Quick Overview
- 1#1: InkSoft - Comprehensive ERP and workflow management platform designed specifically for screen printing and decorated apparel businesses.
- 2#2: Printavo - Cloud-based shop management software for quoting, scheduling, invoicing, and customer communication in screen printing shops.
- 3#3: ShopWorks - All-in-one POS, inventory, CRM, and production management system tailored for screen printing operations.
- 4#4: Digital Factory - Integrated RIP, workflow automation, and design tools for DTG and screen printing production processes.
- 5#5: ONYX ProductionHouse - Advanced RIP software delivering high-quality output and job management for screen and wide-format printing.
- 6#6: Wasatch SoftRIP - Flexible RIP solution supporting screen printing, DTG, and specialty media with powerful color management.
- 7#7: CorelDRAW - Versatile vector design software widely used for creating and preparing screen printing artwork and separations.
- 8#8: Adobe Illustrator - Professional vector graphics editor ideal for precise artwork design and color separations in screen printing.
- 9#9: ColorGATE ProductionServer - Color management and RIP software optimizing print quality and consistency for screen and textile printing.
- 10#10: ErgoSoft RIP - High-end RIP engine for professional printing workflows including screen printing and large-format applications.
Tools were selected based on their ability to combine robust features, consistent quality, user-friendly design, and long-term value, ensuring they meet the varied needs of modern screen printing businesses.
Comparison Table
Explore the functionality of top screen printing software with this comparison table, highlighting tools like InkSoft, Printavo, ShopWorks, Digital Factory, ONYX ProductionHouse, and more. Discover how each platform balances design, workflow management, and operational needs to streamline processes, equipping readers to identify the solution that aligns with their unique business requirements.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | InkSoft Comprehensive ERP and workflow management platform designed specifically for screen printing and decorated apparel businesses. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Printavo Cloud-based shop management software for quoting, scheduling, invoicing, and customer communication in screen printing shops. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 3 | ShopWorks All-in-one POS, inventory, CRM, and production management system tailored for screen printing operations. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 4 | Digital Factory Integrated RIP, workflow automation, and design tools for DTG and screen printing production processes. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 5 | ONYX ProductionHouse Advanced RIP software delivering high-quality output and job management for screen and wide-format printing. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 6 | Wasatch SoftRIP Flexible RIP solution supporting screen printing, DTG, and specialty media with powerful color management. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.3/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 7 | CorelDRAW Versatile vector design software widely used for creating and preparing screen printing artwork and separations. | creative_suite | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 8 | Adobe Illustrator Professional vector graphics editor ideal for precise artwork design and color separations in screen printing. | creative_suite | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 6.2/10 | 6.8/10 |
| 9 | ColorGATE ProductionServer Color management and RIP software optimizing print quality and consistency for screen and textile printing. | specialized | 8.0/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 10 | ErgoSoft RIP High-end RIP engine for professional printing workflows including screen printing and large-format applications. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 6.9/10 | 7.2/10 |
Comprehensive ERP and workflow management platform designed specifically for screen printing and decorated apparel businesses.
Cloud-based shop management software for quoting, scheduling, invoicing, and customer communication in screen printing shops.
All-in-one POS, inventory, CRM, and production management system tailored for screen printing operations.
Integrated RIP, workflow automation, and design tools for DTG and screen printing production processes.
Advanced RIP software delivering high-quality output and job management for screen and wide-format printing.
Flexible RIP solution supporting screen printing, DTG, and specialty media with powerful color management.
Versatile vector design software widely used for creating and preparing screen printing artwork and separations.
Professional vector graphics editor ideal for precise artwork design and color separations in screen printing.
Color management and RIP software optimizing print quality and consistency for screen and textile printing.
High-end RIP engine for professional printing workflows including screen printing and large-format applications.
InkSoft
enterpriseComprehensive ERP and workflow management platform designed specifically for screen printing and decorated apparel businesses.
ShopWorks automated quoting system that generates instant, accurate quotes based on ink colors, print locations, sizes, and production variables
InkSoft is a comprehensive cloud-based ERP and workflow management platform tailored for screen printing, embroidery, and promotional product businesses. It automates the entire process from customer quotes and artwork approvals to production scheduling, inventory management, and e-commerce storefronts. With robust integrations for design tools like Adobe Illustrator and shipping carriers, it enables shops to scale efficiently while reducing manual errors.
Pros
- End-to-end automation from quoting to fulfillment, minimizing manual work
- Powerful automated quoting engine with dynamic pricing rules
- Integrated e-commerce and CRM for direct online sales and customer management
Cons
- Initial setup and learning curve can be steep for new users
- Pricing is subscription-based and scales up for advanced features
- Customization options may require developer support for complex needs
Best For
Mid-to-large screen printing shops seeking a scalable, all-in-one solution to streamline operations and grow online sales.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing starting at around $300/month for basic plans, scaling to $1,000+/month for enterprise with full features; includes free trial.
Printavo
enterpriseCloud-based shop management software for quoting, scheduling, invoicing, and customer communication in screen printing shops.
Visual production scheduler with real-time shop floor updates and automated task assignments
Printavo is a robust shop management platform tailored for screen printing and embroidery businesses, handling everything from online order intake and art proofing to production scheduling and invoicing. It features a visual production calendar, inventory tracking, customer portals, and integrations with tools like QuickBooks and ShippingEasy. Designed to streamline shop floor operations, it reduces manual work and improves team coordination for growing print shops.
Pros
- Powerful production scheduling with drag-and-drop calendar
- Excellent online proofing and customer approval tools
- Strong integrations and mobile app for on-the-go access
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers can be costly for very small shops
- Reporting features lack advanced customization
- Initial setup requires some training for full utilization
Best For
Mid-sized screen printing shops seeking comprehensive workflow automation and shop floor visibility.
Pricing
Starts at $95/month (Starter plan for 1 user), scaling to $395+/month for Pro/Enterprise with more users and features; annual discounts available.
ShopWorks
enterpriseAll-in-one POS, inventory, CRM, and production management system tailored for screen printing operations.
Advanced Production Dashboard providing real-time job status, bottlenecks, and scheduling across multiple presses
ShopWorks is a robust POS and shop management software tailored for screen printing, embroidery, and promotional product businesses. It handles everything from customer quotes and order entry to production scheduling, inventory tracking, and invoicing with real-time shop floor visibility. The platform excels in managing complex workflows like art approvals, job costing, and multi-location operations, integrating seamlessly with QuickBooks and e-commerce platforms.
Pros
- Comprehensive production management with job tracking and scheduling
- Strong inventory control and barcode integration for efficiency
- Deep integrations with QuickBooks, Shopify, and industry-specific tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users due to extensive features
- Pricing can be high for small shops
- Mobile app is functional but lacks some desktop capabilities
Best For
Mid-sized screen printing shops needing end-to-end workflow automation and scalability.
Pricing
Starts at $199/month for basic plans, scaling to $500+/month for advanced features and multiple users; custom quotes available.
Digital Factory
specializedIntegrated RIP, workflow automation, and design tools for DTG and screen printing production processes.
Visual Logic engine for no-code workflow automation and custom job processing rules
Digital Factory by CADlink is a modular RIP (Raster Image Processor) software designed for professional digital printing workflows, including screen printing applications through precise color separations, halftoning, and film output preparation. It handles complex vector and raster files, offering tools for underbase generation, highlight whites, and simulation of screen print effects for digital alternatives like DTG or DTF. The software supports high-volume production with advanced nesting, job queuing, and color management tailored to garment and specialty printing.
Pros
- Superior color management and separations for screen print emulation
- Modular system allows scalable customization
- Robust automation and nesting for high-volume production
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners
- High cost with expensive add-on modules
- Hardware-intensive for optimal performance
Best For
Mid-to-large screen printing shops transitioning to hybrid digital workflows needing powerful RIP capabilities.
Pricing
Base RIP license starts at approximately $1,500-$2,500, with modules like Color Factory or Nesting adding $500-$2,000 each; perpetual licenses with optional maintenance.
ONYX ProductionHouse
specializedAdvanced RIP software delivering high-quality output and job management for screen and wide-format printing.
Advanced automated color separations for simulated process and spot color screen printing with precise ink limit control
ONYX ProductionHouse is a professional-grade RIP (Raster Image Processor) software from Onyx Graphics, offering advanced tools for screen printing including color separations, halftone generation, and film/inkjet output preparation. It excels in color management, automation, and workflow efficiency, making it suitable for production environments handling complex jobs. While powerful for high-volume shops, it's more broadly focused on wide-format digital printing with screen printing as a supported workflow.
Pros
- Superior color management and profiling for accurate separations
- HotFolder automation for streamlined high-volume production
- Versatile halftone options including stochastic screening tailored for screens
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to complex interface
- High cost may not suit small shops
- Less specialized for pure screen printing compared to dedicated tools
Best For
Mid-to-large screen printing businesses with diverse workflows needing robust RIP and automation capabilities.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses start at ~$2,500 for base version, scaling to $10,000+ for full modules and multi-printer support; annual maintenance ~15-20% of license cost.
Wasatch SoftRIP
specializedFlexible RIP solution supporting screen printing, DTG, and specialty media with powerful color management.
UltraPixel™ screening technology delivering superior dot shape control and ink efficiency for screen printing halftones
Wasatch SoftRIP is a professional RIP (Raster Image Processor) software from Wasatch Computer Technology, optimized for wide-format and specialty printing including screen printing workflows. It handles advanced color separations, halftone generation, film output, nesting, and tiling essential for creating screens. The software supports a vast array of printers and cutters, making it suitable for high-volume production environments.
Pros
- Exceptional color management and UltraPixel screening for precise halftones
- Broad compatibility with printers, film setters, and production tools
- Powerful automation features like nesting and tiling for efficient workflows
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners due to complex interface
- High upfront and licensing costs
- Requires additional modules for full screen printing optimization
Best For
Mid-to-large screen printing operations seeking professional-grade RIP processing and color accuracy in high-volume production.
Pricing
Basic license starts at ~$2,995; enterprise editions and modules range from $5,000–$15,000+ with annual maintenance fees.
CorelDRAW
creative_suiteVersatile vector design software widely used for creating and preparing screen printing artwork and separations.
Precise spot color separation and trapping tools tailored for multi-color screen printing setups
CorelDRAW is a professional vector graphics editor widely used for designing screen printing artwork, offering tools for creating scalable logos, halftones, color separations, and spot color management. It supports precise vector editing, bitmap tracing, and output to various formats compatible with RIP software for screen printing production. While not exclusively a screen printing tool, its robust design capabilities make it a staple in print shops for pre-press preparation.
Pros
- Exceptional vector illustration and editing tools ideal for creating detailed screen print designs
- Advanced color management with spot color support and Pantone libraries for accurate separations
- PowerTrace for converting raster images to editable vectors, streamlining artwork preparation
Cons
- Steep learning curve for users new to professional design software
- Lacks built-in RIP simulation or automated printing workflows found in dedicated screen printing tools
- Subscription model can be costly for small shops focused solely on printing
Best For
Experienced graphic designers and print shops needing versatile, high-precision artwork creation for screen printing.
Pricing
Subscription at $269/year (Graphics Suite) or perpetual license ~$499; volume discounts available.
Adobe Illustrator
creative_suiteProfessional vector graphics editor ideal for precise artwork design and color separations in screen printing.
Advanced Pathfinder tools for seamless shape merging and boolean operations critical for clean screen separations
Adobe Illustrator is a premier vector graphics editor used extensively for designing screen printing artwork, offering precise path tools, color separation capabilities, and export options compatible with RIP software. It allows users to create scalable logos, spot color assignments, and vector-based separations essential for multi-color screen prints. While powerful for pre-press design, it lacks built-in halftone simulation or automated trapping specific to screen printing workflows.
Pros
- Exceptional vector editing precision for clean, scalable screen print artwork
- Robust color management and spot color tools ideal for separations
- Integration with plugins like Separation Studio for enhanced print prep
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners in screen printing
- Subscription-only model increases long-term costs
- Lacks native screen printing simulations like halftones or moiré detection
Best For
Experienced graphic designers handling complex vector artwork for professional screen printing shops.
Pricing
Starts at $22.99/month for Illustrator standalone or $59.99/month for full Creative Cloud suite; no perpetual license.
ColorGATE ProductionServer
specializedColor management and RIP software optimizing print quality and consistency for screen and textile printing.
FineLine hybrid screening technology for superior sharpness and detail in screen printing halftones
ColorGATE ProductionServer is a professional RIP and workflow software tailored for high-end printing production, including screen printing applications through advanced color management and separation tools. It automates RIPping, halftone generation, and color matching to ensure consistent output across screens and substrates. Primarily known for digital large-format printing, it adapts well to screen processes with precise ICC-based profiling and production automation.
Pros
- Superior color management with accurate separations and ICC profiling
- Advanced screening options like FineLine for sharp halftones on screens
- Scalable workflow automation for high-volume production
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners
- High upfront and maintenance costs
- Less specialized for screen printing compared to dedicated tools
Best For
Established screen printing shops prioritizing color precision and automated workflows over simplicity.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses start at €4,000-€10,000 depending on modules; annual maintenance ~20% of license cost.
ErgoSoft RIP
specializedHigh-end RIP engine for professional printing workflows including screen printing and large-format applications.
RiPQ advanced screening engine for ultra-precise stochastic halftones optimized for screen printing meshes
ErgoSoft RIP is a professional raster image processor (RIP) software renowned for its advanced color management and workflow tools, supporting screen printing through precise color separations, halftoning, and output to films or printers. It excels in handling complex jobs like simulated process, spot colors, and indexed separations, with features for nesting, tiling, and automation via hotfolders. Ideal for print shops integrating digital RIPping into screen printing pipelines, it ensures consistent quality across substrates.
Pros
- Exceptional color accuracy and Pantone matching for screen separations
- Advanced screening options including stochastic and hybrid halftones
- Powerful nesting, tiling, and production automation tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-expert users
- High upfront cost with additional fees for modules
- Interface feels dated compared to modern design software
Best For
Established screen printing shops handling high-volume, color-critical jobs that require robust RIP processing alongside design tools.
Pricing
Core RIP license starts at $2,500-$4,000 per workstation, with add-ons for printers/modules up to $10,000+; volume discounts for enterprises.
Conclusion
The reviewed screen printing software offers diverse strengths, with InkSoft leading as the top choice for its comprehensive ERP and workflow management platform. Printavo and ShopWorks follow closely, excelling in cloud-based shop management and all-in-one POS/inventory solutions, respectively, making them strong alternatives for different operational needs. Together, these tools highlight how software continues to streamline and enhance screen printing processes.
Begin with InkSoft to leverage its tailored features for your operations, or explore Printavo or ShopWorks to find the best fit for your specific workflow needs.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison