Direct to Film (DTF) printing is an innovative printing method that allows custom designs to be printed onto a special film and then heat-transferred onto fabric using a heat press. The process begins by printing your design onto the film using high-quality DTF inks. An adhesive powder is applied and cured, allowing the design to bond cleanly and durably to garments of almost any fabric type. Once ready, the printed film is pressed onto a shirt or item using heat and pressure — creating vibrant, detailed, and long-lasting prints.

DTF printing offers more flexibility and ease than traditional methods like screen printing or sublimation. Unlike sublimation, which only works on polyester and light-colored fabrics, DTF transfers can be applied to nearly any fabric type — including cotton, blends, and dark garments. Compared to screen printing, DTF does not require screens or setup fees, making it ideal for short runs and full-color, detailed artwork. Plus, DTF prints are soft to the touch, highly durable, and wash-resistant.

DTF transfers provide vibrant colors, exceptional detail, and excellent durability — making them perfect for custom t-shirts, hoodies, bags, and more. Benefits include low minimums, the ability to press on nearly any fabric, and no weeding or cutting required. DTF transfers also save time and money by allowing bulk gang sheet printing. Whether you're a business or individual creator, DTF offers professional-quality results without the typical hassle of traditional print methods.

Lightink is a fast-growing, United States-based custom DTF transfer provider that specializes in high-quality, ready-to-press heat transfers. Our service allows individuals, small businesses, and large-scale print shops to upload their designs and receive premium DTF transfers shipped quickly and reliably. We offer both gang sheet and individual design ordering, sample packs, design support (for size-based orders), and lightning-fast turnaround times — all with vibrant, durable print quality.

What sets Lightink apart is our commitment to speed, quality, and flexibility. We offer same-day shipping on eligible orders placed before noon, vibrant color accuracy, no setup fees, and responsive customer service that goes above and beyond. Our gang sheet builder is easy to use, and we also offer sample packs and design modification help when ordering by size. Whether you're printing for fun or scaling a clothing brand, we deliver unmatched consistency and value.

We have no minimum order quantity — you're welcome to order a single DTF transfer for testing, personal use, or a small project. Whether you need one or one hundred, we’re here to support creators of all sizes. It's perfect for trying out our sample packs or testing a new design before committing to a larger run.

At Lightink, speed is part of our promise. All orders placed before 12:00 PM Mountain Time (Monday–Saturday) are printed and shipped the same business day. Orders placed after this cutoff will ship the following business day. We don’t outsource — everything is printed and packed in-house, which allows us to maintain consistent speed and quality.

Yes! Our default service is already lightning-fast: if you order by 12 PM MT, we’ll ship it the same day — no rush fee needed. If you're in a time crunch or need extra help (like coordinating delivery or combining shipments), just leave a note at checkout or email our support team. We always do our best to accommodate urgent projects — especially for event planners, brand launches, and small business owners running on tight timelines.`

We primarily ship through UPS, USPS and FedEx, offering a range of services from standard ground to 2-day and overnight options. Carrier selection depends on your shipping choice during checkout and your delivery location. You'll receive an automated tracking email as soon as your order ships, so you can monitor every step of its journey.

Shipping times vary based on your location and selected method at checkout. Standard ground typically takes 1–4 business days within the U.S., while express options like UPS 2nd Day Air are faster. We also offer guaranteed next day delivery option at checkout. Every order includes real-time tracking, so you can stay updated. If your tracking hasn't updated in 24 hours or seems stalled, feel free to reach out — we’ll check in with the carrier for you.

Shipping costs are calculated automatically at checkout based on weight, order type, and destination. We frequently offer free shipping promotions for orders over $99 — so be sure to check our homepage banners or subscribe to our email list. For business customers or repeat orders, discounted shipping rates may also apply.

We currently print and ship Monday through Saturday. Orders placed over Sunday are queued and processed on Monday. If you have an urgent Monday delivery need, we recommend placing the order early Saturday and selecting expedited shipping.

If your tracking hasn’t updated in several days or your package appears lost, contact us. We'll investigate with the carrier and, if confirmed as lost, we’ll reprint and reship your order at no extra charge. We stand behind every shipment and make sure you get what you paid for.

We package DTF transfers with care! Depending on size, your prints will be either rolled or flat-packed in protective sleeves. These go inside heavy-duty mailers or boxes designed to prevent wrinkling, moisture, or creasing. It’s all about delivering perfect transfers — right to your press.

We recommend ordering early and selecting 2-Day or Next-Day shipping at checkout. If you’re working against a deadline (event, launch, client project), please add a note at checkout or email us after placing your order — we’ll prioritize it and help track it through delivery. Your timeline becomes ours!

To keep your designs looking sharp and professional, we recommend a resolution of 300 DPI (dots per inch). This ensures clean lines, vibrant colors, and crisp detail — even for small fonts or intricate artwork. Lower-resolution files may look blurry or pixelated when printed, so starting with high quality helps us give you the best results possible!

We recommend designing in RGB color mode for DTF transfers, since our printers are optimized for vibrant, RGB-based color output. While CMYK is standard for some print methods, RGB allows for a broader color spectrum — so your neon pinks and deep blues really pop on the fabric!

Yes, a transparent background is ideal — especially if you only want the visible parts of your design printed. If your file has a solid white or colored background, that background will be printed too. No one wants an unwanted white box around their design! 😊 If you need help removing the background, we’re happy to assist — just select “Order by Size” and leave a note for our designers.

We accept many file types, but PNG is our favorite — especially when saved with a transparent background. It gives the cleanest results and preserves fine details beautifully. We also accept JPEG, PDF, and TIFF, and if you’re unsure, don’t worry — our designers can help convert your file into a print-ready format.

Our system accepts files up to 2GB in size per file, however you can upload multiple files at once. As for dimensions, gang sheets can go up to 22 inches wide by 20 feet tall, so feel free to go big! Just make sure your file is clear, high-resolution, and within those limits, and we’ll take care of the rest.

No bleed necessary! We print exactly what you send. Just make sure your design has clean edges and no unwanted backgrounds. That being said, if you’re placing your design very close to the edge of a gang sheet or multiple designs side-by-side, a little spacing goes a long way to ensure easy cutting.

We recommend leaving at least 0.1 inches of space between each design on a gang sheet. This spacing helps with precise cutting and prevents the designs from overlapping or crowding each other during application.

We typically print exactly what you send us — but if we notice something major (like a super low-res image or missing elements), we’ll reach out before printing. If you need design help or small edits like background removal or resizing, you can choose the “Order by Size” option and leave us a note. Our design team’s got your back!

Colors can vary slightly from screen to print due to different display settings and lighting. To get the most accurate results, work in RGB, use a calibrated monitor if possible, and avoid overly saturated or neon tones that can shift in print. Our printers are dialed in for vibrant, consistent color — so you’ll still get amazing results, even if there's a slight variation!

Here are a few oopsies to avoid:
• Uploading low-resolution files (less than 150 DPI)
• Forgetting to remove the background
• Using non-transparent JPEGs when a PNG would be better
• Saving gang sheets without proper spacing
• Including tiny text or blurry logos
Our team is here to help, but these small steps can make a huge difference in your final result!

We’ll happily reach out if there’s anything that looks off — like low resolution, missing artwork, or color concerns. Otherwise, if your file is good to go, we’ll print it as-is. If you want a second look just to be sure, leave a note at checkout or message us. We’re always here to help you get the best print possible.

To place an order, simply visit lightinkus.com, select "build a gangsheet," upload yDTFShour design files, choose your desired size and quantity, and proceed to checkout. It's quick, easy, and fully customizable.

You have the flexibility to checkout either as a guest or by creating an account. However, creating an account allows you to easily track orders and reorder designs in the future.

A "gang sheet" is a cost-effective printing option that lets you print multiple designs on one larger sheet simultaneously. This method reduces costs, maximizes material usage, and is ideal for customers printing various smaller designs or logos at once. Simply arrange multiple designs within one file before uploading.

To properly set up a gang sheet, use design software like Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop. Begin by creating a canvas with a width of 22 inches; the height can be set according to your design needs. Place each design with clear spacing—at least 0.1 inches—between them to avoid overlaps. Ensure your designs have transparent backgrounds and are saved at a high resolution (300 DPI). We recommend saving your gang sheet with the .png format. Clearly defined spacing and transparency guarantee sharp prints and ease of cutting and application.

Yes, our platform fully supports uploading multiple different designs either as separate files or together on one gang sheet. This flexibility helps you efficiently manage your printing projects and reduces overall printing costs.

Typically, we print your designs directly if there are no issues. However, if our designers identify any potential problems with your files, we will contact you before printing to ensure accuracy and satisfaction. If you'd like us to confirm your design regardless, please reach out to our support team or mention this specifically in your order notes, and we'll provide a digital proof for your approval.

We can accommodate designs of virtually any size, with our gang sheets able to go up to 22 inches in width and as long as 20 feet in height. Our minimum recommended size to ensure clear detail and quality is around 1” x 1”. If you have special sizing requirements or questions, please contact our support team for assistance.

You do not need to mirror or flip your designs. Simply upload your artwork in its correct orientation. We will automatically handle any necessary adjustments to ensure it is correctly mirrored for heat transfer application.

Absolutely! We securely save your previous designs within your customer account for up to 2 months. To reorder, simply log in, select the previously ordered designs, and complete the checkout process. This makes reordering fast and convenient.

We offer a wide selection of ready-to-press designs across various categories, and our designers can help modify or adjust these existing designs to meet your specific needs. However, please note that we do not create designs from scratch.

If your order has not yet begun production, you can typically add or modify items by contacting our customer support team immediately. If printing has already started, modifications are not possible, and a new order must be placed.

Applying your DTF transfer is simple and satisfying! First, place the transfer film on your garment with the design facing up. Make sure it’s positioned exactly where you want it. Then press it with a heat press at the recommended temperature, pressure, and time (see below). After pressing, let it cool (or not — depending on peel type), and gently peel the film away. That’s it! You’ve got a vibrant, long-lasting custom print

1. Pressure Setting

Set the heat press to medium to firm pressure.

2. Temperature

For cotton and 50/50 blends, set the temperature to 320-350F°.For synthetic or polyester fabrics, set the temperature to 280-300F°.

3. Press

Press the transfer to fabric for 8 seconds.

4. Peel

Warm or cold peel, whichever works best for your needs.

For best results when pressing Lightink transfers:

• For 100% cotton: Press at 320°F (160°C) for 8 seconds
• For polyester or blended fabrics: Press at a lower temperature of 280°F (138°C) for 8 seconds

These settings help ensure strong adhesion without scorching the fabric. Always use firm pressure and make sure your heat press is evenly distributing heat across the platen. After pressing, you can peel while still warm, or cold-peel if preferred — both methods work with our transfers.

Use medium to firm pressure (about 6–8 PSI if your press has digital settings). Too little pressure may cause parts of the design not to adhere, while too much pressure could distort the fabric. Uniform pressure across the entire surface ensures crisp edges and solid adhesion.

Lightink transfers are designed with advanced technology that allows for both warm peel and cold peel — whichever works best for your workflow! After pressing, you can either peel the film while it’s still warm or wait until it cools completely. Both methods will give you excellent results with strong adhesion and vibrant prints. This flexibility makes our transfers easier and faster to work with, especially in high-volume settings.

While we recommend using a professional heat press for the most consistent and reliable results, you can use a regular household iron or a Cricut EasyPress — as long as you apply enough firm and even pressure. The key is to ensure full contact between the transfer and fabric with stable heat across the design.

If you’re using a household iron:

• Set it to the highest cotton setting (no steam).
• Press down firmly, section by section, for about 10–15 seconds each.
• Be extra careful to avoid shifting the transfer while applying pressure.

If you're using a Cricut EasyPress:

• Apply firm, even pressure at the recommended temperature for 8–10 seconds.
• Consider doing a second press to lock it in.

Just keep in mind: a heat press guarantees even pressure, accurate temperature, and faster workflow — so for frequent use or business purposes, it’s worth the upgrade.

DTF transfers are incredibly versatile! You can press them onto cotton, polyester, cotton/poly blends, canvas, denim, and even performance fabrics. They work equally well on light and dark-colored garments, and the colors stay vibrant across all fabric types.

To make sure your DTF transfer sticks perfectly and stays vibrant through 50+ washes, follow these key steps:

✅ Before pressing:

• Pre-press the garment for 5 seconds to remove moisture and flatten any wrinkles.
• Make sure the surface is clean and lint-free — oils, dust, or leftover fibers can weaken adhesion.

🔥 During pressing:

• Use the correct temperature and time:320°F for cotton, 280°F for polyester or blendsPress for 8 seconds using medium to firm pressure
• Ensure even pressure across the design — avoid seams, zippers, or uneven areas under the press.
• If using a household iron or Cricut EasyPress, press each section evenly and carefully.

🧊 After pressing:

• Peel the film warm or cold — both work with our transfers thanks to our premium materials.
• For extra durability, do a second press (5 seconds) with parchment paper or a Teflon sheet after peeling. This locks in the print and boosts wash resistance.

🧼 Aftercare (washing instructions):

• Wait at least 24 hours before the first wash.
• Wash the garment inside-out with cold or lukewarm water using mild detergent.
• Avoid bleach, fabric softeners, or harsh chemicals.
• Hang dry when possible, or use a low tumble dry setting.

These steps help ensure your DTF print maintains its brightness, flexibility, and bond wash after wash — giving your custom apparel that long-lasting, professional look.

If your DTF transfer didn’t fully adhere or is peeling after pressing, don’t worry — it’s usually easy to troubleshoot! Here are the most common reasons and how to fix them:

🛠 Common Causes:

1. Incorrect Pressing Temperature
   If the heat press was too cold or inconsistent, the adhesive powder may not have fully melted into the garment.
   ✔ Fix: Repress at the recommended temperature (320°F for cotton / 280°F for poly) for 8 seconds.
2. Insufficient Pressure
   If the design is peeling at the edges or corners, it's likely due to not enough pressure or uneven pressure — especially over seams or collars.
   ✔ Fix: Use medium to firm pressure and ensure the surface is flat.
3. Premature Peeling
   Peeling the film too early (hot peel instead of cold peel or warm peel) can lift parts of the design.
   ✔ Fix: Always allow the transfer to cool fully, then peel slowly.
4. Dirty or Oily Fabric
   Residue from fabric softeners, lint, or oils can create a barrier between the film and the fibers.
   ✔ Fix: Pre-press and clean the area before applying the transfer.
5. Inconsistent Heat
   Using a household iron or Cricut EasyPress with fluctuating temperature can cause partial adhesion.
   ✔ Fix: Repress any missed sections with even heat and pressure, ideally using a heat press.

🔧 How to Fix It:

• Cover the peeling or incomplete area with parchment paper or a finishing sheet
• Press again at the recommended temperature for 5–7 seconds
• Let it cool fully, then recheck adhesion
• In most cases, this second press will seal the design properly

If problems continue, take a few clear photos and contact our support team. We’re here to help and make it right!

Yes, however, while DTF transfers can be layered, we recommend avoiding overlaps unless you’re experienced with heat application. Applying over seams, zippers, or uneven surfaces can create air pockets, leading to poor adhesion. For best results, press on flat, even areas. Layer when necessary.

Yes! Pre-pressing is a helpful step. It removes moisture and smooths wrinkles, allowing the transfer to bond evenly with the fabric. A 5-second press before applying your DTF will significantly improve the adhesion and final quality.

Unfortunately, once a DTF transfer has been pressed, it’s permanent. These transfers are made for durability, so repositioning after pressing isn’t possible. We recommend measuring and aligning carefully before heat pressing. If a mistake happens, you may be able to cover it with another design or use the shirt for testing.

Because every transfer is printed just for you, we unfortunately cannot accept general returns or exchanges. However, we absolutely stand by our product quality. If your order arrives damaged, misprinted, or otherwise defective, we’ll reprint or refund it right away.

We’re not able to accept returns for custom orders if the mistake wasn’t on our end. That said, we understand mistakes happen. If you contact us quickly and your order hasn't been printed yet, we’ll do our best to help fix it.

We take every report seriously. If your prints arrived damaged or with a clear quality issue, just send us a few photos within 5 business days of delivery. We’ll inspect, confirm, and either reprint your order or issue a full refund — your choice!

Yes — if we made the error (wrong size, wrong file printed, low-quality print due to our system), we’ll reprint or fully refund your order. Our goal is always 100% satisfaction with what shows up at your door.

We usually just need clear, well-lit photos of the issue to verify the problem. This helps us improve and also ensures your reprint is flawless. We only ask for the items to be returned if we need to inspect them closely, which is rare.

If you notice something is wrong with your order, contact us via email or our website’s contact form within 5 business days of receiving it. Be sure to include your order number and any supporting images so we can jump into action quickly.

We sure do. If you’re not happy — for any reason related to quality, clarity, or accuracy — please reach out. We’ll either reprint the item or issue a refund depending on the situation. We value every customer and print every sheet like it’s our own.

You can cancel or make changes only if your order hasn’t started printing yet. We recommend contacting us immediately if you realize you’ve made a mistake. Once production starts, we can’t make any edits — but we’ll help guide your next steps.

If the package is officially marked as lost in transit by USPS or UPS, we will fully reprint and reship your order — at no cost to you. We want every customer to get what they paid for, even if a carrier drops the ball.

In most cases, no return is required. Just send us a photo of the problem and we’ll take it from there. If we ever need to inspect the item for quality review, we’ll let you know — but that’s rare.

We’re always happy to help! You can reach our customer support team in several easy ways:

• 📧 Email: contact@lightinkus.com (available 24/7 — we reply quickly during business hours)
• 📞 Phone: Text us at +1 (801) 669-3812,(available 24/7 — we reply quickly during business hours)
• 💬 Social Media: DM us on Instagram or Facebook any time for quick questions
• Whether you have questions about your order, need help with a file, or just want to say hi, we’re only a message away!

Our customer service team is available Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM MT — and we take pride in replying fast 😊

If you reach out during business hours, you can usually expect a response within a few hours. Messages received after hours or on weekends will be answered the next business day. For the fastest replies, email us at contact@lightinkus.com or text us directly at +1 (801)669-3812.

We’re a dedicated team and we know how important your orders are — so we treat every message like a priority!

Yes, we do! You can DM us on Instagram or Facebook — we’re pretty quick to respond during business hours. While email is best for order-specific concerns, social media is perfect for quick questions, creative ideas, or even showing off your prints (which we LOVE seeing ).

We’ve got your back! If the uploader on our website isn’t cooperating, first try refreshing the page or switching browsers (we recommend Chrome or Safari for best performance). If that doesn’t work, you can always email your design file to contact@lightinkus.com with your order number and any special notes. We’ll upload it manually for you and confirm everything’s in place before printing. Easy fix!

No worries at all — large files or uncommon formats happen! 😊 If your file is too large to upload or isn’t being accepted, just send it to us directly at contact@lightinkus.com or use a free file transfer service like We Transfer or Google Drive. Just be sure to include your order number in the message. We’ll make sure it gets safely into our system and confirm with you before printing.

Absolutely! We always do a quick check before printing. If we notice a major issue — like low resolution, amissing element, or a non-transparent background when one is needed — we’ll pause your order and contact you by email. You’ll never be left wondering or receive a print you’re not happy with. That said, if your file looks good and meets our print standards, we go straight to print to keep turnaround times fast!

Tracking your order is easy! Once your order is placed, you'll receive a confirmation email. As soon as it ships, you'll get a second email with a tracking number from our shipping partner (usually UPS or USPS). You can also log in to your lightinkus.com account to view your order history and current status. If you ever have questions about where your order stands, don’t hesitate to email or call — we’re always happy to update you.

Great question! If you received a message from us saying there’s a file issue, it usually means your design has a resolution problem,missing transparency, or doesn’t meet our size requirements. No worries — we’ll explain exactly what the issue is and how to fix it. Often, it’s as simple as uploading a new version or letting us adjust it for you (which we’re happy to do when ordering by size). We’ll wait for your go-ahead before printing.

Yes, totally! If the online uploader gives you any trouble, you can email your design fileto us at contact@lightinkus.com — just include your order number and any notes about size or layout. You can also use Google Drive, or WeTransfer if the file is too big. We’ll take care of the rest and confirm that everything looks perfect before printing.

Yes — as long as your order hasn’t entered production yet, we’re happy to swap in the updated file 😊 Time is of the essence though, so contact us as soon as possible by emailing contact@lightinkus.com with your updated artwork and order number. If the file change comes in before printing starts, we’ll update it and confirm with you. Once printing begins, changes can’t be made — but we’ll always do our best to accommodate you!

Our pricing is based on the amount of print space used — whether you're ordering a single design by size or a gang sheet with multiple designs. The larger the print area, the higher the cost. However, we keep things simple: no setup fees, no hidden charges, just transparent pricing based on your order’s dimensions. You’ll see your total instantly before checkout!

Yes, we sure do! We offer tiered bulk discounts for high-volume orders. Whether you’re a small business, print shop, or reseller, you’ll save more as you order more. Our pricing is automatically adjusted in your cart when bulk thresholds are met — and for even larger or recurring orders, feel free to contact us for custom wholesale pricing.

We accept all major credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover), as well as Shop or Apple Pay for secure and flexible checkout. Your payment is encrypted and processed safely through trusted platforms. If you’re a reseller or larger operation needing alternative options, feel free to reach out!

Nope — no hidden fees here 🙌
We never charge setup fees or surprise costs. What you see is what you pay!

By default, we apply sales tax to all orders where required by law — but if you're a reseller with a valid resale or tax exemption certificate, you can skip the tax! Just submit your certificate using the Tax Exemption Form on our website. Once it's approved, your account will be marked as tax-exempt for all future purchases. Quick, easy, and tax-free shopping from then on!

Our online pricing tool is already designed to give you automatic bulk discounts as you increase your order size — no codes or special requests needed! But if you're planning a very large order or ongoing partnership, feel free to reach out to our customer support team. We’re always happy to discuss your project and explore custom pricing options to fit your business needs.

Absolutely — we love helping you test the quality before you commit! We offer both free sample packs and custom sample prints. Whether you're new to DTF or switching from another provider, it’s a great way to see our color quality, durability, and finish up close.

Our free sample pack includes a selection of pre-printed designs showcasing various colors, details, and fabric types. You’ll also get a quick-start guide on how to press and care for your DTF transfers. To request one, just go to our Free Sample page and place an order — it only takes a minute!

A Custom Sample Print lets you submit your own design and order just one transfer to test before placing a larger batch. Unlike the free sample pack (which uses pre-made designs), this gives you a chance to see how your artwork will look and feel after pressing. It’s perfect for testing color accuracy, sizing, or alignment.

Yes — you totally can! We have no order minimum, so feel free to upload your file and order just one to test it out. It’s an awesome way to confirm your settings and see exactly how your design performs before going all in.

Absolutely — 100%! 🎯 Every sample you receive (free or paid) is printed with the same film, ink, adhesive powder, and equipment we use for standard orders. What you test is exactly what you'll get when you scale up your projects.

The free sample pack includes pre-selected images designed to showcase our print quality, color vibrancy, and fine detail across different fabric types. If you want to test your own design, we recommend placing a custom sample print order — quick, easy, and totally worth it!

Our free samples are lightly branded to identify us, but they’re not intrusive — you’ll still get a clear feel for how they’d look in a real project. Custom sample prints, however, are completely unbranded and ready to test as if they were full orders.