How to create templates

Last updated: May 4, 2026

There are two ways to create templates in Customily:

Automatically — by selecting a product base and a design
Manually — by configuring the print file and preview yourself

Choosing the right approach depends on how much control you need over your setup.

Creating templates automatically

This is the fastest way to create a template.

You simply:

Choose a product base
Select a design

Customily will automatically generate the template, including:

The print file (based on the product base)
The preview (based on the product mockups and design)

Use this approach when:

You want to create templates quickly at scale
You are working with Print-on-Demand (POD) products
You want to reuse the same design across multiple products
You want to offer the same product with different designs (e.g., mugs or t-shirts with different artworks)

Creating templates manually

This approach gives you full control over how your template is set up.

Instead of relying on automatic generation, you will configure:

The print file (Step 1) — the file used for production
The preview (Step 2) — what shoppers see while personalizing

When should you create templates manually?

We usually recommend creating templates automatically for most use cases.

However, manual templates are better when you need more control over how the preview looks compared to the print file, or when your product setup is more complex.

Use manual templates when offering:

Entraved products
Print files are usually solid color, but the preview may need textures or realistic engraving effects
Laser cut products (e.g., metal signs)
Print files are typically all black, while the preview shows materials and cutout effects
Embroidered products (e.g., monograms)
You may want to apply embroidery textures in the preview without affecting the print file
Products with multiple visual options (mix and match)
Options like fabrics, colors, or accessories change the look of the product but not the print file