DTF vs. DTG Printing: Which Method is Right for You?
February 14, 2025
Nowadays, Screen Printing is no longer your only option to print custom garments. The printing industry has now welcomed multiple printing methods. Each method has its own pros and cons.
Choosing between Direct-to-Film (DTF) and Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printing is a difficult decision for custom apparel businesses, print-on-demand (POD) providers, and anyone looking to create high-quality printed garments. Lost between trying to figure out “Direct-to-Film” and “Direct-to-Garment”, and you wonder if there is a guide that will simplify it all for you?
In this guide, we will provide a detailed comparison of DTF vs. DTG, helping you understand each method’s unique advantages, costs, print quality, sustainability, and more.
By the end of this article, you’ll have all the information you need to make an informed decision, whether you’re:
- A business owner looking to optimize your DTF/DTG printing process
- Someone exploring options for DTF/DTG personal projects
- Looking to improve your DTF/DTG production efficiency
- Interested in the technical aspects of DTF and DTG printing
What Does DTF Stand for in Printing?
- Think of this: Imagine you are printing on a special paper (we call it “film”), then you put that film on the T-shirt and use heat to stick the design to it (just like a sticker). DTF can print on all sorts of clothes: cotton, and even some difficult fabrics like nylon.
- Cool Stuff about DTF:
- Works on all fabrics: You can print on almost anything—shirts, jackets, even bags.
- Faster than DTG: DTF is quicker to set up and print, especially if you have a lot of shirts to do.
- Can feel a bit thick: The design might feel a little heavier than DTG because of the transfer paper.
You can read more about the entire DTF process in our article on What is Direct-to-Film Printing.
What is DTG Printing?
- Imagine this: You have a t-shirt, and you want to put your favorite design, like a picture of your dog, directly onto it. DTG is like using a super fancy inkjet printer but instead of paper, it prints on fabric. The printer sprays ink right onto the shirt, just like you’d color in a picture with markers.
- Cool Stuff about DTG
- Perfect for details: It’s awesome for printing detailed pictures.
- Soft finish: After it’s printed, the design feels smooth and soft on the shirt.
- Best for cotton: It works best on cotton clothes like t-shirts and hoodies.
DTF vs. DTG Printing: What’s the Key Difference?
1- Speed – Which Method is Faster?
- DTF: It’s faster. Once the design is on the film, it can be heat-pressed onto the shirt quickly.
- DTG: It’s a bit slow. Printing one shirt can take some time, especially if you want super cool details.
2- Best for Different Fabrics
- DTF: Works on many fabrics! Whether it’s cotton,, or a blend, DTF can handle it all.
- DTG: Works best on cotton. If you like soft, comfy cotton t-shirts, DTG is your friend.
3- Print Quality
- DTF: It’s still good quality, but the design might not be as detailed as DTG. DTF is better for simple, bold designs.
- DTG: If you want your design to look super sharp and colorful, DTG is perfect for you. It’s great for detailed pictures and designs.
4- Durability
- DTF: The design sits on top of the fabric, so over time, it might peel or crack a little, especially if you wash it a lot.
- DTG: The design soaks into the fabric, so it lasts a long time without cracking or peeling.
Cost-Effectiveness
DTF: More affordable for large orders and requires more costs for ink and materials.
DTG: Higher initial investment for equipment but uses less ink overall.
Print Intricacy
DTF: While it produces great quality, it may lose some fine details due to the transfer process.
DTG: Ideal for fine details, producing crisp, clear designs.
Production Time
DTF: Faster printing time, especially when using a heat press and a special film to transfer designs.
DTG: Slower due to the need for curing and ink drying time.
Using PrimeCenter, Production time for DTF is even more effective. Its workflow automation process will transform your DTF journey. This is what BeeGraphix, a custom graphics company, achieved recently. You can read their full success story in this article. You can also watch the following testimonial video from Davis Slagle at Printing United Expo.
We were able to reduce labor and speed up process to under an hour.
– Davis Slagle from BeeGraphix
Comfortability
- DTF: Can feel thicker or heavier on the fabric, especially with larger designs.
- DTG: Softer and more lightweight, with the design directly absorbed into the fabric.
When Should you Use DTF?
- If you’re printing on a variety of fabrics like polyester or even sportswear.
- If you have a lot of shirts to print and need to finish quickly.
- If you’re okay with a design that feels a little thicker or sticker-like.
When Should you Use DTG?
- If you’re making custom t-shirts with detailed designs like cool graphics, photos, or your artwork.
- If you only need a few shirts—DTG is awesome for small orders.
- If you want a super soft feel on your shirt.
Which Printing Method Should you Choose
- If you’re just getting started and want to print a few cool shirts for you and your friends, DTG is perfect for detailed designs and cotton shirts.
- But if you need to print on all kinds of clothes and you have a bunch of orders to fill, DTF could be faster and easier.
- Remember, if you want to print many on many T-shirts, DTF is faster.
Common Myths about DTF and DTG Printing
- Myth #1: DTF prints tend to be more durable and resistant than DTG.
- Reality: While DTF is durable, DTG prints can last longer without cracking because the ink becomes part of the fabric.
- Myth #2: I can use DTG only for small orders.
- Reality: You can use DTG printing for small and large orders, though it’s slower than DTF for workflow production.
Caldera Direct-to-Film and Caldera Direct-to-Garment RIP Softwares
You are a beginner or expert in DTF/DTG printing?
Caldera has just launched its new DTF and DTG software. If you’re looking for a DTF/DTG RIP software that works on mac, Caldera Direct-to-Film and Caldera Direct-to-Garment are fully compatible with mac, as well as Windows and Linux. Whether you’re using Caldera DTF for versatile transfer printing or Caldera DTG for direct garment printing, our solutions make it easy for you to print accurate DTF/DTG designs and without the help of support.
Thanks to the integrated guide within Caldera Direct-to-Film and Caldera Direct-to-Garment, your onboarding experience will take another exceptional turn. Every single DTF/DTG step is simplified for you. From clothing to accessories, you can realize your creative vision with tools built to deliver exceptional quality every time, only for DTF or DTG printing.
FAQ Section
Yes, DTG printers can print on dark-colored garments, but they often require a white ink underbase to ensure the colors appear vibrant and accurate.
100% cotton is ideal for DTG printing because it absorbs water-based inks well, ensuring vibrant and durable prints.
DTF transfers are known for their durability, offering excellent wash resistance, color fastness, and flexibility, ensuring designs remain vivid and intact over time.
Definitely, Caldera Direct-to-Film is a RIP software for mac, and you can also use it on Windows and Linux. For users looking for a DTF software for mac, Caldera DTF is the best option for you, especially if you don’t want to switch to another operating system.
Yes, Caldera Direct-to-Garment is simple to use. The interface shows every garment and design in real time. You can adjust the palette according to the one used, so you won’t have to worry about inaccuracy every-time. It has an integrated guide that will simplify your onboarding experience.
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