Gang sheets and by-size single transfers are both DTF products produced on the same equipment with the same chemistry. They differ on layout format, cutting, and order-management workflow. Both price at $0.06 per square inch flat. The choice between them is about volume, layout convenience, and how the decorator wants to receive the finished product.
At a Glance
| Attribute | Gang Sheet | By-Size Transfer |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Single large film, up to 22 x 118 in | Individual design, sized to bounding box |
| Pricing | $0.06 per sq in of sheet | $0.06 per sq in of design |
| Cutting | Decorator cuts at press time | Pre-cut option available ($0.29/unit) |
| Designs per order | Many (tiled together) | One per order line item |
| Layout control | Full manual or auto-build | N/A (single design) |
| Best for | 8+ designs, production volume | 1 to 2 designs, distinct end customers |
| Turnaround | 24 hours | 24 hours |
How Gang Sheets Work
A gang sheet is a single large DTF film, up to 22 inches wide by 118 inches long, on which multiple designs are tiled together using LIDTF's interactive canvas builder or the auto-build tool. The decorator uploads designs, arranges them on the sheet, and submits the order. Production prints the full sheet as one piece. At the receiving end, the decorator cuts each design out with scissors or a vinyl cutter before pressing onto garments. See what are gang sheets for the full reference.
How By-Size Single Transfers Work
By-size transfers are individual DTF prints sized to each design's bounding box. The decorator uploads one design at a time. LIDTF's system auto-detects dimensions, prices the transfer at $0.06 per square inch, and produces the print at the exact size needed. Add the pre-cut option for $0.29 per transfer to have each one trimmed around the design at the factory, ready to press.
When to Use Gang Sheets
Use gang sheets when the order contains 8 or more designs, when designs benefit from being printed in the same production batch for color consistency, or when filling at least half a sheet with useful artwork. Production volume runs, repeat customer orders with a known design library, and any job where tiling efficiency matters all favor gang sheets.
When to Use Single Transfers
Use by-size transfers for one or two designs without enough volume to fill a sheet, when designs ship to different end customers, when pre-cut delivery is preferred over hand-cutting, or when each design needs to be tracked as its own line item. One-off retail samples, single-piece test orders, and projects that need individually cut transfers all favor by-size.
Can You Use Both?
Yes. Most production shops use both in a single order cycle. Gang sheets for the bulk of repeat artwork, by-size for one-off or rush orders that do not fit the next gang sheet build. Some shops run a weekly gang sheet for their core design library and submit by-size for ad-hoc requests in between.
Cost and Turnaround Comparison
Per-square-inch pricing is identical at $0.06 flat. The economic advantage of gang sheets is layout efficiency. Tiling designs tightly together means buying less wasted film space than ordering each design separately at its bounding box. A 22 by 60 inch gang sheet at $79.20 fits roughly 30 to 50 designs depending on size. Buying those same designs as by-size singles costs roughly the same per square inch but with less efficient packing.
Durability Comparison
Identical. Both formats use the same DTF film, ink, and adhesive chemistry. Both deliver 50-plus wash cycle durability when applied correctly with a heat press at 300 to 325 F. The format choice does not affect end-product durability.
Related Reference
- What Are Gang Sheets — Full gang sheet reference.
- What Are DTF Transfers — Definition and construction.