Start with Gelato if you want one service to choose production across its network. Start with Printify if choosing a particular printer, garment, or print area matters to you. Compare your main products at both before you build the rest of your catalog.
I built ArtDrop to create products across print providers. This guide compares Gelato and Printify so you can choose the products and production setup that fit your work.
Choosing a printer or choosing a network
For a photograph, compare the paper, finish, framing, and available sizes. For a shirt, compare the garment brand, fabric, fit, and print area. Printify makes provider selection part of that decision; Gelato handles production partner selection for you.
Gelato: A production network close to your customers
Gelato chooses a production partner for each order and aims to print close to the delivery address. Stock, capacity, and the product you choose determine where it is made. Its catalog shows typical production locations, which are useful when comparing delivery to different countries. Gelato production locations.
Printify: Choose the print provider for your product
Printify lets you compare print providers by price, location, sizes, colors, and print area. You can select a provider yourself or use Printify Choice for automatic selection on eligible products. Review your routing settings when you want to keep a particular provider. Compare Printify providers.
Printify also offers Printify Choice and Order Routing. These can select another printer automatically based on the product and your settings.
Compare the total cost
Use the same artwork, product size, material, and delivery address in each account. Add production and shipping, plus taxes and any extras you choose. A low starting price is useful only if the complete order fits your selling price.
In ArtDrop, Provider Cost Comparison gives you a starting estimate. Check the final price in the provider account before setting your retail price.
Free accounts and optional plans
Gelato and Printify offer free accounts. A paid plan can make sense when its discounts save more than the subscription costs at your expected order volume.
Scroll sideways to compare all providers.
| Factor | Gelato | Printify |
|---|---|---|
| Embroidery | Yes | Yes |
| Shopify integration | Yes | Yes |
| Paid subscription required | No. Gelato+ is optional. | No. Premium is optional. |
Production, shipping, taxes, and optional services are billed separately. See Gelato pricing, Printify pricing.
Order a sample of your artwork
Use an image with the colors and detail you regularly sell. Compare the finished print, material, placement, and packaging. Check the delivery time as well. Keep a sample of the product you choose so you have something to compare with later orders.
Using more than one provider
You can use different providers for different products in the same Shopify store. For example, choose one for the framed print you prefer and another for a shirt that fits your collection. Keep each product connected to the provider that will print it, and make shipping charges and delivery estimates clear.
A second provider also gives you another option if a product becomes unavailable. Prepare and sample the replacement product before switching the listing. The Shopify publishing guide explains how the store and provider connections fit together.
ArtDrop writes product titles and descriptions in your brand voice and applies your saved product templates to each new artwork. Drop several files together to create a collection without re-entering the same settings.
Publish to Shopify or Etsy through your connected Gelato or Printify store. Choose which products to reuse, train a voice for each store, and review the results in ArtDrop.
Frequently asked questions
Is Printify cheaper than Gelato?
It depends on the product and delivery address. Compare production plus shipping for the same size and material, then include any plan discount. Use the total rather than the starting price in the catalog.
Which is better for wall art?
Compare the paper or canvas, finish, frame, sizes, and shipping to your customers. Order the same artwork from each shortlisted option so you can judge color, detail, and packaging together.
Can Gelato and Printify share one Shopify store?
Yes. Keep each product connected to the provider that will print it. ArtDrop can create products at both providers from the same artwork and publish through your connected Gelato or Printify store.