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Choosing a decoration method

Learn how to pick the right decoration method for your branded swag — what each option, from DTG and DTF to embroidery and dye sublimation, is best for.

Written by Brett Hellman

When you design a piece of Branded Company Swag, you'll choose a decoration method — how your logo or artwork is applied to the product. The options you see depend on the item, and each suits a particular material and design style. You don't need to be a print expert; here's the quick version.

Each product shows only the methods available for it, and the recommended option is picked to look great on that item — so it's always a safe default. Some products let you choose between methods, and the printable design area can differ between them.

Not sure which to pick?

  • Detailed, colorful design on a cotton tee or hoodie → DTG

  • Colorful, durable design across many fabrics (cotton, polyester, fleece, blends) → DTF

  • Bright, long-lasting design on polyester, a mug, or a bag → Dye Sublimation

  • A design that covers the whole item, edge to edge → All Over Print

  • Crisp logo or text on a flat, firm surface → Digital Printing

  • A premium stitched look on a hat, polo, or jacket → Embroidery

  • A design woven into the material, like a blanket or patch → Weaving

  • A permanent mark on a metal bottle or wood item → Laser Engraving

All Over Print (AOP)

Dyes are pressed into the product with heat for a seamless, edge-to-edge finish with no print borders. Best when you want the design to cover most of the item — great for polyester apparel, bags, blankets, mugs, and bold full-surface artwork.

Digital Printing

The design is printed directly onto the product's surface with professional-grade inks. Best for crisp logos, text, and colorful artwork on flat or firm surfaces — great when the product supports detailed, direct printing.

Direct to Film (DTF)

The design is printed onto a film and heat-pressed onto the product, over a white-ink base that keeps it vibrant on any fabric color. Best for colorful designs on cotton, polyester, fleece, and blends — a durable option that works well on many fabric types.

Direct to Garment (DTG)

Water-based inks are printed directly into the fabric, like an inkjet printer for clothing, for a soft finish. Best for cotton and cotton-blend apparel — soft-feeling t-shirts, hoodies, and detailed designs with lots of colors.

Dye Sublimation

Heat turns the dye into the fabric or coating so the design becomes part of the surface, for bright, long-lasting results. Best for polyester fabrics or coated hard goods — great for bright designs on mugs, bags, activewear, and all-over prints.

Embroidery

Your logo is stitched into the fabric with thread for a premium, textured finish (colors are limited to available thread shades). Best for thicker fabrics and structured items — hats, polos, jackets, and sweatshirts, when you want a premium stitched look.

Laser Engraving

A laser etches your design into the product's surface for a permanent mark — no ink. Best for hard goods like metal bottles, tumblers, and wood, when you want a subtle, durable, high-end finish.

Weaving

The design is woven into the material itself from colored yarns, rather than printed on top. Best when the design should be part of the material — great for blankets, towels, patches, labels, and textured products.

Still unsure? Go with the method recommended on the product — it's chosen to look its best on that item — and preview your design before saving.

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