By Melissa Donovan
Managing color in any application is one of the most important parts of a print job. As direct to garment (DTG) and direct to film (DTF) printing continue to move the industry into new directions, it’s imperative to consider the color management solutions that integrate into these printing processes.
Smart Printing
Third-party options as well as what’s bundled with leading DTG/DTF printer offerings are shared.
All Brother International Corporation DTG and DTF offerings include GTX Graphics Lab, which is a proprietary software with built-in color management. This software uses Brother’s ICC profile to enable ease of use while allowing for color changes. If an account needs to further tune in their output, there are third-party RIP companies that Brother partners with to allow for more extensive fine tuning.
Caldera PrimeCenter for DTF allows users to automate DTF workflow and job preparationusing PrimeCenter. PrimeCenter is a full-featured nesting and job preparation prepress solution that delivers improved productivity, prepares efficient DTF print-and-cut files, and works across all printers and cutters to standardize processes. It works with every PDF-enabled RIP software and ensures a smooth and efficient workflow as well as accurate and consistent results. PrimeCenter streamlines and automates DTF workflows by optimizing job preparation, minimizing material waste, and ensuring precise cut-path setups.
The recently announced Epson SureColor G6070 leverages new UltraChrome DF inks to consistently deliver professional-grade prints with vibrant colors and crisp, detailed clarity. It also comes equipped with Fiery Digital Factory workflow software that offers a variety of features to manage color.
Digital Factory is Fiery’s primary offering for DTF and DTG print applications. It is a full print production software system that provides print drivers for thousands of presses across dozens of OEMs, delivers effortless automation and organizational tools, provides for the most robust color management, and integrates with post-print finishing.
GMG ColorServer Digital is an automated solution that enables conversion to any output color space. Despite the multitude of digital and large format machines and the huge variety of printing substrates, achieving consistent results is a must. GMG ColorServer Digital delivers exactly the colors that customers expect. The application is as precise as it is efficient. With the unique MX technology from GMG, RGB, CMYK, or even mixed image data are automatically converted into the desired output color space. GMG SmartProfiler is an integral part of GMG ColorServer Digital and, with its step-by-step user guide, offers every user the possibility to calibrate and recalibrate various digital and large format printing presses.
Kornit’s DTG systems use the proprietary K-RIP, which harnesses advanced color management features, including spot color handling using Pantone, libraries, high-quality PDF processing powered by Adobe PDF Print Engine to optimize the performance of digital on demand textile production printers and cost effectiveness over the entire print production cycle.
Color profiling is very important and is available with Lawson Screen & Digital Products, Inc.’s Prestige line of DTF printers. Additionally, expanded color gamut printers offer a wider spectrum of available colors for those needing to match Pantones.
For Mimaki USA, Inc. TxF Series printers are recommended to use Mimaki RasterLink7 software. Both technologies rely on external color calibration devices such as Barbieri or X-Rite spectrophotometers, or users can purchase a RIP that has many \ presets created in advance.
PrintFactory is committed to empowering DTG and DTF print providers with robust color management solutions. The PrintFactory software suite offers Super Easy Smart Device-link profiling tools tailored specifically for DTG and DTF production. Automated advanced white generation is specific for DTG and DTF production. Automated T-Shirt Color Knockout is designed for DTF/DTG with Black KO “feathering” for DTG. Automated Halftoning output simulates screen printing for both DTG and DTF. Cloud-based workflow management allows teams to streamline production. Product SKU automation is driven by file name, XML, CSV/MS Excel, and API. DTF Automatic “Rope” type enables cut file generation and True Shape Nesting offers DTF gang sheets.
Roland DGA Corporation’s DTF devices work in combination with its VersaWorks RIP software and profiled DTF media and inks to provide a complete print solution that consistently delivers superior color vibrancy and accuracy. The Roland VersaWorks RIP has profiles and output presets that produce accurate color when using the TY-300 printer, ink, and media.
SAi offers Flexi DTF DTG, a design and RIP solution specifically designed for DTF and DTG printing, available for $38.99 per month. Flexi DTF DTG includes a complete design suite, advanced color management features, intuitive file preparation tools, and more to help users achieve consistent and high-quality prints. With a user-friendly interface and seamless printer integration, Flexi simplifies the workflow for DTG and DTF users, reducing errors and improving production efficiency.
X-Rite’s i1Pro 3 solutions are designed to meet the needs of DTG and DTF printing. The i1Pro 3 spectrophotometer, combined with i1Profiler software, provides comprehensive color management capabilities, including monitor and printer profiling, ensuring accurate color reproduction across various substrates. Additionally, the i1iO table enhances the functionality of the i1Pro 3 by automating the measurement process, making it ideal for high-volume production environments.
May2025, Digital Output
