Guides

DTF vs Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV): What Is the Difference?

Both DTF and heat transfer vinyl (HTV) are applied with a heat press, but they are made differently and suit different designs.

What is HTV?

HTV is a sheet of colored vinyl that is cut into shapes, such as letters or simple logos, and pressed onto fabric. It is a good fit for solid-color text, names and numbers.

What is DTF?

DTF prints the full design in ink onto film. It is not limited to flat colors, so it can reproduce gradients, shading and photos. Learn more in What Is DTF Printing?

How to choose

• Simple one-color text or numbers: HTV works well.
• Multi-color logos and detailed art: choose DTF.
• Photos or gradients: choose DTF.

Tell us what you are making and we will suggest the best method.

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