Edited: November 5, 2025
Start Designing | What you need | Design & Purchase | Apply | Care | FAQ
Direct-to-Film (or DTF) transfers give you full-color, vibrant, detailed, and durable heat-transfer designs that feel soft and move naturally on a variety of fabrics, including cotton, polyester, and blends.
What you need
Crict EasyPress or Cricut Autopress
Cricut Pressing Mat
Protective Sheet**
Base material
Heat Resistant Tape (optional)
**Parchment paper, butcher paper, or Heat-Resistant Pressing Sheet.
Design & Purchase
Note: Currently, Direct-to-Film transfers are only available through Design Space on a Windows or Mac computer, and only in the U.S.
→ Design
Select DTF Transfers from the “New Project” button in the top right corner of Design Space.
Select your project size and click Continue. Check out our curated template designs, and use images, text, the Upload feature, and other Design Space tools to customize your design.
Important: When creating your DTF transfer project, keep in mind that everything placed in the design area will print exactly as it is positioned. You can include multiple designs, whether duplicates or different elements, but be careful with placement. If any objects overlap in the design area, they will print that way. To avoid this, double-check your layout before finalizing your design.
→ Purchase
When your design is finished, click Purchase in the top right corner. A Cricut.com shopping cart will open in a browser window, listing your DTF transfer and any images or fonts in your design that you do not currently own or have permissions to use as part of Cricut Access. Here, you can also adjust the DTF transfer quantity as desired. Then, follow the prompts to complete your purchase.
We’ll print* your DTF transfer and ship it to you!
*You will receive a printed transfer to apply to your own blank item (i.e., t-shirt, hoodie, etc.). A finished textile product is not included.
Apply
→ Prep
Once your DTF transfers arrive, prepare your base materials and a working area to apply your direct to film design. When using Cricut EasyPress, place your pressing mat on a firm, steady surface. Ensure your base material is clean and dry. Lay your base material on the pressing mat, ensuring the area where you want to apply the design is centered on the mat.
→ Heat
Preheat base material as instructed in our Heat Guide. Ensure the area where you want to apply the design is flat and free of wrinkles. Place the DTF Transfer on the base material with the color side up. Cover the design with a protective sheet.
Apply heat using the time and temperatures instructed in the Heat Guide. When using Cricut EasyPress, ensure you apply constant, firm pressure during this step. Do not attempt to physically apply additional pressure to Cricut Autopress as doing so may damage the machine.
→ Cool & Peel
Once pressing is complete, allow Cricut Autopress to open, or safely lift Cricut EasyPress away from the design and return it to its safety base. Wait for the material to cool completely and then peel the transfer sheet away from the design.
→ Tips
If the design peels or lifts off of the fabric, cover the design with protective sheet and press again.
Care
- Allow 24 hours after application before washing
- Turn embellished items inside-out before washing
- Machine wash cold, delicate cycle
- Tumble dry low
- Do not bleach
FAQ
What is the difference between DTF and sublimation?
Both DTF and sublimation produce full-color, long-lasting designs, but they work differently:
- DTF: Ink and adhesive designs that can be used on a wide range of colors and fabrics including cotton, polyester, blends, and more.
- Sublimation: The ink becomes part of the fabric, so it works best on light-colored polyester surfaces of fabrics or sublimation blanks.
Can I print text, photos, or full-color images?
Yes! Cricut DTF Transfers support full-color, photo-quality designs, including gradients, fine details, and intricate artwork. Within Design Space, you can create your own design, choose from over 60,000+ ready-to-use PNG images, or upload your own photo or design to make something uniquely yours.
What file type is the best to use when uploading my own image?
PNGs are best since they support transparent backgrounds, but any high-resolution raster file (like JPG) will work. For the sharpest, most vibrant prints, use 300 dpi or higher.
Preferred file types include:
- JPG
- PNG
- GIF
- SVG
- DXF
- HEIC
- BMP
What sizes are available?
Cricut DTF Transfer sheets are available in a range of square sizes, perfect for everything from small, personalized designs to larger, full-front graphics.
Available sizes (in inches):
4 x 4 · 4.5 x 4.5 · 5 x 5 · 5.5 x 5.5 · 6 x 6 · 7 x 7 · 8.5 x 8.5 · 9 x 9 · 9.5 x 9.5 · 10 x 10 · 10.5 x 10.5 · 11 x 11 · 11.4 x 11.4.
How quickly can I get my order?
We work hard to get your order out as quickly as possible — most orders ship the same or next business day. In some cases, processing may take up to 2–3 business days.
You’ll qualify for free shipping on orders of $50 or more (before taxes and discounts). Once shipped, you’ll receive tracking information so you can follow your order every step of the way.
Which Cricut heat presses work best with DTF?
Cricut EasyPress 2, Cricut EasyPress 3, and Cricut Autopress work best for applying DTF transfers, ensuring even heat and consistent pressure every time. For any other brand of heat press, please refer to the manufacture’s guidelines on compatibility and how best to apply DTF.
What colors and types of materials does DTF work on?
DTF transfers look vibrant on any color fabric, even dark colors. And they work on a variety of fabrics & materials. You will specifically see detailed instructions in Cricut Heat Guide for how to apply DTF transfers to 100% cotton, polyester, poly/cotton blends, and Cricut blanks.
Are DTF transfers long-lasting? Do they peel off?
With proper application and care, DTF transfers should not peel or lift, and can last up to 75 washes while maintaining color and detail. Peeling can happen if the press temperature, pressure, or peel timing isn't followed precisely. Cricut's guided application settings and care instructions help you get a clean, lasting bond every time — so your designs stay put and look great wear after wear.
What is your refund policy?
We're confident you'll love your Cricut DTF Transfers; however, please click here to read our return policy. General returns require you to initiate contact with Cricut Member Care within five (5) days of the delivery of your order. For questions about the Cricut Warranty of U.S. Satisfaction Guarantee, please visit cricut.com/warranty.
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