If you're using a Procolored DTF printer and want more control over your print workflow, CADlink Digital Factory can be a powerful RIP solution for managing color, white ink, print modes, and production jobs.
The important part is getting the setup right.
Your Procolored printer needs the correct driver and supported device configuration before you start sending jobs through Digital Factory. Once the printer is connected and the queue is configured, you can fine-tune the workflow for consistent DTF transfers.
This guide walks through the setup process.
What You Need Before Starting
Before installing or configuring Digital Factory, have these ready:
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Your exact Procolored DTF printer model
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A Windows PC
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CADlink Digital Factory
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The appropriate Procolored printer driver
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A USB or network connection supported by your printer
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Your DTF film and ink specifications
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A small test design for checking output
Important: Check Printer Compatibility First
Not every Procolored printer should be configured using the same Digital Factory device profile.
Your printer model, printhead, ink configuration, and supported driver can affect the correct setup.
Always verify compatibility for your exact Procolored model before selecting a device inside Digital Factory.
If you purchased CADlink Digital Factory through DTF Gears, you can also contact the DTF Gears team for help with the software setup and activation.
Step 1: Install the Procolored Printer Driver
Start with the manufacturer's printer driver.
Connect your Procolored printer to the Windows computer using the connection recommended for your specific model.
For a USB-connected printer:
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Turn on the Procolored printer.
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Connect it directly to your computer.
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Install the appropriate Procolored driver.
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Allow Windows to complete the device installation.
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Confirm that the printer is recognized before opening Digital Factory.
Avoid troubleshooting Digital Factory before confirming that the underlying printer connection is working.
If Windows cannot communicate with the printer, Digital Factory will not be able to solve the connection problem.
Step 2: Install CADlink Digital Factory
Once the Procolored driver is installed, install CADlink Digital Factory on the same Windows PC.
After installation, launch Digital Factory and open the device management area.
You'll need to add the appropriate output device before creating your production queue.
If you're purchasing Digital Factory for a Procolored setup, make sure you're getting a version and device configuration that supports your intended printer.
Step 3: Add Your Procolored Printer
Inside Digital Factory, open:
Devices → Manage Devices
From here, install the appropriate output device package for your printer.
If your exact Procolored model is listed, select that device and complete the installation.
What if my Procolored printer isn't listed?
Don't simply select another Procolored model because it appears similar.
Different printers can use different:
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Printheads
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Ink configurations
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Resolutions
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Print modes
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White-ink systems
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Media profiles
Using the wrong device configuration can lead to poor color, incorrect ink deposition, or white-ink problems.
If you're unsure which device package to use, check with CADlink or DTF Gears support before proceeding.
Step 4: Set Up the Digital Factory Queue
After adding the printer, create a queue for your Procolored machine.
The queue determines where Digital Factory sends your print jobs and which production settings are applied.
Depending on your printer, the connection may use USB or TCP/IP.
For a network-connected printer, you'll typically need the printer's:
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IP address
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Port information
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Network connection details
For USB printers, select the appropriate USB connection recognized by your computer.
Why the Queue Matters
Think of the queue as the production profile for your printer.
Instead of repeatedly changing settings for every job, you can create a dedicated queue with the correct printer and production configuration.
For example:
Procolored DTF → Standard DTF → White + CMYK
Once you've tested the settings, you can use that queue for future production jobs.
Step 5: Choose the Correct DTF Print Mode
This is one of the most important parts of the setup.
Your print mode should correspond to your actual combination of:
Printer + Ink + Film + Resolution
Don't automatically select the highest available resolution.
Higher resolution isn't always better for every DTF application. The appropriate setting depends on your printer, ink system, film and desired production result.
Start with the supported/default print mode for your configuration and test the output before making advanced changes.
Step 6: Configure CMYK and White Ink
DTF printing normally involves a CMYK color layer and a white-ink layer.
The white layer provides the foundation for the color image when the transfer is applied to the garment.
Your Digital Factory workflow therefore needs to correctly handle:
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Cyan
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Magenta
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Yellow
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Black
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White
The exact white-ink configuration depends on the supported printer and Digital Factory device profile.
Don't Overload the White Layer
More white ink isn't automatically better.
Excessive white ink can increase:
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Ink consumption
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Drying requirements
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Film buildup
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Transfer issues
Start with the recommended configuration for your printer and DTF materials.
Make adjustments only after evaluating an actual test print.
Step 7: Print a Test Before Production
Before printing a full gang sheet or customer order, run a small test design.
Look closely at:
Color
Are the colors consistent with your source artwork?
White Coverage
Is the white layer covering the design evenly?
Registration
Are the CMYK and white layers properly aligned?
Fine Details
Are small text, lines and transparent areas printing correctly?
Ink Coverage
Are there areas with excessive ink buildup?
Film
Is the image printing correctly onto the coated side of the DTF film?
A five-minute test can prevent an entire sheet of wasted film and ink.
Step 8: Fine-Tune Color
Once your printer is producing a reliable test print, you can start working on color consistency.
Digital Factory supports color-management and calibration workflows that can help you achieve more predictable output.
Your final color workflow depends on the complete production combination:
- Procolored Printer
- DTF Ink
- DTF Film
- Digital Factory Print Mode
- ICC/Color Calibration
Changing the film or ink can change the final output, even when the printer and Digital Factory settings remain unchanged.
For production environments, document the materials and settings that produce your preferred result.
Common Procolored + Digital Factory Problems
Digital Factory Doesn't See My Printer
First verify the printer outside Digital Factory.
Check:
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Is the Procolored driver installed?
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Is Windows detecting the printer?
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Is the printer powered on?
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Is the USB cable working?
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Is the network connection active?
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Is the correct Digital Factory device installed?
If the printer isn't communicating with Windows, fix that connection first.
The Printer Is Connected but Won't Print
Check the Digital Factory queue and its port configuration.
A printer can appear correctly in the software while the queue is still pointing to the wrong connection.
Verify the selected USB or TCP/IP port.
My Colors Don't Match the Procolored RIP
This can happen because different RIP workflows may use different color profiles, ink limits and rendering settings.
Don't assume that the same artwork will produce identical output from different RIP software.
Check your:
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Print mode
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ICC profile
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Ink limits
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Rendering settings
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Media selection
Then run another controlled test print.
White Ink Looks Too Heavy or Too Light
Check the white underbase configuration before changing individual color channels.
The correct setting depends on your printer and production materials.
If the white layer is too heavy, don't simply reduce white ink until coverage disappears. If it's too light, don't immediately increase it to maximum.
Make controlled changes and test each adjustment.
Prints Look Different After Changing DTF Film
That's normal.
Different DTF films can have different coatings and characteristics, which can affect how ink behaves.
If you change film, treat it as a new media setup and test the output again.
Procolored + CADlink Digital Factory: Recommended Workflow
For a reliable production setup, use this workflow:
1. Identify your Procolored model
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2. Install the correct Procolored driver
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3. Install CADlink Digital Factory
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4. Add the supported output device
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5. Create your printer queue
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6. Configure the correct connection
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7. Select the appropriate DTF print mode
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8. Verify CMYK + white configuration
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9. Run a test print
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10. Calibrate color if required
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11. Save your working production settings
Once everything is working correctly, you have a repeatable workflow rather than configuring every print from scratch.
Need Help Setting Up CADlink?
Getting the software installed is only the first part. The more important step is making sure Digital Factory, your Procolored printer, ink and DTF film are configured as one consistent workflow.
If you're purchasing CADlink Digital Factory from DTF Gears, you can get the software along with support for getting started with your setup.
For users moving from a basic RIP workflow to CADlink, proper configuration can also make it easier to manage repeatable production settings as your DTF operation grows.
Before purchasing, confirm compatibility with your exact Procolored printer model.
DTF Gears Support
Need help with CADlink Digital Factory?
DTF Gears provides CADlink software and setup support for DTF printing workflows.
Get the right Digital Factory configuration for your printer, install the software, activate your license, and get your workflow ready for production.
