Screen Print vs DTG for SVG Shirt Designs  Which to Choose?
Screen printing excels for high-quantity solid-color SVG designs; DTG is better for full-color small runs  compare cost, quality, and file prep.
Screen Printing with SVG Files
Screen printing uses SVG art to create color-separated films for each ink color. Minimum orders are typically 24+ shirts. Cost per unit drops sharply at higher quantities. SVG files (or AI/EPS) are preferred by screen printers for clean color separation.
- Minimum order: 24–48 shirts typical
- Best for 1–6 solid colors; cost rises with color count
- SVG/AI/EPS preferred format for color separation
DTG Printing with SVG Files
DTG prints full-color designs directly on garments with no minimum order. Convert SVG to 300 DPI PNG with transparent background for DTG. Best for small batches, photorealistic art, and on-demand fulfillment.
- No minimum order  suitable for one-off prints
- Convert SVG to 300 DPI PNG, transparent background
- Works best on 100% cotton; results vary on blends
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper per shirt: screen print or DTG?
Screen printing is cheaper per unit at quantities above 50. DTG is more economical under 20 shirts or when each shirt has a different design.
Do I need to convert SVG to PNG for DTG printing?
Yes  DTG printers need raster files. Export your SVG as PNG at 300 DPI at the actual print size with a transparent background.
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