Everything you need to know!
Design Templates Introduction.
We provide Photoshop design templates for each of our products which you should use to insert your design into. You will find the link in the menu above called DESIGN TEMPLATES. The templates will provide the maximum print area for each product. We can print very close to the mug handle, so you may need to adjust your existing designs if desired.
What format are the templates?
We work in the Adobe RGB colour mode. When saving the template in Photoshop, select the ICC Profile: Adobe RGB 1998 Colour Space checkbox and save as a TIFF or PNG file. You will find details within the template file to guide you.
You may also create your own Adobe Photoshop PSD file using the measurements in each design template page. All files must be in RGB mode. If converting from CMYK, colour shifts will appear. Please check that your blacks and whites are fully ‘black and white’ using the colour picker tool.
I don’t have Adobe Photoshop, can you help?
Print ready files using our templates are preferable as they speed up everyone’s order. However, if you have artwork or a logo, we can make your designs ‘print ready’. High quality images only please. The graphic design service can be purchased here. There are alternatives to Photoshop such as Affinity or Gimp which can open .psd files for viewing the templates.
Do you accept other file formats?
We accept flattened TIFF files, high quality PNG and layered PSD files only. Jpegs are compressed file formats, so fine details such as text and colour information can loose a lot of detail. Once saved as a jpeg, the image quality can be degraded. Layered PSD files and multiple TIFF or PNG files must be sent in a zip file to increase upload times.
You may send layered PSD files if your design requires a little fine tuning, such as individual colour correction of elements within your design, or if you wish to change the layout of elements to accommodate personalised text.
Image Quality?
We require high quality designs so that we may print pin-sharp products for your end customer. We have very high standards and may reject low quality images.
View your images at 100% and check for mistakes in your design.
If you have scanned your artwork, creating a duplicate layer and dropping the brightness right down to -100% will reveal all of your unwanted marks. Please use a flat bed scanner to scan artwork, not your camera phone!
For inexperienced designers, please do not lift small ‘web resolution’ images from websites for us to print. Your images will be pixelated and blurred. If we ask for 300ppi designs, please do not attempt to upscale your images, as this will reduce the quality further.
Do you accept logos?
We prefer print-ready files for printing. On occasions we may accept individual logos such as football club badges and company logos. If sending individual logos, please purchase the graphic design service to create your print ready template here.
If your desired finished product requires multiple elements which require ‘work’, an additional design fee will be charged. Please do not waste our time with low quality logos which have been taken from websites or created in free phone apps. Your logos must be of print resolution.
Design codes
A design code will look like JMD-10MG-05. Your business name initials – the PrintDrop product code – your design file name. So, Jim McDonald Design, 10oz mug, 05 design = JMD-10MG-05. Or choose your own file name at the end. JMD-10MG-corrie.
PrintDrop product codes are as follows:
10MG (10oz Ceramic Mug)
11MG (11oz Ceramic Mug)
EM (10oz Enamel Mug)
PMG (8oz Porcelain Mug)
BMG (Balmoral Fine China Mug)
LM (Latte Mug)
15MG (15oz Ceramic Mug)
20MG ( 20oz Ceramic Mug)
SWC ( Square Wooden Coaster)
RWC (Round Wooden Coaster)
SGC (Square Glass Coaster)
RGC (Round Glass Coaster)
BB (Bowling Pin Water Bottle Stainless Steel)
SBB (Small Bowling Pin Water Bottle Stainless Steel)
WB (Water Bottle Aluminium)
RO (Round Porcelain Ornament)
PC (Passport Cover)
LT (Luggage Tag)
How do I send you the design files?
Once you have saved your designs using our templates, you can either send all of the files in a compressed zip file via WeTransfer. Or email the zip file to the same address at sales.printdrop@gmail.com. There is also a dedicated upload page.
If purchasing a single mug, you may upload the template using the upload link during checkout.
What are design codes?
A design code is a reference number for your design. Rather than uploading your design file each time, PrintDrop will store all of your designs in a customer folder here at PrintDrop HQ. Supply your design code in the customer notes section during checkout for convenient ordering.
*Quick tip Many volume sellers will include a design code in their marketplace listing product title to quickly identify the product to be printed. Essential when downloading CSV order files from Etsy and Amazon Handmade etc. Put your design code at the very beginning or end of your product title.
One-off Personalised Designs
If sending a one-off personalised design which you have created yourself for a customer, please include your four digit PrintDrop order number as your file name. e.g. JMD-10MG-1234
Place an order. Once you receive your order confirmation email, use the four digit order number as your file name. Upload the design to the site, or send it via WeTransfer. To get through checkout, just enter 00 or state ‘wetransfer’ for the design code.