Understanding templates
Templates are used to create the print files that go to your supplier or factory. Unlike preview files (which are shown to customers), templates generate production-ready files optimized for printing, typically in CMYK color space as .tiff files.
Templates vs preview generation
It’s important to understand the difference:
- Templates: Print files for production (CMYK .tiff, large file size, includes border elements)
- Preview generation: Customer-facing preview images (RGB, smaller file size, watermarked)
What templates include
A template is the border and layout around the customer’s artwork. It contains all the information your supplier needs to produce the finished product:
Order number
Each production file includes the order number (or a custom prefix + order number) so your supplier can match the printed file to the correct customer order.
Legend
The legend shows all colors used in the pattern along with their codes (DMC codes for diamond painting).
Logos and branding
Add your logo or your supplier’s logo to the template. You can upload a logo file for your production files.
Why templates matter
Templates ensure every production file has a consistent look and includes all the information your supplier needs. Once you’ve set up a template, all products linked to that template will automatically use the same layout, saving you time and preventing errors.
How to create a template
Step 1: Open template manager
Navigate to Templates in your Instant Art Kit dashboard. Click Create template to start building a new template.
Step 2: Configure template layout
The template editor has two main sections:
- Left side: Live preview showing how your template will look
- Right side: Adjustment controls for all template elements
Step 3: Upload logo
In the adjustments panel on the right:
- Click Upload logo file to select your logo image
- Preview updates automatically on the left side
Step 4: Configure legend
Configure the color legend settings for your production file.
Step 5: Save template
Once you’re happy with the layout in the preview, click Save template. Your template is now ready to be linked to products.
Linking templates to products
Products are linked to templates so that when a customer orders, the system knows which template to use for generating production files.
You link templates when creating or editing a product mapping. Each product can be assigned one template, and that template will be used for all orders of that product. One template can be used for multiple products.
Learn how to create product mappings and link templates →
Pro tip
Create different templates for different product lines or suppliers. For example, you might have one template for your premium line with your brand logo, and another template for your budget line with your supplier’s logo.
Editing templates
You can edit any template at any time:
- Go to Templates in your dashboard
- Click on the template you want to edit in the overview list
- Make your adjustments using the same editor you used to create it
- Click Save template to apply changes
When do template changes apply?
Changes to a template apply to all new orders using that template. Orders that have already been processed will keep their original production files. Template changes are not retroactive.
Common questions
Can I use the same template for multiple products?
Yes! That’s the main benefit of templates. Create one template and link it to as many products as you want. All those products will use the same layout and branding.
What file formats do templates generate?
Templates generate production files in CMYK .tiff format, which is optimized for professional printing. These files are typically much larger than preview files because they contain high-resolution, print-quality artwork.
Can I delete a template?
You can only delete a template if no products are currently linked to it. If you want to remove a template that’s in use, first update all products using that template to use a different template, then delete the unused one.