When it comes to printing your own custom designs, there are a few different methods you can choose from: direct to garment printing, heat transfer printing, and vinyl cutting. So which one is right for you? In this blog post, we will explore the differences between DTG and HTP printing, and help you decide which type of printer is best for your needs.
What is direct to garment printing (DTG)?

Direct to garment printing, also known as DTG printing, is a digital printing process that allows you to print your design directly onto a garment using inkjet technology. This type of printer uses a special inkjet-friendly fabric and prints your design one color at a time.

What is heat transfer printing (HTP)?

Heat transfer printing, also known as HTP printing, is a method of applying your design to a garment using heat and pressure. This type of printer works by first printing your design onto a piece of transfer paper using sublimation or solvent inks. The printed transfer paper is then placed on the garment and heated until the ink bonds with the fabric.
How do DTG and HTP printers work?
DTG printers work by first printing your design onto an inkjet-friendly fabric. The printed fabric is then placed on the garment and the ink is transferred to the fabric using heat and pressure.
HTP printers work by first printing your design onto a piece of transfer paper using sublimation or solvent inks. The printed transfer paper is then placed on the garment and heated until the ink bonds with the fabric.
What are the pros and cons of DTG vs HTP printing?
There are a few key differences between DTG and HTP printing that you should be aware of before deciding which type of printer is right for you:
DTG Printing:
+ Pros: No setup fees, shorter turnaround times, no minimum order quantities
– Cons: More expensive per print, designs are limited to a maximum of 12 colors
Heat Transfer Printing:
+ Pros: Cheaper per print, no minimum order quantities, can print full-color designs
– Cons: Longer turnaround times, setup fees may apply, designs are limited to a maximum of 12 colors
So which type of printer is right for your business or project needs? If you need your shirts fast and don’t mind paying a little extra per shirt, then DTG printing is the way to go. If you’re looking to save money on your custom shirts and have a little more time to wait for them, then heat transfer printing is the better option for you.
Which type of printer is right for your business or project needs?
If you need your shirts fast and don’t mind paying a little extra per shirt, then DTG printing is the way to go. If you’re looking to save money on your custom shirts and have a little more time to wait for them, then heat transfer printing is the better option for you.
Is DTG better than heat transfer?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on your specific needs. If you need your shirts fast and don’t mind paying a little extra per shirt, then DTG printing is the way to go. If you’re looking to save money on your custom shirts and have a little more time to wait for them, then heat transfer printing is the better option for you.
Is heat transfer a DTG?
Heat transfer is not the same as DTG printing, but it is a similar process. Heat transfer printing uses a piece of transfer paper that is printed with your design using sublimation or solvent inks. The printed transfer paper is then placed on the garment and heated until the ink bonds with the fabric.
Which is better DTG or vinyl?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on your specific needs. If you need your shirts fast and don’t mind paying a little extra per shirt, then DTG printing is the way to go. If you’re looking to save money on your custom shirts and have a little more time to wait for them, then heat transfer printing is the better option for you.
Is direct to garment printing the same as sublimation?
No, direct to garment (DTG) printing and sublimation are two different methods of printing designs onto fabric. DTG printing works by first printing your design onto an inkjet-friendly fabric. The printed fabric is then placed on the garment and the ink is transferred to the fabric using heat and pressure. Sublimation, on the other hand, is a method of applying your design to a garment using heat and pressure. This type of printer works by first printing your design onto a piece of transfer paper using sublimation or solvent inks. The printed transfer paper is then placed on the garment and heated until the ink bonds with the fabric.
As you can see, there are a few key differences between DTG and HTP printing that you should be aware of before deciding which of printer is right for you. If you need your shirts fast and don’t mind paying a little extra per shirt, then DTG printing is the way to go. If you’re looking to save money on your custom shirts and have a little more time to wait for them, then heat transfer printing is the better option for you.