Gelato is one of the best free print on demand apps in 2025, offering a global network of 140+ local producers, 24/7 customer support, and seamless integration with major e-commerce platforms. Merchants praise its high-quality products, fast delivery (90% within 5 days), and user-friendly interface that helps grow businesses without financial outlay.
Printful is a popular free alternative to Gelato, offering similar print on demand services with Shopify integration. Both provide free installation and pay-for-what-you-print models. Printful focuses on seamless integration and quality assurance, while Gelato emphasizes global local production networks and faster delivery times.
To connect your Shopify store to Gelato, first create a Gelato account, then install the app from the Shopify App Store. Once installed, you'll need to authenticate your connection and sync your product catalog. Gelato provides detailed tutorials and 24/7 support to ensure smooth integration, allowing you to start selling custom products without inventory management.
Gelato offers a wide range of products including apparel (t-shirts, hoodies), wall art (posters, canvas), accessories (phone cases, mugs), and custom packaging. You can personalize these products with your designs using their free design tools, and they handle production and shipping directly to your customers through their global network of local producers.
Gelato's local production model benefits your e-commerce business by reducing shipping times (90% of orders arrive within 5 days), lowering shipping costs, and providing more sustainable shipping options. It allows you to expand globally without managing inventory, as products are produced near your customers, improving customer satisfaction and reducing environmental impact.
