Choosing the right web-to-print software can significantly impact your printing business’s growth, efficiency, and customer experience. Both DesignNBuy and OnPrintShop are trusted names in the industry, but they serve different business needs and models.
Whether you’re a small print shop trying to go online, a commercial printer scaling operations, or a B2B-focused packaging company, this guide will help you make an informed choice based on actual features, business scenarios, and implementation realities—not just marketing claims.
DesignNBuy vs OnPrintShop: A Quick Comparison Overview
Spoiler Alert: There is no DesignNBuy Alternative
Category
Design Tool
Automation
Storefront Approach
Preflight Automation
Order Management
Pricing Transparency
Customer Support
Best For
DesignNBuy
- Advanced tools with 3D previews and automation features
- Smart suggestions, streamlined workflows, task simplification
- Integrates into your existing eCommerce site (no forced migration)
- Enfocus + Aytomix integration ensures file readiness
- Comprehensive dashboard, barcode tracking, approval workflows
- Clear, scalable subscription and license options (starts ~$30/month)
- Global reach, large user base, flexible engagement
- B2B, packaging, SMBs looking for flexibility and streamlined workflows
OnPrintShop
- Standard editor; functional for basic needs
- Limited automation
- Proprietary storefront
- Basic preflight tools
- Streamlined interface with order automation
- Enterprise pricing; must contact sales
- Enterprise-focused with deeper partnerships
- Commercial printers with high-volume workflows and enterprise needs
Key Differences
- DesignNBuy stands out for creative flexibility and visualization tools
- DNB leads in reducing manual workload
- DesignNBuy offers more freedom to work with Shopify, Magento, etc.
- Better control over print file quality with DNB
- DNB delivers more control and multi-stage project approval
- DNB is more SMB-friendly in pricing structure
- OPS excels in structured onboarding for high-volume operations
Design Tool Capabilities
- DesignNBuy delivers versatile design methods: online editor, form-based, and file upload. Its advanced template builder with brand control and real-time collaboration is ideal for dynamic teams. The standout feature: a fully functional 3D preview, especially valuable for packaging, books, and promotional items.
- OnPrintShop provides a standard online editor that fulfills basic customization needs but lacks rich visualization and collaborative design tools.
Best Use Case: Businesses prioritizing creative control, customer experience, and advanced product visualization should consider DesignNBuy.
Workflow Automation
- DesignNBuy simplifies repetitive tasks through smart suggestions and efficient workflow handling. This reduces human errors and speeds up production.
- OnPrintShop offers basic automation for job management but doesn’t highlight it as a core differentiator.
Best Use Case: Print shops looking to scale without increasing staff headcount will benefit from DNB’s streamlined processes.
Preflight & File Management
- DesignNBuy integrates seamlessly with Enfocus PitStop and Aytomix. It automatically detects and fixes common file issues like low-res images or missing fonts—saving time and avoiding costly print errors.
- OnPrintShop offers basic preflight checks with manual error handling, suitable for controlled production environments.
Verdict: DNB sets the standard for error-free print file automation at scale.
Storefront & eCommerce Flexibility
- DesignNBuy supports integration with platforms like Shopify, Magento, and WooCommerce. Businesses can retain their existing websites and use thousands of plugins from open ecosystems.
- OnPrintShop typically requires using its own storefront, which limits flexibility and increases dependency on their tech stack.
Ideal Fit: If your business values the freedom to scale, customize, and avoid vendor lock-in, DesignNBuy provides the flexibility you need.
Order and Job Management
- DesignNBuy provides centralized dashboards, barcode-based status updates, multi-stage approvals, and tight production integration. It handles orders across channels—offline, online, or marketplaces.
- OnPrintShop offers centralized order processing and labor savings but relies on standard approval and tracking workflows.
Winner: DNB offers end-to-end visibility and automation ideal for managing complex or high-mix production environments.
Customer Support & Ecosystem
- DesignNBuy operates in over 80 countries and supports 2,000+ businesses. It offers flexibility in development, integration, and customization, with a growing global user community.
- OnPrintShop has deeper industry partnerships, like with Ricoh, and focuses on enterprise support models.
Speak with our team to discover how DesignNBuy can maximize your printing order potential.
Industry Suitability
Small to Medium Print Shops
Recommended: DesignNBuy
- Affordable entry
- Easy to connect with existing eCommerce
- Offers modern features like 3D preview and workflow automation
Large Commercial Printers
Recommended: Tie
- OPS is great for structured operations and automation
- DesignNBuy offers more flexibility and integration options
Packaging Companies
Recommended: DesignNBuy
- 3D preview enhances visualization
- Templates ensure brand consistency
- Simplifies complex workflows
B2B Printers
Recommended: DesignNBuy
- Advanced approval and visibility
- Form-based editor perfect for repeat orders
- Compatible with corporate systems
Cost vs. Value: Comparing Pricing and ROI of OnPrintShop and DesignNBuy
- DesignNBuy starts at ~$30/month and offers a free trial. Licensing options include both subscription and perpetual models.
- OnPrintShop requires contacting sales for custom quotes, suitable for enterprise-level deals.
ROI Factor
Customer Acquisition
Automation
Market Expansion
Development Costs
Time to Market
DesignNBuy Impact
- Higher - modern interface & 3D preview attract new buyers
- High - streamlined processes reduce errors & labor
- Higher - supports global clients & marketplaces
- Lower - can use own developers or agencies
- Faster - plug-and-play with your existing site
OnPrintShop Impact
- Moderate - traditional buyers
- High - efficient workflows
- Moderate - focused deployment
- Higher - reliant on proprietary tech stack
- Slower - proprietary setup
Final Recommendation
Before making your final decision, consider taking advantage of DesignNBuy ‘s free trial—a risk-free way to experience its full capabilities firsthand. Unlike OnPrintShop, which requires direct sales contact for access, DesignNBuy lets you explore the platform without commitment.
Choose DesignNBuy if you:
- Want a scalable, flexible, and modern platform
- Prefer platform independence and global compatibility
- Value streamlined processes, 3D previews, and rapid setup
Choose OnPrintShop if you:
- Are focused more on backend efficiency than UX features
- Need predictable, workflow-driven operations at scale
- Pro Tip: Schedule demos with both. If flexibility, modern tools, and fast go-live are your top priorities, DesignNBuy is likely the better fit for your 2025 roadmap.
Looking for an Alternative to OnPrintShop? Schedule Your Demo
See how DesignNBuy can benefit your business and experience firsthand how it outshines OnPrintShop.
