Custom Digital Printing — DTF & DTG
Full-color digital printing for streetwear, sportswear, and custom apparel. No color limits, no screen setup fees, photographic-quality detail on any design. Brother DTG machines and professional DTF transfers — flexible MOQs from 20 pieces with AQL-inspected quality.
Two digital printing methods — one goal
DTG and DTF are both full-color digital printing methods, but they work differently and suit different fabrics and use cases. Here's a detailed breakdown of each.
DTG — Direct-to-Garment Printing
DTG (Direct-to-Garment) printing works like an inkjet printer for fabric. Water-based inks are sprayed directly onto the garment, absorbing into the fibers to create a soft, detailed print with photographic quality. We use Brother DTG machines — the industry standard for precision and color accuracy.
The garment is pre-treated with a bonding solution, then loaded into the Brother DTG printer. The print head sprays CMYK + white inks directly onto the fabric at high resolution. After printing, the garment is heat-cured to bond the ink permanently into the fibers. The result is a soft, breathable print with no raised texture.
Best on 100% cotton and cotton-rich blends (80%+ cotton). Works well on light and dark fabrics — white ink is used as a base layer on darks. Ideal for 140–300 GSM tees, hoodies, and sweatshirts. Not recommended for polyester or synthetic performance fabrics.
Small to medium runs, complex multi-color designs, photographic prints, gradient artwork, fashion brands wanting a soft hand-feel, and on-demand/sample production where screen setup isn't practical.
Ultra soft — the ink absorbs into the fabric fibers. No raised texture, no heavy feel. The print becomes part of the garment.
Good. Holds up well through 30–40+ washes when properly pre-treated and cured. Colors may soften slightly over time, giving a premium vintage character. Best on cotton.
DTF — Direct-to-Film Printing
DTF (Direct-to-Film) printing is a two-step process: the design is first printed onto a special PET film with CMYK + white inks, then a hot-melt adhesive powder is applied. The finished transfer is heat-pressed onto the garment. Unlike DTG, DTF works on virtually any fabric — cotton, polyester, blends, nylon, and performance materials.
Step 1: The design is printed in full color (CMYK + white) onto a transparent PET film using a specialized DTF printer. Step 2: Hot-melt adhesive powder is applied to the wet ink and cured. Step 3: The transfer is heat-pressed onto the garment at ~160°C for 15–20 seconds. Step 4: The film is peeled away, leaving a vibrant, flexible print bonded to the fabric.
Works on almost everything — cotton, polyester, poly-cotton blends, nylon, spandex, denim, canvas, performance fabrics, and even non-textile surfaces. This is the biggest advantage of DTF over DTG. No pre-treatment required for most fabrics.
Versatile production across multiple fabric types, sportswear and performance gear, polyester jerseys, mixed-fabric orders, designs with fine detail on dark garments, and brands that need one print method across their entire product range.
Slightly raised, smooth, and flexible. Thinner than screen print plastisol but with a noticeable film layer. Modern DTF transfers are soft and stretch with the fabric.
Excellent. DTF transfers are highly resistant to cracking, peeling, and fading. Withstands 50+ washes on most fabrics. Performs well on stretch and performance materials where DTG can't be used.
DTG vs DTF: Side-by-Side Comparison
Both methods deliver full-color, photographic-quality prints with no color limits. The key difference is fabric compatibility and finish. Here's how they compare.
Print method
Colors
Best fabrics
Feel / Finish
Durability
Detail level
Dark fabrics
Pre-treatment
Setup cost
Best for
Not sure which method fits your project? Send us your artwork and fabric details — we'll recommend the best approach.
Get a recommendationOur Digital Printing Process — From Artwork to Delivery
Whether you choose DTG or DTF, the production workflow is built for consistency, speed, and quality. Here's exactly what happens from the moment you reach out.
Send your artwork & details
Share your design files (high-res PNG, PDF, or vector), garment type, fabric/GSM, quantities, and deadline. Include color references or a tech pack if you have one.
We recommend DTG or DTF
Based on your artwork complexity, fabric type, and production goals, we'll recommend the best digital printing method. We'll confirm color accuracy and print placement.
Sample production (~7 days)
We produce a physical sample with the exact print method, ink profile, and garment. You review it, request changes if needed, and approve before bulk production.
Bulk production (~15 days)
Once approved, we lock the print profile and run production. Hourly QC audits check print quality, color consistency, placement accuracy, and measurements (±0.5 cm).
Final QC & packaging
Every order goes through AQL final inspection — print quality, wash test verification, measurements, labels, packaging, and needle detection. Full export documentation prepared.
International shipping
We ship via UPS, FedEx, or DHL to the USA and Europe. Express (~7 working days) or economical (~15 working days) — your choice. Full tracking provided.
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the most common questions we get about DTF and DTG digital printing.
Not sure whether to go DTG or DTF? Tell us your fabric type and we'll recommend the right method. If your order includes both cotton and polyester garments, DTF is usually the best single-method solution.
For the sharpest digital prints, send artwork at 300 DPI or higher with a transparent background (PNG). Vector files (AI, EPS) work great for logos and text-heavy designs.
What's the difference between DTG and DTF?+
DTG prints ink directly onto the fabric (best for cotton). DTF prints onto a film that's then heat-transferred onto the garment (works on any fabric). DTG gives a softer feel; DTF gives better durability and fabric versatility.
Can you print photographic images and gradients?+
Yes — both DTG and DTF handle photographic detail, smooth gradients, and unlimited colors with no extra cost per color. Send us your highest resolution file (300 DPI minimum) for the best results.
What's the minimum order quantity (MOQ)?+
Our standard MOQ is 20 pieces per design with full customization. Digital printing has no screen setup, so small runs are cost-effective. For custom fabric orders, the first batch requires 500 pieces.
Can you print on polyester and performance fabrics?+
DTF works great on polyester, nylon, spandex, and performance fabrics. DTG is best on cotton and cotton-rich blends. If you have mixed-fabric orders, we'll use DTF across the board for consistency.
How long does sampling and bulk production take?+
Sampling is typically ~7 working days. Bulk production is ~15 working days depending on complexity and quantities. We'll give you a clear timeline upfront.
Do digital prints crack or peel over time?+
DTG prints absorb into the fabric and don't crack — they may soften slightly over many washes. DTF transfers are highly resistant to cracking and peeling, lasting 50+ washes. We optimize cure profiles for maximum durability.
What file formats should I send?+
High-resolution PNG (300 DPI+) with transparent background is ideal. We also accept PDF, AI, EPS, and PSD. If you only have a JPG, send the highest resolution you have and we'll confirm if it's print-ready.
Do you ship to the U.S. and Europe?+
Yes. We ship internationally via UPS, FedEx, and DHL with full export documentation. Express shipping takes ~7 working days, economical ~15 working days.
Request a digital printing quote
Share the basics and we'll come back with the best print method (DTG or DTF), timeline, and pricing. If you have a tech pack, include it — it speeds everything up.
Just tell us your fabric type and design — we'll recommend the right digital printing method. No commitment needed.
We typically reply within a few hours.