Direct-to-Garment Printing
Photo-quality prints directly on fabric fibers
DTG is the best print method for small-batch, full-color designs on cotton apparel. It produces photo-quality prints with unlimited colors, no minimum order, and a soft hand feel.
- Resolution: 1200 DPI with CMYK + White inks
- Best fabric: 100% cotton or 80/20 cotton-poly blends
- File requirement: 300 DPI PNG with transparent background
- Production time: 2-5 business days, no MOQ
- Durability: 50+ washes with proper care (cold wash, inside-out)
What is Direct-to-Garment Printing?
DTG printing uses modified inkjet technology to spray water-based textile inks directly onto garment fabric. It excels at reproducing complex, multicolor artwork with photographic detail on cotton and cotton-blend materials.
Technical Specifications
- Print Resolution
- 1200 DPI
- Color System
- CMYK + White (unlimited colors)
- Ink Type
- Water-based textile ink (eco-friendly)
- Max Print Area
- 16" x 20" (40 x 50 cm)
- Best Fabric
- 100% cotton or 80/20 cotton-poly
- Fabric Weight
- 150-250 GSM recommended
- Cure Temperature
- 330°F (165°C)
- Durability
- 50+ washes with proper care
- Hand Feel
- Soft — ink bonds with fabric fibers
- Color Accuracy
- 95%+ with ICC color profiling
File Requirements
- File Format
- PNG (preferred), TIFF, PSD
- Resolution
- 300 DPI minimum (600 DPI for fine detail)
- Color Mode
- RGB (auto-converted to CMYK)
- Background
- Transparent PNG for best results
- Max File Size
- 25 MB
- Bleed Area
- Add 0.25" bleed on all sides
- Safe Zone
- Keep critical elements 0.5" from edges
Best For
- Complex multicolor designs and gradients
- Photographic images on apparel
- Small batch and single-unit orders
- Cotton t-shirts, hoodies, and sweatshirts
- Designs with many colors (no per-color cost)
- Quick turnaround projects
Not Ideal For
- 100% polyester fabrics (use sublimation instead)
- Large solid color areas (screen print is more opaque)
- Bulk orders 500+ units (screen print is more cost-effective)
- Non-textile products (mugs, phone cases)
- Neon/fluorescent colors (limited ink gamut)
Advantages
- Unlimited colors at no extra cost
- Photo-quality detail and gradients
- No minimum order quantity (true on-demand)
- Soft hand feel — ink integrates with fabric
- Eco-friendly water-based inks
- Fast setup — no screens, plates, or films needed
- Cost-effective for small batches (1-100 units)
Limitations
- Less vibrant on dark fabrics (white underbase needed)
- Not suitable for 100% polyester
- Per-unit cost higher than screen print for 500+ orders
- Large solid areas may be slightly less opaque than screen print
- Requires pre-treatment for dark garments
Compatible Products
Production Details
- Lead Time
- 2-5 business days
- Minimum Order
- 1 unit (true on-demand)
- Maximum Print Area
- 16" x 20"
- Cost Range
- $8-15 per unit (varies by garment)
Care Instructions
- Machine wash inside-out in cold water
- Tumble dry on low heat or hang dry
- Do not bleach
- Do not iron directly on the print
- Avoid dry cleaning solvents
DTG FAQ
How long do DTG prints last?
With proper care (cold water wash, inside-out, low-heat dry), DTG prints last 50+ washes without significant fading. The water-based inks are heat-cured and bond permanently with the fabric fibers.
Can DTG print on dark fabrics?
Yes. For dark fabrics, a white underbase is printed first, then the CMYK colors are layered on top. This requires pre-treatment of the garment and adds slightly to production time and cost.
What is the minimum order for DTG?
There is no minimum order. DTG is true on-demand printing — you can order a single unit. This makes it ideal for print-on-demand businesses and sample orders.
DTG vs DTF: which is better?
DTG is better for cotton fabrics and when a soft hand feel is priority. DTF is better for polyester, nylon, and mixed materials, and offers more vibrant colors on dark garments. DTF also works on non-textile surfaces.
What file format is best for DTG?
PNG with a transparent background at 300 DPI is the recommended format. This ensures clean edges and optimal color reproduction. TIFF and PSD files are also accepted.
Is DTG eco-friendly?
DTG is one of the most eco-friendly print methods. It uses water-based inks (no PVC or solvents), produces minimal waste (prints only what is needed), and requires no screens or plates that need cleaning.
Other Print Techniques
Ready to Start DTG Printing?
Choose a product, review its template, and prepare artwork for the selected production method.
