If you are setting up a Procolored K13 Lite for DTF printing, choosing the printer is only the beginning. Your RIP software, printer configuration, color management, white-ink settings, media and production workflow all affect how efficiently you can turn artwork into finished transfers.

CadLink Digital Factory V12 is designed as a RIP and production workflow platform for specialty printing, including DTF. Its current documentation includes device management, print-mode configuration, ICC profile creation, white-ink controls and gang-sheet tools.

For K13 Lite buyers, the bigger question is therefore not simply “What software do I need?” but:

How do you configure CadLink V12 correctly for the K13 Lite, manage color and white ink, test the workflow, and choose the appropriate licence?

This guide walks through the process and connects it with the equipment and resources available from DTF Gears.

If you are still deciding which printer to purchase, start with our Best DTF Printer Under $2,500 guide or our Best DTF Printer for Beginners: Complete 2026 Buying Guide before buying software.

Quick Answer: Can CadLink V12 Be Used With the Procolored K13 Lite?

The first step is verifying the exact printer model and available driver/profile support before purchasing a licence.

DTF Gears' current CadLink compatibility guide discusses Procolored A3, A4, L1800, XP600 and dual-head models, while also emphasizing that buyers should verify the exact printer model before purchasing because printer support can change with driver and software updates.

That distinction matters because “Procolored” is a printer family, not one single printer configuration.

The K13 Lite, F8, F13, P13 Win and F13 Pro have different hardware configurations and print formats.

If you are specifically purchasing the K13 Lite, use the exact model information supplied with your printer when checking the available CadLink device configuration.

What Is CadLink Digital Factory V12?

CadLink Digital Factory is RIP software designed to sit between your artwork and printer.

Instead of sending a design directly from an image editor to the printer, a RIP can provide tools for:

• Color management
• Print-mode selection
• Ink management
• White-ink processing
• Job queuing
• Gang-sheet creation
• Production workflow
• Media configuration
• Output control

CadLink's current Digital Factory 12 documentation describes the software as a production workflow platform with color management and automation features.

For DTF printing, this matters because your artwork is not simply a CMYK image.

A typical DTF workflow also needs to account for the white underbase, ink limits, film, powder, curing and the characteristics of the printer and ink system.

What You Need Before Setting Up CadLink V12

Before installing and configuring the RIP, prepare the complete workflow.

Your basic checklist

• Procolored K13 Lite
• Windows computer
• Correct printer/control software
• CadLink Digital Factory V12 licence
• Compatible DTF ink
• DTF transfer film
• DTF powder
• Heat press
• Curing solution or oven
• Your artwork files
• Correct printer driver/device configuration

CadLink's current recommended system requirements include Windows 11, a multicore Intel or AMD processor at 3 GHz or faster, 16 GB RAM and an SSD with at least 50 GB available storage. The documented minimum is Windows 10, a 1.7 GHz multicore Intel/AMD processor, 8 GB RAM and a hard drive.

For a production DTF workstation, using the recommended configuration gives you more room for large files, gang sheets and multiple jobs.

Step 1: Confirm Your Procolored K13 Lite Configuration

Before touching the RIP, identify exactly what you purchased.

DTF Gears currently lists several K13 Lite configurations, including:

• Starter Bundle
• Professional Bundle
• Professional Plus Bundle
• Smokeless Oven Deluxe Bundle
• Smokeless Oven + Heat Press Deluxe Plus Bundle

The current listed configurations range from $1,999 to $3,099, depending on the equipment included.

Shop the Procolored K13 Lite

Procolored K13 Lite DTF Printer + Supplies

The product listing currently describes the K13 Lite as an A3 / 13-inch roll DTF printer and lists features including automatic white-ink circulation, automated cleaning and remote setup support.

If you are still comparing bundles, see:

Procolored K13 Lite Price & Bundles Explained

That article breaks down the current K13 Lite configurations and what equipment is included with each.

Step 2: Install CadLink Digital Factory V12

Install Digital Factory on your Windows production computer.

The current CadLink documentation provides installation and activation information as part of its Digital Factory documentation.

After installation:

1. Launch Digital Factory.
2. Activate your licence.
3. Open the device-management area.
4. Locate the appropriate printer/device configuration.
5. Add the printer.
6. Select the appropriate queue.
7. Confirm the connection.
8. Review the available print modes.

CadLink's Devices menu provides tools for adding printers, managing devices, managing print modes, managing media and checking device updates.

Important

Do not simply choose a random Procolored or Epson profile because the printer happens to use a similar printhead.

The printer model, ink configuration, media and print mode all matter.

Step 3: Configure the Printer Queue

Once the K13 Lite has been added, open the relevant queue.

Think of the queue as the production path your artwork will follow.

Your queue determines things such as:

• Printer
• Print mode
• Media
• Resolution
• Ink limits
• Color management
• White-ink processing
• Output settings

CadLink's device-management system separates devices from print modes, allowing print modes to be configured for particular production conditions.

This is one reason you should avoid changing several settings simultaneously.

If your first test print is incorrect, you want to know which variable caused the change.

Step 4: Select the Correct Print Mode

The print mode is one of the most important parts of the workflow.

A print mode can contain settings related to:

• Resolution
• Ink usage
• Color management
• Media
• Calibration
• Ink limits
• Output profile

CadLink's documentation provides a dedicated Print Mode Manager and a Full Print Mode Creation workflow.

For your initial K13 Lite setup, start with the appropriate supported print mode rather than immediately building a completely custom profile.

Once the printer is producing consistent output, you can evaluate whether additional calibration or profiling is necessary.

Step 5: Configure Color Management

This is where CadLink becomes particularly important for DTF production.

Your artwork may look one way on your monitor but produce a different result on film.

The RIP's color-management process helps translate the input artwork into an output appropriate for the printer, ink and media combination.

CadLink provides ICC-profile creation tools that allow users to create profiles for an existing or new print mode. The official workflow uses the printer, media, print mode and a spectrophotometer to create and measure a color chart.

Don't change ICC settings randomly

If your colors are wrong, check:

1. Artwork color space
2. Input profile
3. Output profile
4. Print mode
5. Ink set
6. Media
7. Ink limits
8. White-ink settings
9. Printer condition

Changing all of these at once makes troubleshooting much harder.

Step 6: Understanding ICC Profiles With the K13 Lite

An ICC profile essentially helps describe how colors should be translated through the printing workflow.

For a DTF printer, the final result depends on more than the image file.

It also depends on:

Artwork → RIP → Ink → Film → Powder → Curing → Garment

That means a profile that works well under one combination of printer, ink and film may not produce identical results with another combination.

CadLink's ICC creation workflow includes selecting the printer/device, queue, spectrophotometer, ink set, media category and resolution before creating the profile.

When should you create a custom ICC profile?

Consider custom profiling when:

• Your colors consistently differ from the target.
• You have changed ink.
• You have changed film.
• Your production environment has changed.
• You need tighter color consistency.
• You are running repeat commercial orders.

For basic setup, however, start with the supported print mode/profile supplied for your configuration whenever available.

Step 7: Configure White Ink

White ink is one of the most important differences between standard CMYK printing and DTF.

The white layer provides the foundation that allows colors to appear strongly on garments that are not white.

CadLink provides white-ink controls including:

• Underbase
• Highlight
• Underbase + Highlight
• Coverage underbase
• Underbase strength
• Maximum white-ink strength
• Choke

These controls are documented in CadLink's current Layer/Processing Options documentation.

What does white underbase do?

A white underbase places white ink beneath the color artwork.

For example:

Film

→ White layer

→ CMYK artwork

→ Powder

→ Cured transfer

→ Garment

The exact white-ink settings should be matched to your printer, ink, film and desired output rather than copied blindly from another machine.

Step 8: Don't Ignore the White-Ink Choke

One useful setting is choke.

CadLink describes choke as pulling the white underbase closer to the artwork boundary to help prevent white from extending beyond the color layer.

If the white layer is visibly peeking around the edge of the design, the issue may involve:

• Choke
• Alignment
• Artwork preparation
• White-layer generation
• Printer calibration

Do not immediately assume the printer itself is defective.

Step 9: Set Ink Limits Carefully

Too much ink can create problems.

Depending on the printer and media, excessive ink can contribute to:

• Bleeding
• Poor detail
• Longer drying
• Ink pooling
• Film-handling problems
• Excessive ink consumption

CadLink's Full Print Mode Creation workflow includes ink-chart testing and ink-limit adjustment. Its documentation notes that the workflow can identify excessive ink and adjust ink limits accordingly.

The correct value depends on the actual production setup.

Do not copy an ink-limit percentage from another K13 Lite configuration and assume it will be identical.

Step 10: Run a Test Print

Before printing a 20-foot gang sheet, run a controlled test.

Start with:

• Color blocks
• Fine text
• Gradients
• Skin-tone samples
• Dark colors
• White areas
• Small details

Look for:

Color accuracy

Are colors reasonably close to the expected result?

Banding

Are horizontal lines visible?

White coverage

Is the white layer even?

Alignment

Is the white layer correctly positioned beneath the artwork?

Ink coverage

Is there excessive ink?

Detail

Are small elements sharp?

This controlled test makes troubleshooting much easier than starting with a large production job.

Step 11: Build Your First Gang Sheet

Once the individual test is working, move to production.

CadLink's Gang Sheet Builder allows multiple jobs to be imported and arranged into a single layout. The current documentation includes automatic/manual layout options, copies, positioning, scaling, rotation, spacing and other layout controls.

This is particularly useful for DTF because one sheet can contain multiple customer designs.

For example:

Gang Sheet

• Logo A
• Logo B
• Front graphic
• Sleeve graphic
• Kids' shirt design
• Small chest logo

Instead of printing each design separately, you can arrange multiple jobs efficiently on the available film.

Step 12: Match the Film and Ink to the Workflow

Your RIP is only one part of the system.

The physical consumables matter too.

DTF Gears carries DTF film, inks and powder designed for transfer-printing workflows.

See the DTF Films, Inks & Powders Guide for an explanation of how film, ink and powder affect transfer performance.

You can also browse:

• DTF Film Roll
• Premium DTF Ink

For Procolored systems, DTF Gears also sells Procolored DTF Ink in multiple configurations.

Procolored K13 Lite + CadLink: What the Workflow Looks Like

A simplified production workflow looks like this:

1. Create the artwork

Design the graphic in your preferred design software.

↓

2. Export the artwork

Prepare the file in a format supported by your workflow.

↓

3. Import into CadLink

Add the artwork to the Digital Factory queue.

↓

4. Configure color

Apply the appropriate input/output color-management settings.

↓

5. Generate white

Configure the appropriate white underbase/highlight settings.

↓

6. Arrange the job

Create a gang sheet if multiple designs are being printed.

↓

7. Send to the K13 Lite

Output the job using the configured printer queue.

↓

8. Apply powder

Apply DTF adhesive powder to the printed film.

↓

9. Cure

Cure the powder using the appropriate curing equipment.

↓

10. Heat press

Transfer the finished design onto the garment.

Common CadLink + K13 Lite Problems

1. The printer isn't appearing

Check:

• Printer connection
• Correct driver
• Correct device selection
• Network/USB configuration
• Printer-control software
• CadLink device settings

CadLink's device-management tools allow printers to be added and configured through Devices → Manage Devices.

If your exact model is not available, verify compatibility before purchasing or changing software.

2. Colors look different from the screen

Check:

• Input profile
• Output ICC
• Print mode
• Ink set
• Film
• Ink limits
• Artwork color space

Do not immediately increase saturation in your design file.

The problem may be in the color-management chain.

3. White ink is too heavy

Check:

• White underbase percentage
• White maximum ink
• Print mode
• Ink limits
• White-layer generation

CadLink provides controls for maximum white ink and underbase strength.

4. White is visible around the design

Check:

• White-layer alignment
• Choke
• Printhead alignment
• Artwork edges
• Print mode

CadLink's choke control is specifically intended to tighten the white underbase around the artwork.

5. You are getting banding

Check:

• Printhead condition
• Nozzle check
• Print mode
• Resolution
• Ink flow
• Media
• Calibration

Don't try to fix mechanical problems entirely through RIP settings.

Which K13 Lite Bundle Should You Consider?

The answer depends on what equipment you already have.

DTF Gears currently lists five K13 Lite configurations, including starter, professional, professional plus, deluxe and deluxe plus options.

Starter

Useful when you already have some of the finishing equipment or want to build the workflow separately.

View the K13 Lite options

Professional

Adds an oven to create a more complete printing workflow.

Professional Plus

Adds an oven and heat press.

Smokeless Oven Deluxe

Uses the smokeless oven configuration.

Deluxe Plus

Combines the smokeless oven and heat press.

The exact current bundle pricing and included equipment should be checked on the product listing before purchase because configurations and promotions can change.

Is the K13 Lite the Right DTF Printer for You?

That depends on your expected production.

The current DTF Gears Procolored lineup includes:

DTF Gears' current Procolored guide provides a more detailed comparison of these models.

For a broader buying comparison, see:

Best DTF Printer Under $2,500

And if you are completely new to DTF:

Best DTF Printer for Beginners: Complete 2026 Buying Guide

The beginner guide currently compares machines such as the F8, K13 Lite, F13 and P13 Win based on format and intended use.

K13 Lite vs Moving Up to a Larger DTF System

The K13 Lite is an A3-class machine.

If your operation eventually moves into substantially higher-volume production, you may need a wider production platform.

DTF Gears also carries Audley DTF Printers, including 24-inch systems using Epson i3200-A1 printheads and matched powder-shaker/dryer equipment.

For example, the Audley range currently includes 24-inch two-head, four-head and six-head configurations.

The Audley 8076-3 uses six Epson i3200-A1 printheads in a 3-color + 3-white configuration and is listed for production environments.

This isn't necessarily a replacement for a K13 Lite. It represents a different production category.

What About the RIP Licence?

This is an important part of the total setup cost.

DTF Gears currently offers Digital Factory V12 Direct to Film RIP Desktop Edition as well as other CadLink-related software products.

There are also upgrade and multi-printer options available.

Before buying a licence, confirm:

1. Your exact printer model
2. Required Digital Factory edition
3. Supported device driver
4. Number of printers you need to operate
5. Whether you need desktop or wider-format functionality
6. Whether your current licence can be upgraded

For the latest licensing information, see our CadLink Digital Factory Price, Licence & Upgrade Guide and verify the current product configuration before checkout.

Can You Use CadLink on a Mac?

CadLink Digital Factory is designed for Windows.

DTF Gears' current CadLink product documentation states that Digital Factory is not natively compatible with macOS and recommends a Windows PC for the production workflow.

If you are buying a K13 Lite specifically for a DTF business, factor the Windows workstation into your setup budget.

What Other Supplies Do You Need?

A DTF printer and RIP are not the complete production system.

You'll generally need:

DTF Ink

Shop Procolored DTF Ink

DTF Film

Shop DTF Film Roll

DTF Powder

Shop DTF Powder

Equipment

Depending on your bundle:

• Powder shaker
• Curing oven
• Heat press
• Maintenance supplies

For a complete materials overview, see the DTF Films, Inks & Powders Guide.

A Simple K13 Lite + CadLink Setup Checklist

Before your first customer order, work through this list.

Printer

☐ K13 Lite installed
☐ Printer connection confirmed
☐ Correct driver/device selected
☐ Ink system configured
☐ Nozzle check completed

CadLink

☐ Digital Factory V12 installed
☐ Licence activated
☐ Correct printer selected
☐ Correct queue created
☐ Appropriate print mode selected

Color

☐ Input profile checked
☐ Output profile checked
☐ Ink limits configured
☐ Test chart printed
☐ Colors reviewed

White ink

☐ White underbase enabled
☐ White strength checked
☐ Choke checked
☐ White alignment verified

Production

☐ Film loaded correctly
☐ Powder applied consistently
☐ Transfer cured correctly
☐ Heat press settings tested
☐ Finished transfer tested on the target garment

Final Thoughts

The Procolored K13 Lite + CadLink V12 workflow is best approached as a complete production system rather than simply a printer-and-software purchase.

The printer determines the physical output capability. CadLink controls much of the digital production workflow. Your ink, film, powder, print mode, ICC profile, white-ink settings and curing process then determine how the design moves from the screen to the finished transfer.

Before purchasing the printer, compare the K13 Lite with the other machines in the Best DTF Printer Under $2,500 guide.

If you're new to DTF, use the Best DTF Printer for Beginners: Complete 2026 Buying Guide to understand printer format, startup equipment and workflow.

If you've already chosen the K13 Lite, see the Procolored K13 Lite Price & Bundles Guide and then verify the exact printer configuration before purchasing your CadLink licence.

For the software itself, Digital Factory V12 Direct to Film RIP gives you the RIP workflow to configure your jobs, while CadLink's official documentation provides the current technical reference for device management, print modes, ICC profiling, white ink and gang-sheet functions.

FAQ

Does the Procolored K13 Lite need RIP software?

A DTF production workflow can use RIP software for functions such as color management, white-ink processing, print modes and job management. The exact software requirement depends on the printer configuration and supported driver.

Does CadLink V12 support Procolored printers?

CadLink support varies by exact printer model and driver. DTF Gears' current compatibility guide lists several Procolored printer families and recommends verifying the exact model before purchasing.

Does CadLink V12 work with white ink?

Yes. Digital Factory includes white-ink processing controls such as underbase, highlight, white strength and choke settings.

Can I create my own ICC profile?

Yes. CadLink provides an ICC creation workflow using the appropriate printer, media, print mode and a spectrophotometer.

Can CadLink create gang sheets?

Yes. Digital Factory includes a Gang Sheet Builder for importing, arranging, scaling, duplicating and organizing multiple jobs.

What computer should I use for CadLink V12?

CadLink's current documentation recommends Windows 11 with a multicore 3 GHz-or-faster Intel or AMD processor, 16 GB RAM and an SSD with at least 50 GB available space.

Where can I buy a CadLink licence?

DTF Gears currently offers Digital Factory V12 Direct to Film RIP and related CadLink products. Verify the exact edition and printer compatibility before purchasing.

Where can I buy the Procolored K13 Lite?

DTF Gears currently lists the Procolored K13 Lite in multiple bundle configurations.