HTV, DTV, DTF, DTG, Oh my! – What does it all mean?

There are a lot of letters out there floating around in the industry right now and lots of places to get confused about what they all mean.

So let’s take a look at the basics of what each of these terms mean and then you may have a better idea if you want to look into each one a little bit further.

Affiliate links may be present in the following blog post and as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

What is what?

HTV = Heat Transfer Vinyl

Heat transfer vinyl is a product that can be applied to fabric. The adhesive on heat transfer vinyl is heat activated and the adhesive melts into the fabric.

Relax Everything Is Out of Control by Sophie Gallo – Design #436898

There are many brands and types on the market worldwide.
I use Siser Easyweed HTV and other Siser specialty HTV the most in my projects.

The primary purpose of HTV is for fabric and materials, however, you will see some apply it to other surfaces as well. I see mixed results with these methods and it is always good to test what you plan to do.

For more details, tips, tutorials, projects, and classes on HTV
Click HERE

Cat Mom by Erica Digital Design – Design #377246
Peeking Cat by Erica Digital Design – Design #353053

DTV = Direct to Vinyl

Siser EasyColor DTV is a product that was released in the Fall of 2022. It is a heat transfer vinyl that can be printed on with an inkjet printer.

Periodic Table Sarcasm design by Suzanne Cannon – Design #298890

I love Siser DTV!!!
I’ve had great success and my shirts have been washed well over 20+ times.

For more details on Siser EasyColor DTV
CLICK HERE

Creators Gonna Create design by Jamie Lynn Designs – Design #295352

Siser DTV is great for being able to add graphics or multi-color designs using a home printer without having to cut and layer multiple colors of HTV.
Grab some Siser EasyColor DTV in a variety of sizes at The Vinyl Spectrum HERE.

Make sure to follow the instructions from Siser on printing, pressing, and washing for best results!

DTV is not the same as Heat Transfer Paper.
Heat Transfer Paper was an alternative before Siser EasyColor DTV was released. But it is not vinyl, even though many use the terms interchangeably.
Find more on Heat Transfer Paper HERE.

DTF = Direct to Film

Direct to Film is a printer that prints onto a film that is used to transfer the design to a blank. This can be a great for heavy graphic images that you do not want to layer or if you have a lot of one design that you are using for a project.

Here is a sheet of DTF prints I ordered to test from 143Vinyl.com.
Cut them apart and heat press to your shirt or blank.
Done!

Here is a look at the backside of a DTF print.

This is not your everyday at home printer, but can be useful if you run a business.
If you are interested in investing in a DTF printer, you can find more details on printers and supplies at Heat Transfer Warehouse or Swing Design.

If you are like me and don’t want to invest in a DTF printer or have no need to, then I’d recommend ordering some DTF prints to try out.
Check out 143vinyl.com and order today!
(Note: 143Vinyl is currently upgrading equipment as this post is published and DTF ordering is on hold)

You can either upload your own image or use their image library. I chose to use the Image library for my first round to test it out, but mostly because it takes me forever to decide on a design that I want and even longer to create it.

Make sure to follow all their instructions for submissions if you upload your own images.

I have also seen a lot of mention about DTF “hacks”. Keep in mind that it may or may not have the same results or longevity. It is all a process of experimentation.
The only way to know is to test it, if you decide to go down that road.

DTG = Direct to Garment

Direct to garment is another specialized printer and not your ordinary, average home printer. This printer type allows you to print directly onto a shirt or other blank.

Both a DTF or a DTG printer are a serious investment, so I would recommend doing a bit of research before diving into that, but it can be a great option for a small business that is growing.

Check out more on DTG printers at Swing Design HERE.

For me as an everyday crafter, a DTF or DTG printer are not in my list of must haves for my studio as I do not think they would be utilized enough.

Vinyl

Vinyl is a general term that can be used in reference to many different products.
Often times it is used so generically, that we have to clarify what the user is wanting to do before we can advise on information they are looking for.

There is adhesive vinyl, HTV, specialty vinyl, and also things like sticker paper and heat transfer paper that get lumped into the “vinyl” category.

If you are looking for more on adhesive vinyl, check out these tutorials HERE.

I wanted to keep this very basic in explaining what each meant. It can be very confusing when you see the terms thrown out there and sometimes used incorrectly.

I hope this information helps to give you an idea if you would like to explore more on a certain area that might be helpful to your future projects or business!

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Enjoy !

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