic fabric known for moisture-wicking properties and durability, often used in activewear.
Cotton-Poly Blend: A combination of cotton and polyester offering durability, comfort, and reduced shrinkage.
Tri-blend Fabric: A premium fabric blend of cotton, polyester, and rayon known for softness and breathability.
Combed and Ringspun Cotton: A process that removes impurities and short fibers, resulting in a softer and smoother cotton fabric.
Jersey Knit: A common t-shirt fabric that is lightweight, stretchy, and soft, perfect for casual wear.
Moisture-Wicking: A fabric characteristic that pulls sweat away from the skin, keeping wearers dry.
Performance Fabric: Fabrics designed for athletic or active use, often moisture-wicking and stretchable.
Pre-Shrunk: A treatment to minimize shrinkage after washing, ensuring premium tees retain their size and fit.
Standard Fit: A balanced fit with a moderate shape that isn't too tight or too loose, providing comfort and versatility.
Slim Fit: A form-fitting style that hugs the body, creating a sleek, modern look.
Relaxed Fit: A loose-fitting t-shirt offering maximum comfort and a casual aesthetic.
Athletic Fit: Tailored for active individuals, providing a close fit with stretch for mobility.
Side-Seamed: T-shirts constructed with side seams for a more defined shape.
Crewneck: A close-fitting, circular neckline that sits at the base of the neck, offering universal appeal and versatility.
V-Neck: A neckline shaped like a "V," which elongates the torso and provides a modern, flattering fit.
Scoop Neckline: A deeper, wider neckline that frames the collarbone, creating a more feminine and relaxed look.
Henley Neckline: A round neckline with a short button placket, offering an adjustable fit and a casual yet sophisticated style.
Garment construction terminology
Tubular Construction: Seamless t-shirts made in a continuous tube shape for cost efficiency but with a less structured fit.
Placket: A finished opening in a garment, typically referring to the front opening of a shirt or the reinforced area where buttons and buttonholes are placed.
Gusset: A piece of fabric inserted into a seam to add breadth or reduce stress from tight-fitting clothing. In t-shirts, it's often found under the arms for increased mobility.
Ribbing: A knitted fabric with a distinctive texture, often used for collar and cuff trim on t-shirts and sweatshirts. It provides stretch and recovery.
Yoke: A shaped piece of fabric, usually across the shoulders or at the hips, from which the rest of the garment hangs. It can affect how a DTF design sits on the garment.
Raglan Sleeve: A sleeve that extends in one piece to the collar, leaving a diagonal seam from underarm to collarbone. This construction can impact DTF design placement.
Double-Needle Stitching: A sewing technique using two needles to create parallel rows of stitching, often seen on hems and sleeves. This can affect heat press placement.
Flat Seam: A low-profile seam that lies flat against the body, reducing bulk and potential interference with DTF transfers.
Tag-Free Label: A label printed directly onto the garment's interior, eliminating the need for a physical tag and providing a smoother surface for DTF application.
Heat Transfer Label: A type of garment label applied using heat, similar to DTF transfers. Understanding these can help with placement of your own DTF designs.
Neck Tape: A strip of fabric sewn into the neckline of a garment to reinforce it and prevent stretching. This can affect the feel of DTF prints near the neckline.
Legal and business terminology
Copyright: Legal protection granted to the creators of original works, giving them exclusive rights to use, reproduce, and distribute their creations.
Fair Use: A legal doctrine allowing limited use of copyrighted material without permission, typically for purposes like commentary, parody, or education.
Transformative Work: A new creation that significantly alters the original work by adding new meaning, which may qualify it as fair use.
Public Domain: Creative works not protected by copyright and are free for public use without permission.
AI-Generated Designs: Artwork created by artificial intelligence based on text prompts, which raises complex copyright issues due to the nature of the source data and ownership ambiguity.
Print-on-Demand (POD): A business model where t-shirts are printed only when a customer orders, allowing flexibility in design experimentation without inventory risk.
Pre-Printing: A method where designs are printed in bulk before orders, maximizing cost efficiency.
Budget Brands: Lower-cost t-shirt brands like Gildan or Fruit of the Loom, often used for bulk promotional items.
Storage and wash care
Airtight Containers: These are used to prevent exposure to moisture and dust, keeping transfers in optimal condition.
Silica Packets: Desiccants that absorb moisture inside storage containers, protecting DTF transfers from humidity.
Parchment Paper: Placed between transfers to prevent sticking and adhesive interaction during long-term storage.
Climate Control: Involves maintaining cool, dry, and stable environments, ideally at room temperature or lower, to avoid damage from heat and humidity.
Cold Water Washing: Using cold water to prevent shrinking, fading, and damage to graphic prints during the wash cycle.
Gentle Cycle: A low-agitation machine setting that reduces wear on printed garments, preventing cracks and peeling.
Air Drying: Hanging or laying flat graphic tees to dry, avoiding heat damage from dryers.
Knowledge is power
Mastering the lingo is just the first step in creating stunning custom apparel. Armed with this knowledge, you're now ready to tackle any DTF project with confidence. When you're ready to put your newfound knowledge into action and bring your designs to life, trust Ninja Transfers for your DTF transfers and supplies. For one-stop shopping, look to Ninja Blanks for high-quality apparel that's just right for your DTF creations, and start your next project with the best in the business.
