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Direct to Film (DTF)
Industry Terminology • Direct to Film (DTF)

What is DTF Gang Sheet?

Technical definition, shop floor implications, and pricing strategies for commercial apparel decorators.

Quick Definition

A master digital layout sheet on a continuous roll of PET film packed with multiple distinct artwork designs, logos, and neck labels to maximize film utilization and minimize waste.

Deep Dive & Practical Application

In Direct to Film (DTF) printing, transfers are printed onto continuous rolls of PET film (typically 22", 24", or 30" wide) that feed through an automatic powder shaker and dryer.

A gang sheet consolidates multiple customer orders, chest logos, pocket prints, sleeve designs, and collar tags onto a single continuous canvas (e.g. 22" × 60" or 22" × 120").

By nesting graphics closely with 2D bin-packing algorithms, shops achieve 85% to 95% film utilization, drastically cutting raw material costs per transfer.

Shop Floor & Profitability Impact

Letting customers upload and auto-nest gang sheets on your website with 0% software commissions turns DTF into a high-margin revenue powerhouse for your shop.

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