17 Best  Screen Printing Software for Screen Printers

Screen Printing is one of the most popular printing techniques there is today. Amateur designers, small-scale businesses, and even large-scale companies are now embracing this type of printing. But like the other printing techniques, it involves a broad process that results in high-quality outcomes. To come up with the highest quality screen printing, you need to have a great companion, and that would be the best screen printing software.

Top 17 Best Software for Screen Printing

It is not hard to look for design softwares that work well with screen printing because there are many out there. And we prepared a list of the best softwares that you can choose from depending on your needs. We grouped these softwares into two categories: Graphic Design and Color Separation.

Graphic Design Softwares

1. Adobe Illustrator

This powerful and widely used printing software is number one on our list like many professional designers. This software has the best features suited for any method of printing making it the industry standard for art creation.  You can find all the amazing tools needed to create clear-cut and vibrant images perfect for screen prints in this software

When it comes to screen printing, this graphic design software is much favored over Photoshop because of its ability to work with vector images. Adobe Illustrator uses vector images as its base image. This type of images are chosen for screen printing because they can be resized without the loss of image details.

Although Illustrator comes with a hefty price and a longer learning curve, it is worth every penny and effort.

2. CorelDraw

CorelDraw is also a great software for screen printing. It is one of the most popular programs when it comes to creating vectors. It has a lot of tools for designing, editing, and illustrating images.  A wide array of colors, fonts, templates, clipart, images, stickers, and other art stuff  that are not usually in other design software are among its best features. You can create as many designs as you desire.

You only need to pay a one-time payment to get the full features and enjoy this software for your screen printing business.

3. Inkscape

Inkscape is another software best for screen printing. It is free to use and is open source.  There is an impressive range of features that is comparable to Adobe Illustrator and CorelDraw in this design software. It is perfect for handling and editing vectors. For small businesses and amateur designers, this software is an excellent choice.

Since it is free to use, it requires some time to learn. But, it has developed a quick fan base and online community that offers help and support especially when it comes to screen print.

4. Affinity Designer

The Affinity Designer software is built for professional use. It caters to both vector and raster images. With its competitive tools and features, designers can create complex and unconventional images that are great for screen printing. It can handle large images and control various projects at the same time. Color separation is also simple and easy with Affinity.

This  software has gained a reputation for providing the right amount of tools for screen printers. The best thing about this software is that it comes with an enticing reasonable price.

5. GIMP

This is another free version of open-source design software compatible with screen printers. While it focuses on editing raster than vector images, it comes with upgraded plug-ins that can cater to every design printing needs. GIMP has extensive photo editing tools that are well-complemented with a variety of printing features.

6. GraffixPro Studio

The main feature of this software is personalization. While other design software involves the beginning-to-end process of designing images, GraphixPro Studio works best by providing you with the final steps of the process. Because on-the-spot customization is a trend in the printing industry, this software is offering a personalization process making shop and business owners maximize their profit potential. The software works well in running your screen printing business and market your screen printing products.

Its comprehensive features include a wide selection of font collections, color matching, variable data, and a quote generator. This software is recommended for printing studio business as it has a one-time sale price.

7. Fatpaint

Among the most advanced online graphic design software is Fatpaint. It comprises of a vector image editor, photo editor, and page layout maker. There are many graphic tools and resources to choose from. It also has a wide selection of functionalities and most of them are free.

8. Canva

When it comes to graphic design, this web-based design software is a good competitor. Canva’s collection of features works well with any design method like screen printing. It is easy to use with its large assortment of templates that might include everything you need for a design.

Color Separation Softwares

9. EZ ScreenPrint

The screen printing process requires color separation tools to separate screens for every color image. The EZ Screen is the best in the game. It can break down intricate images into three to four layers of color. It provides the option of using halftones and the ability to save projects in various formats.

EZ ScreenPrint does come with an expensive price but it provides quality customer service. It is a well-recommended print shop business software.

10. Separo

Separo is more of an online tool rather than downloadable software. It has an automatic color separation feature for small screen printing. And it does this in a matter of minutes allowing you to save hours of effort and currencies on materials in managing your screen printing. With a technology that is rights reserved, this tool delivers the best quality printing.

It comes with two types of plans, starter and plus, both come with a 30-day trial.

11. SimpleSeps

This color separation tool is an add-on to design software that includes CorelDraw. Graphic designers favor this tool because it provides all the necessary print setups used in screen printing. Simpleseps is now released on its 5th edition with a favorable price. But, previous editions may come up on sale.

12. Spot Process Separation Studio Software

This software is designed for screen printing. The software allows you to separate images from up to 16 different color layers by letting you preview and print every layer along the way. It works for both MAC and Windows. Users can subscribe to it annually but at a much lesser price compared to other top-notch softwares.

13. T-Seps

T-Seps is another color separation plug-in that is compatible with Adobe Illustrator. It has all the best features needed to prepare an image for screen printing. It can be purchased through a price but offers a free-trial period.

14. Quikseps

This color separation software is one of the best in the market. It bears a simulated color separation process for a remarkable result. Among its features are the easy-to-print CMYK process, basic spot color, and cool grayscale color separation tools.

With Quikseps, printing businesses could save time and make money by enhancing ability, scope, and speed. All of these without sacrificing the quality of prints.

15. Ultraseps

Ultraseps is also a plug-in tool best for color separation. It is compatible with Adobe Photoshop and is one of the most advanced separation programs for screen printing. It is easy to use and smooth to run. This Photoshop Plug-in comes with a price but most of the time, the company puts it on sale.

16. Xeriosep

Xeriosep is spot color separation software that is relatively new in the industry. It offers simplification of the color selection process of complex images to help save time. It also provides several separation systems to create precise and exclusive spot color separation.

The downside to this software is the language barrier as it is invented by an Italian company. However, it has established a great track record so far.

17. YRGBK

Another color separation plug-in for Adobe Photoshop is the YRGBK. It does not offer a wide variety of features but it works best in supplying a selection of under-base options to make screen printing easier. It offers a simple but dominant approach created for detailed color separation work.

Different versions of the plug-ins come at different prices too.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is screen printing?

Screen printing is a printing technique where ink is pressed through a stenciled mesh screen onto a substrate, such as a t-shirt or poster. Screen printing is a method used to transfer designs onto various surfaces using a mesh screen and ink. It involves a design tool to create the artwork, print management software to organize and track orders, accounting software for financial management, shipping software for logistics, and screen printing management software for shop owners to manage the entire process efficiently.

2. What is screen printing software?

Screen printing software is a computer program designed to assist with the various aspects of screen printing, such as image separation, color management, and print shop management. Screen printing software refers to various programs and applications designed to assist screen printers in managing their production process efficiently.

It includes features like separation software for screen printing, production management, print shipping labels, and print shop management software. One popular example is the Freehand Separation Studio, which offers advanced tools for creating high-quality separations. With screen printer software, businesses can streamline their operations and enhance productivity in their print shops.

3. What is separation software?

Separation software is a type of screen printing software that helps separate colors in an image into individual layers for printing. Screen printing software refers to a piece of software used in the screen printing industry. It includes various types of software such as design software for screen printing, separation software for screen printing, and management software solutions.

These programs assist in creating, editing, and managing designs for screen printing. With screen printing design software, users can easily create intricate designs and separate colors for accurate printing results.

4. What is shop management software?

Shop management software is a tool used by screen printing businesses to manage various aspects of their operations, including inventory, orders, and invoicing. Screen printing software, also known as screen printer software, is a type of print shop management software designed specifically for screen printing businesses.

This software enables print shop owners to efficiently manage their operations and streamline their workflows. It often includes features such as order management, production scheduling, inventory tracking, and job costing. With options like Freehand Separation Studio, owners have the flexibility to create customized designs and artwork. This software becomes a vital tool for any screen printing business that wants to own their software and have it live in their existing print setup.

5. How can I create color separation for screen printing?

To create color separation, you can use software specifically designed for screen printing, such as Adobe Illustrator, Affinity Designer, and Corel Draw separation software or the other excellent  separation software for screen”. These programs help separate colors and prepare them for printing. To create color separation for screen printing, you can utilize your existing print dialog menu and select the channels you want to print.

Additionally, you need to let the software talk to your printer, ensuring it is designed specifically for screen printing. Some software options are available for a one-time software license fee, which allows for efficient color separation and ensures quality output.

Do I need rip software for screen printing?

If you are in the screen printing business, rip software is essential. Rip software, also known as software for screen printers, is used to optimize the print quality of images on an inkjet printer. It allows you to control various aspects of the printing process, such as color management and image resizing.

This software is a must-have for any screen printing shop, as it ensures that prints come out sharp and vibrant. Additionally, it works seamlessly with design programs, making it easier to create and print high-quality designs. Invest in rip software for your print shop and take your screen printing game to the next level.

What is needed for DIY screen printing?

Yes, you do need rip software for screen printing. Rip software offers various features and tools that are specifically designed for the printing operations involved in screen printing. It works in conjunction with design software to create high-quality prints and enables image manipulation and color management. Rip software mentioned in this context is essential for optimizing print output and ensuring accurate color representation. Additionally, it can also integrate with web-based shipping software to streamline the entire printing and shipping process.

What are the three types of screen printing?

There are three main types of screen printing. The first is manual screen printing, where stencils are applied by hand to a small screen. The second is automatic screen printing, which involves the use of machines to apply stencils. The third type is digital screen printing, which is becoming more popular due to advancements in technology. With digital screen printing, image manipulation software is used to create and apply stencils. It is important to choose the best software that offers features for managing your shop and enhancing your designs if you are new to screen printing.

What is the best color separation software for screen printing?

When it comes to screen printing, the best color separation software is the one that meets your specific needs. For starters, you will need design software to create the artwork for printing. Signing up for any program that includes options for screen separation is advisable. Additionally, it is beneficial to have software that can generate RGB color proofs to ensure accurate color representation on the final printed screens. Consider the compatibility with DTG printers and choose software that works seamlessly with your setup.

Which software is best for silk screen printing?

There are various software options available for silk screen printing, depending on your specific needs. Tools for screen printing such as color separation software for screen can be helpful in dividing the image into different color layers. Image editing software can also be useful in enhancing and preparing the design. Additionally, there are different software programs designed specifically for screen printing, ensuring that the final product lives up to your expectations and is compatible with your existing printing setup.

At what point is a business management software needed?

A business management software is needed when your small part-time garage shop printing starts to receive a considerable number of orders, 1-4 orders a month. As your garage shop printing business grows, it becomes necessary to streamline your operations and keep track of inventory, invoicing, and customer information. A business management software can automate these processes, making it easier to manage and grow your screen printing business efficiently.

How can screen printing software help a screen printing business?

Screen printing software can greatly benefit a screen printing business by streamlining the entire printing process. This software is designed specifically for screen printing and allows businesses to easily manage their orders, including those from part-time garage shops that may only handle 1-4 orders a month. It helps in creating and organizing screens for printing and ensures that the shop needs are efficiently met. With screen printing software, businesses can save time, reduce errors, and enhance productivity, ultimately leading to increased profitability.

The first step in every shop’s printing process?

The first step in every shop’s printing process is to design the prints that will be created. Whether the shop is a part-time garage shop printing 1-4 orders a month or a large-scale commercial operation, each design is carefully curated. Designs can be created in-house or outsourced to a designer who specializes in screen printing. In order to ensure a seamless transition, many shops offer free one-on-one onboarding and training to their clients, providing them with the necessary skills and knowledge to bring their designs to life.

The Conclusion

Screen printing software is important to any graphic business. It helps in optimizing marketing efforts across all means. It also helps in building company branding and making your products and services known and familiar to many. The screen printing industry will expand more in the coming days. With the right management software and screen printing programs to invest in, certainly, no business will be left behind.