How to Order Custom DTF Transfers from Texas Transfers (Step-by-Step)

How to Order Custom DTF Transfers from Texas Transfers (Step-by-Step)

You have a great design, and you’re ready to turn it into professional-quality custom apparel. You’ve heard about the vibrant colors and incredible durability of custom DTF transfers, and now it’s time to place your first order. But where do you begin?

Ordering custom prints can feel intimidating if you've never done it before. Questions about file types, sizing, and choosing the right product are completely normal. That’s why we created this definitive step-by-step guide. We’ll walk you through the entire process of ordering your Texas transfers, from preparing your artwork to pressing your finished design.

Our goal is to make ordering simple, fast, and foolproof. Let’s get started.

Step 1: Prepare Your Artwork for Flawless Prints

The quality of your final transfer starts with the quality of your digital file. Following these simple guidelines will ensure your prints are crisp, vibrant, and exactly what you envisioned.

  • Use a High-Resolution File: Your design should be created at 300 DPI (dots per inch). This is the industry standard for high-quality printing. A low-resolution file (like a 72 DPI image saved from a website) will look pixelated and blurry when printed. Always start with a high-resolution canvas.
  • Ensure a Transparent Background: This is the most important step. Your artwork must be saved on a transparent background. If it has a white or colored box behind it, that box will be printed. Save your final design as a .PNG file, as this format supports transparency.
  • Check for Stray Pixels and Glows: Zoom in on your design and look for any stray pixels, faint glows, or drop shadows that you don’t want printed. Our printers are incredibly detailed and will print exactly what’s in the file, so make sure your artwork is clean.

Step 2: Choose Your Transfer Type (Singles vs. Gang Sheets)

Next, decide how you want to order your prints. We offer two primary options to fit any project size and budget.

  • Custom ColorBoost+ DTF Single Transfer Upload: This is perfect if you only need one or a few copies of a single design. It’s a great way to test a new product idea, create a sample for a client, or make a one-of-a-kind gift. You simply upload your design and choose the size you need.
  • Gang Sheets: This is the most cost-effective way to order DTF transfers. A gang sheet allows you to place multiple designs—or multiple copies of the same design—onto one large sheet. You pay for the sheet, not for the number of designs on it. This is ideal for:
    • Printing designs in various sizes (adult, youth, toddler).
    • Adding pocket logos or neck tags alongside your main design.
    • Producing a variety of different designs for your shop at once.

Step 3: Build Your Gang Sheet with the Auto-Builder

If you’ve chosen a gang sheet, our Custom ColorBoost+ DTF Gang Sheet Auto-Builder makes the layout process incredibly easy. This tool lets you upload and arrange your artwork directly on our site.

  1. Select Your Sheet Size: Choose the dimensions of the gang sheet you want to fill.
  2. Upload Your Designs: Upload all the PNG files you want to include on the sheet.
  3. Arrange and Resize: Drag, drop, rotate, and resize each design to fit as many as possible onto the sheet. The builder will show you the exact dimensions of each image as you adjust it.
  4. Fill the Space: The key to maximizing value is to fill as much of the sheet as you can. Tuck smaller designs like neck tags into the empty spaces around larger graphics.
  5. Approve and Add to Cart: Once you're happy with your layout, you can add it directly to your cart. No external design software is needed!

Alternatively, if you prefer to create your gang sheet in a program like Adobe Illustrator or Procreate, you can upload a pre-made, ready-to-print sheet on our gang sheet upload page.

Step 4: Upload, Review, and Check Out

Once your files are ready and you've selected your product, it’s time to finalize your order.

  1. Upload Your Artwork: Use the upload button on the product page to select your file.
  2. Add Notes (If Necessary): If you have any specific comments about your order, you can add them in the notes section. Please do not request artwork changes here; files should be print-ready when uploaded.
  3. Review Your Cart: Double-check that you’ve selected the correct sizes and quantities before proceeding.
  4. Need it Fast? Add a Rush: If you’re on a tight deadline, add our Fast Pass Rush My Order option to your cart. This bumps your order to the front of the printing queue.
  5. Complete Checkout: Enter your shipping and payment information to place your order. You’ll receive a confirmation email shortly after.

Step 5: Pressing Your Transfers on Arrival

Your professionally printed Texas transfers have arrived! The final step is to apply them to your garments. All you need is a quality heat press.

  1. Pre-press your garment for 5-7 seconds to remove moisture and wrinkles.
  2. Position the DTF transfer on the garment.
  3. Press with firm pressure at the recommended temperature and time (refer to the instructions included with your order).
  4. Let the transfer cool completely before peeling off the clear film (this is known as a "cold peel").
  5. Perform a final press for 5-10 seconds, using a parchment paper or teflon sheet over the design to seal it and enhance durability.

That's it! You’ve successfully created a professional custom product.

Your Quick-Order Checklist:

Ready to Create?

Ordering high-quality custom DTF transfers is a simple and powerful way to elevate your brand. By following these steps, you can confidently turn your creative vision into a tangible, sellable product.

Explore our full range of Custom DTF products and place your first order today. We can’t wait to see what you create

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