There is described a method of increasing the output of a transfer film (1) upon embossing, in particular hot embossing, wherein the transfer film (1) has a carrier film (1a) and a transfer layer portion (1b) which is releasable from the carrier film (1a). During a first embossing operation first regions (10) of the transfer layer portion (1b) which are arranged removed from each other at a spacing a are transferred by means of a first embossing tool from the transfer film (1) onto at least one substrate (2), wherein first openings (10a) are produced at the spacing a in the transfer layer portion (1b) of the transfer film (1). After the first embossing operation the transfer film (1) is wound up after the first embossing operation and fed to at least a further embossing operation.