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DTF Transfers: Choosing Between Ordering by Size and Gang Sheets
by James Karcha on June 13, 2025
When it comes to custom Direct-to-Film (DTF) transfers, two main options stand out for ordering your designs at Atlanta Vinyl: ordering by size or utilizing gang sheets. Each method caters to unique needs, offering advantages depending on project size, budget, and complexity. Whether you're producing one custom shirt or outfitting an entire team, understanding the distinctions between these two methods can help you choose the approach best suited to your project.
What Are DTF Transfers?
DTF transfers are vibrant, heat-applied designs that adhere seamlessly to a variety of materials, including cotton, polyester, and blends. They produce durable, full-color prints that resist cracking, making them perfect for apparel like shirts, hoodies, and tote bags.
At Atlanta Vinyl, you can order DTF transfers using two main options:
- By Size: Pre-determined individual transfer sizes for single images or designs.
- Gang Sheets: Large-format sheets allowing you to fit multiple designs or variations of the same design onto one sheet.
Each method has its own benefits and suitability depending on the scope of your project. Here's a deeper comparison to help you decide.
Ordering DTF Transfers by Size
When you order DTF transfers by size, you upload one image at a time, select the size you need (e.g., 5x5", 10x12"), and specify the quantity. This option is simple and straightforward, making it ideal for single or bulk orders of the same design.
Benefits of Ordering by Size
Simplicity and Ease
If you have a single design that needs replicating, ordering by size is incredibly user-friendly. Just upload your print-ready PNG file, choose your dimensions, and you're good to go! There's no need to arrange or fit multiple designs into one sheet, which is perfect for beginners or those looking for a fast, hassle-free solution.
Perfect for Small Orders
For individuals or businesses needing fewer transfers (even as few as one), the size-based ordering option eliminates the excess workspace that gang sheets might offer. There are no minimum order requirements, making this option cost-effective for small projects or samples.
Precision in Design Resizing
The team at Atlanta Vinyl proportionally resizes your artwork to fit within the selected transfer size while maintaining its original aspect ratio. If your design has unique detail, ordering transfers by size ensures those details are optimized for specific applications.
When to Choose By Size
- Customizing small batches of apparel, such as a few T-shirts or hoodies.
- When you need to work with only one design in a specific size.
- Great choice for individuals new to DTF transfers who want a simple ordering process.
Example Scenario
Imagine you're printing promotional T-shirts for a small local event and need a logo sized perfectly at 8 inches. By selecting transfers by size, you can quickly upload your event logo and receive exactly what you need without fuss.
Considerations
While ordering by size is excellent for simplicity, it may not be the most cost-effective option for larger orders that include multiple designs.
Building Custom Gang Sheets
Gang sheets, on the other hand, give you the ability to order one large sheet (up to 22" x 240") and fill it with as many designs as you can fit. A popular choice among seasoned designers and professional businesses, this option maximizes the available space and minimizes waste.
Benefits of Gang Sheets
Cost Efficiency
If you're working on a project with multiple designs or varying sizes, gang sheets are a smarter financial move. Because you're purchasing one large sheet, the cost per transfer significantly decreases. Fit as many designs as possible onto the sheet, and you’ll be spending less per transfer.
Flexibility
Gang sheets accommodate multiple designs, making them perfect for custom orders that require a variety of artwork. Whether for diverse branding options, team jerseys, or unique pieces, gang sheets allow you to mix sizes and styles on one sheet.
Optimized Workspace
Have a design with intricate variations? With the gang sheet model at Atlanta Vinyl, you have complete creative control to arrange your designs for maximum space efficiency. This is especially useful for professional users.
When to Choose a Gang Sheet
- Bulk ordering for businesses, teams, or events with multiple designs.
- Projects requiring various sizes of the same design (e.g., logos for shirts, bags, and hats).
- When you’re comfortable arranging designs yourself to reduce costs.
Consider a sports team needing transfers for jerseys with different names and numbers. A gang sheet allows all the custom names and numbers to be grouped on one 22” x 108” sheet, making production smooth and efficient.
While gang sheets are highly cost-effective, they require a little more preparation. You'll need to combine your designs into a single PNG file and ensure everything fits within the designated dimensions.
Pro Tip:
Use Atlanta Vinyl's Online Builder Tool for assistance in arranging your designs.
Key Comparison of Ordering By Size vs. Gang Sheets
| Feature | By Size | Gang Sheets |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Small orders and single designs | Bulk orders and multiple designs |
| Cost-Effectiveness | Higher cost per unit | Lower cost per unit for large volumes |
| Flexibility | Limited to one design per order | Multiple designs and sizes per sheet |
| Ease of Use | Quick and simple | Requires some file preparation |
| Ideal Project Types | Small events, personal use, simple logos | Teams, businesses, multi-product lines |
Making the Final Decision
When deciding between ordering DTF transfers by size or by gang sheet at Atlanta Vinyl, ask yourself the following:
-
What’s the scope of my project?
- For single designs or small orders, ordering by size is the clear winner.
- For bulk orders, multi-designs, or variety, gang sheets are better.
-
Is cost or convenience more important?
- Prioritize convenience? Go for transfers by size.
- Budget-conscious? Gang sheets will stretch your dollar further.
-
Do I have multiple designs or sizes?
- If yes, gang sheets ensure everything is printed together on one sheet, minimizing costs and waste.
Ultimately, both options at Atlanta Vinyl offer high-quality, durable designs that meet professional standards. Whether you're starting small or scaling up, there's a solution tailored to make your custom project a success.
No matter your project, Atlanta Vinyl makes it easy to bring your ideas to life with their fast DTF transfer services and flexible order options. Explore DTF transfers by size or build your custom gang sheet today and start creating with confidence.
