通用转录因子（英语：General transcription factor，GTFs）是最基本的转录因子，为一群转录因子蛋白，键结于DNA的特殊位置以活化转录。GTFs、RNA聚合酶和辅活化子再加上蛋白质组成了转录的一个设备。GTFs和基因调节有密切关系，对生命有重要关系。 在细菌中，转录起始需要一个RNA聚合酶，和一个单一的GTF:σ因子 在古菌和真核生物中，转录起始需要RNA聚合酶，和一连串多种的GTFs。真核生物的转录起始借由RNA聚合酶II牵涉到以下的GTFs: TFIIA TFIIB TFIID TFIIE TFIIF TFIIH

General transcription factors (GTFs), also known as basal transcriptional factors, are a class of protein transcription factors that bind to specific sites (promoter) on DNA to activate transcription of genetic information from DNA to messenger RNA. GTFs, RNA polymerase, and the mediator multiple protein complex constitute the basic transcriptional apparatus that bind to the promoter, then start transcription. GTFs are also intimately involved in the process of gene regulation, and most are required for life.