Methods for transferring nanoparticles and nanowires to permanent glass receptors using transfer films. The transfer films include nanoparticles within a sacrificial material having a structured backfill layer on a substrate and a nanowire formulation between sacrificial substrates. To transfer the nanoparticles, the transfer film is laminated to a glass receptor, the substrate is removed, and the sacrificial material is baked-out to leave the nanoparticles aligned within the structured surface of the backfill layer on the glass receptor. To transfer the nanowires, the transfer film is laminated to a glass receptor, and the sacrificial substrates are baked-out to leave the nanowires aligned on the glass receptor.