Digital Printing in 2026

If you’ve ordered a custom tee, hoodie or tote bag in the last few years (hopefully with us, wink wink), chances are it was digitally printed. Digital printing has quietly become one of the most important tools in modern garment production and in 2026 it’s still going strong.

At The Print Bar, digital printing is a huge part of how we help brands, businesses, creatives, and side hustles bring ideas to life quickly and beautifully. This journal entry is our way of pulling back the curtain on how digital printing works, why it has evolved so rapidly, and why it is such a powerful option for custom apparel right now.

We will also be sharing some behind the scenes footage from our warehouse so you can see the machines in action and get a real sense of what goes into every print.

What is digital printing?

Digital garment printing, often referred to as DTG, is a method where ink is printed directly onto the fabric using specialised high resolution printers. Think of it like a giant, very precise inkjet printer that is built specifically for clothing. We joke that they kind of look like a 4-wheel drive sitting in our warehouse at The Print Bar - they are very impressive machines.

Unlike screen printing, there are no screens to burn or set up. Your artwork is sent straight from a digital file to fabric. That means more photorealistic detail, more colour flexibility, and far less setup time.

In 2026, digital printing has matured into a production ready solution that delivers consistent quality at scale while still being perfect for one off prints and small runs (no minimums = the dream). 

Why is digital printing leading the way in 2026?

Digital printing has been around for a while (we’re talking mid-1990’s!), but the technology has leveled up significantly in the last few years. The machines are faster, the inks are more vibrant, and the prints last longer than ever.

Here is why we are seeing more customers choose digital printing as a decoration method in 2026.

Incredible detail and colour

Digital printing allows for full colour designs, gradients, fine lines, and photographic detail without any extra cost per colour. This makes it ideal for illustrated designs, artwork, and anything with subtle shading. Bam!

Low minimums, no compromise

You can print one tee or one hundred tees without sacrificing quality. There are no setup costs like screens, which makes digital printing perfect for test runs, drops, events, and small businesses getting started.

Faster turnaround times

Because there is less setup involved, digital printing moves fast - prints can be done in SECONDS. This helps us offer quicker turnaround times and even Same Day services for certain orders. Our Same Day service at The Print Bar is exclusively for digital printing.

More considered production

Digital printing produces less waste than traditional methods because ink is only applied where it is needed. This makes it a smarter choice for on demand production and reducing excess stock.

Inside our warehouse: how DTG actually works

We know that printing can feel a bit mysterious if you have never seen it up close. That is why we love sharing footage of our machines in the warehouse.

When you see digital printers in action, a few things become clear very quickly.

• Each garment is individually placed and aligned 

• The printer applies ink directly onto the fabric with precision 

• The print is then cured so the ink bonds properly with the fibres

It is a hands-on process that combines technology with human care at every step. No two prints are rushed out the door without being checked by our team.

If you are watching along with the footage, you will notice how quiet and clean the process is compared to older printing methods. That is one of the reasons digital printing fits so well into modern production spaces.

So, is digital printing right for your project?

Digital printing is an amazing option, but like any print method, it works best for certain types of projects.

Digital printing is ideal if you are:

• Printing small to medium quantities 

• Using detailed or full colour artwork 

• Testing a new design or product 

• Running limited drops or personalised items 

• Wanting fast turnaround times

• Soft, breathable prints

If you are printing large bulk orders with simple designs, screen printing may still be the best fit. At The Print Bar, we help customers choose the right method based on what they are making, not just what is trendy.

Looking ahead at the future of digital printing

In 2026, digital printing is no longer the new kid on the block. It is a reliable, high quality, and flexible way to produce custom apparel that keeps up with how brands actually operate today.

As technology continues to evolve, we are committed to staying curious, investing in the best equipment, and sharing what we learn along the way. Education is a big part of being a good print partner, and we believe informed customers make better merch.

If you have ever wondered how your designs go from screen to shirt, we hope this gave you a clearer picture. And if you want to see it firsthand, keep an eye on our journal and socials for more behind the scenes moments from the warehouse.

As always, if you are unsure which print method is right for your next project, our team is here to help. You can email us at [email protected] or call us on (07) 3854 0608.