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How to Use the Online Designer

 

Need artwork for your custom-printed tees or promotional products, but you're not a professional designer? No problem! You don't even have to have professional design software when you use our online designer. Simply enter the online designer and begin creating. You can:

  • Add Text
    • When you click the Add Text tab, you'll see a box where you can type in the text you want on your product. Once you type in your text and click the Add Text button, you'll be able to select your font and font color. You can also outline your text in a different color if you want to. When you hover over the color swatches, you'll see the name and approximate PMS value of the color swatch.
    • You can manipulate the text by arching it, adjusting the letter spacing and rotating it using the sliding bars at the bottom. And, if you don't like what you've designed, you can delete the text.
    • Select your text by clicking on it (a blue border will appear along with 4 black blocks in each corner). You can then drag your text wherever you want it to be printed in the imprint area (indicated by a blue box). You can click on one of the black corner boxes to resize the text.
    • The spacing on some typestyles may not look quite right in the online designer. Don't worry, the type will be spaced correctly on your proof.
    • Note: The text color defaults to black, so if you have selected a black product, you may not be able to see your text until you choose your decoration (ink or thread) color from the swatches.
  • Add Clipart Image(s)
    • You can upload your own images or use the clipart images that we provide to customize your garments or promotional products. If you use clipart in our system, simply select your category/subcategory and click on the image you would like to use.
    • Note that the image defaults to black, so if you have selected a black product, you may not be able to see your image until you choose your decoration (ink or thread) color from the swatches.
    • If you select a clipart image that has more than one color, you will be asked to tell us what color(s) to use when printing the art on your product. The multi-color clipart image will not change colors in the online designer, but we'll be sure to print the colors you request on your product. Be sure to make good notes in the comments box at the end of the order process to let us know which color(s) should be printed on which part of the design. If you select a single-color clipart image, it will change colors based on which ink color you select.
  • Upload your own Image(s)
    • You can upload your own artwork. The file formats our online designer can handle are .jpg, .jpeg, .png, and .svg. Please be sure to check out our image specs to make sure your image is printable.
    • You'll be asked to tell us what color(s) to use when printing your design. Your image will not change colors in the online designer, but we'll be sure to print the colors you request on your design. Be sure to make good notes in the comments box at the end of the order process to let us know which color(s) should be printed on which part of your design.
  • Design Symbols
    • If you want to resize your text or graphic, you can resize it with proportions constrained or unconstrained (unconstrained lets you squish the text or image). The proportions can be locked by clicking the checkbox in the upper left corner of the design area. You'll see a lock and a cross with arrows next to the checkbox. The checkbox is automatically set to constrain proportions.
    • In the upper right corner of the design area, you'll see a 4-color box, and next to it you'll see how many colors you've selected to design your shirt with. The number on the right of the slash indicates how many colors you can select total. Be sure to view the Printing Options page to make sure that you are selecting the correct number of imprint or thread colors for your quantity.
    • The bar below the design area contains other options. Hover over these symbols with your mouse, and you'll see a short description of what the button does. You can change alignment of selected elements on the shirt, zoom in on your design or change the order of which design element is on top.
  • Edit/Swap Product
    • When you click on the edit/swap product tab, you'll see the product that is currently selected along with available colors. You can select a different color or change your product entirely.
  • Decoration Locations
    • Click on the tabs above the product image to click on the area you want to decorate. The decoration area is outlined in blue. Note that decoration areas are approximate locations. Check out our Printable Areas section to read more about exact imprint/decoration dimensions.
  • Names and Numbers
    • You can check the box to indicate that you want to personalize garments with names/numbers. This checkbox is found under the names and numbers tab to the left of the design area. You will be asked to type in names/numbers at the end of the order process.
  • Save Your Design
    • You can save your design at any time during the design process. You will be asked to name the design so our system can save it for you. You can choose from your saved designs when placing your order.
  • Get a Quote
    • Once you've created a design, you can get a price quote for that design. Please note that the prices shown are for S-XL sizes and assume that you'll be using standard inks. Specialty inks and plus-sized garments are subject to additional fees.
  • Place your Order
    • Click the place order button and you'll be taken to a page that shows all of the designs you've saved. Click on the design you want to place the order. When you submit your order to the art department for proofing, we will create a proof for your review. Once you approve, you will be asked for payment and your order will be scheduled for production.
  • Select your decoration method
    • We offer several decoration methods for garments and promotional products. The options available for your product will be shown in the drop down box above the product image. If you need help selecting a decoration method, check out our printing options section.
    • Note: You cannot decorate a product using 4-color process production in the online designer, but you can order this process when you select the option to order decorated/upload your image(s) from the product page.