Halftone Properties #
To apply a Halftone effect to your design, click the DTF Properties icon from the left menu, then click Halftone.
Halftoning in DTF printing is a technique that uses small dots to simulate gradients, shading, or color transitions instead of solid ink coverage. By varying the size and spacing of the dots, halftoning allows smooth fades and lighter tones while using less ink. This helps reduce ink buildup, improves flexibility and breathability, and creates cleaner, more professional-looking prints—especially for detailed or photographic designs.
Selecting Halftone Color #
Click the Select Color square to choose a color for halftoning. Usually the dominant Use the slider to see all possible color choices.
Or enter in the Hex Code for the color you would like to use.
You can also use the eyedropper tool to select any color on your screen.
When choosing which color to halftone in DTF printing, you typically halftone the lighter or secondary colors, not the dominant or critical ones. Solid, bold colors (like black, dark blues, or primary brand colors) are usually kept solid to maintain sharp edges and strong contrast. Halftoning is best applied to lighter tones, shading areas, or gradients where you want smoother transitions, reduced ink coverage, and better flexibility without sacrificing visual impact.
Before & After #
Here is an image before the Halftone:
Here is the image after Halftoning a light orange:
Halftone Patterns #
When DTF printed, it will give the final application the appearance of a smooth gradient, while also increasing flexibility and breathability.
You can choose to use Halftone Dots, Halftone Lines, Perlin Noise, or Simplex Noise for you Halftone
You can use the preconfigured Pattern Sizes by selecting from the three examples.
Halftone Pattern Adjustments #
You can also adjust the Pattern Size by moving the Slider below.
You can adjust the Tolerance, which determines how much of the selected color will have halftoning applied. Increase it to halftone more of the design. Decrease it to halftone less.
You can adjust the Softness and the Angle of the Halftone pattern by adjusting the sliders.
