Digital Printing (DTF/DTG) Custom T-Shirts

We always choose the best printing method for your order for high-quality results that you’ll love. We may choose digital printing (vs. screen printing) when the design has very detailed art or photos, when you only need a low quantity or when you need a lot of customization (such as personalized names and numbers on team jerseys).

Digital printing produces excellent results quickly and works great on 100% and cotton-heavy blends. When we refer to “digital printing”, we are referring to DTG (direct to garment) printing or DTF (direct to film). With DTG, a specialized printer sprays water-based ink directly onto the fabric. With DTF, the design is printed to a film that’s coated with adhesive powered then heat-pressed onto the garment.

Digital printing is perfect for no minimum orders. Check out some of our fav no minimum products:

Gildan Ultra Cotton T-shirt

• 100% US cotton (most colors)
• OEKO-TEX certified low-impact dyes
• Fair Labor Association (FLA) participant

Bellal + Canvas Ultra Soft Pullover Hoodie

• Combed and ringspun cotton/polyester fleece
• Kangaroo pouch pocket
• WRAP-certified and FLA participant

Comfort Colors Crewneck Sweatshirt

• 80/20 ringspun US cotton/polyester
• Garment dyed
• US Cotton Trust Protocol member

Contact us anytime if you’d like more details about the printing process!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is digital printing for custom t-shirts?

Digital printing refers to two methods we use: DTG (direct to garment) and DTF (direct to film). With DTG, a specialized printer sprays water-based ink directly onto the fabric. With DTF, the design is printed to a film that’s coated with adhesive powder, then heat-pressed onto the garment. Both methods produce excellent results and work great on 100% cotton and cotton-heavy blends. We automatically choose the best method for your order based on your design, product, and quantity.

Q: When does Custom Ink use digital printing instead of screen printing?

We may choose digital printing when your design has very detailed art or photographs, when you need a low quantity (including single items), or when you need a lot of customization such as personalized names and numbers on team jerseys. Digital printing requires no physical setup, which makes it ideal for small orders. For larger orders with simple designs, we typically use screen printing, which creates vibrant, durable results.

Q: Can I print photographs on custom t-shirts using digital printing?

Yes, digital printing is ideal for capturing fine detail and photographic-quality designs. DTG prints your design directly onto the fabric for a soft, flexible feel with detailed results, while DTF transfers create vibrant, durable prints. For best results, we recommend using an image with a resolution of at least 200 DPI (dots per inch). Learn more about printing designs with photos.

Q: Is there a minimum order for digitally printed custom t-shirts?

No, many of our products have no minimum order requirement for digital printing. You can order as few as one custom t-shirt. Simply look for the “no-minimum” callout on our website, or browse our no minimum t-shirts collection. This makes digital printing perfect for personalized gifts or testing a design before ordering for a larger group.

Q: What fabrics work best with digital printing?

Digital printing produces excellent results on 100% cotton and cotton-heavy blends. Natural fabrics like cotton absorb the ink more readily than synthetic fabrics, creating more vibrant designs that last longer. Browse our custom t-shirts to find options suited for digital printing, including popular choices like the Gildan 100% Cotton T-shirt.

Q: How long does it take to receive digitally printed custom t-shirts?

Standard delivery is guaranteed to arrive at your door in two weeks, and shipping is always free. Need your shirts sooner? Rush delivery gets your order to you in one week for an additional 15%, and Super Rush delivery arrives in three business days for an additional 30%. Check our delivery options for more details.

Q: How does digital printing compare to screen printing in quality?

Both methods produce high-quality results, but they excel in different situations. Digital printing captures fine details and color gradients beautifully, making it ideal for photographs and complex artwork. Screen printing creates bold, vibrant colors and is more cost-effective for large orders with simple designs. We always choose the best printing method for your specific order to ensure you love the results.

Q: Can I get help designing my digitally printed custom t-shirt?

Absolutely! Our design experts are available to help you create the perfect design at no extra cost. You can also use our Design Lab to upload your artwork, add text, or start with one of our ready-to-go templates. Every design is reviewed by an artist before printing to ensure it looks great. Contact us anytime if you’d like more details about the printing process.

Q: How should I care for my digitally printed custom t-shirts?

To keep your digitally printed t-shirts looking great, turn them inside out before washing. Use cold water and dry on low heat. Avoid ironing directly over the printed areas. Following these simple care instructions will help your custom design stay vibrant wash after wash.

Q: How much do digitally printed custom t-shirts cost?

The cost depends on three main factors: the product you choose, the number of ink colors in your design, and the total quantity. With digital printing, multi-color and photographic designs don’t cost extra like they would with screen printing. Our all-inclusive pricing means you’ll always see your total upfront with no hidden fees and free standard shipping.