Abstract: A method for manufacturing a filter element for the filtration of a fluid, in particular a hydraulic fluid, comprising a filter bellows having a filter material through which a flow can pass, wherein the filter bellows is connected to an outer shell and the outer shell is printed prior to connecting to the filter bellows, wherein a carrier web made of a material of the outer shell is fed to the filter element, and is guided in a planar manner at least in one section, wherein the planar section uses the digital printing process and the printed carrier web is wrapped around the filter bellows and connected thereto to form the outer shell.