Best App For Sublimation Design And Printing

The demand for customization and personalization for clothes to gift items is at an all-time high. Sublimation designing and printing is the driving force behind printing a customized design on products through ink and heat. The heat creates a link between the material and the ink; therefore, any customized design can be printed cost-effectively. You will need sublimation design software to create a customized and personalized design.

Sublimation design software enables you to create any customized design and print it on any compatible product to serve the demands of your customers. If you are a startup, you could be looking for a free sublimate software app to start. Small businesses are willing to purchase a premium sublimation software app for better designs. We have compiled a list of the best free and paid sublimation software apps for your consideration.

What Is Sublimation Design Software?

You must create the design you want to print on a product like a t-shirt. A sublimation design software application enables you to create any design you imagine. Such a design application has several templates you can edit and customize.

You get all the tools to create shapes, add texts, attach symbols, and apply filters and effects. Besides, you will get different layouts so that the design is appropriate for printing on different types of products. There are free as well as paid sublimation design software applications present.

How to Choose the Best Sublimation Software?

Every sublimation software has basic features and options. But there are certain pointers you must keep in mind to choose the best sublimation software.

1. User-Friendly: Certain sublimation software applications have a very steep learning curve. If you are getting started, you should always opt for user-friendly sublimation software. You should be able to operate intuitively in most cases. The easy availability of tutorials and resources for your chosen software is important.

2. Feature-Rich: Even though the basic features are common in all sublimation software applications, you should have all the features to get the desired design. By features, we mean all the tools to assist you in designing anything you want without too many steps. For example, you should be able to work with layers, apply special effects, and work with vector-based designs.

3. Suitability: Not all sublimation design software applications are suitable for all types of sublimation printing of all objects. For example, you should be able to use an ICC profile for color adjustment, which is essential for the sublimation profile.

Besides, watch out for different file formats for superior quality printing and check for the availability of templates and preset filters.

How to Make Sublimation Designs?

There are certain steps you need to follow to make sublimation designs.

1. Choose Design Software: You must select an appropriate sublimation design software application to start. You can select a free application if you are a beginner. But for professional designs, a paid application is always preferred. The presence of an ICC profile for color management and the availability of raster and vector graphics are essential.

2. Create a Design: You can choose from a ready-made template and edit it as per your requirements or create a personalized design per your imagination. Ensure the design is of high quality so that the printing does not pixelate the design. You should merge the graphics layouts and flatten the entire design for export.

3. Select a Layout: You must select the layout accordingly, depending on where you want to print your design. For example, the layout for a t-shirt will be different from a layer for a coffee mug. Your layout has to be as per the sublimation guidelines.

The last step is to print your design on the selected material, and you need to ensure the printing quality is top-notch.

Best Apps for Sublimation Design and Printing

We have already stated that free and paid sublimation software applications are available. Free versions have limited features in most cases, while the paid versions have more features and options that are suitable for professional sublimation designs. Here are the sublimation apps, free and paid for your consideration.

Free Sublimation Software Apps

1. Inkscape

Inkscape is completely free sublimation software that comes with several features and functionalities. You can create different types of objects through drawing tools, shape tools, text tools, embedded bitmaps, and clones.  You can also perform object manipulation, from transformations and Z-axis operations to grouping objects, working with layers, and much more.

The software supports vector-based design to work with complex designs, and you can edit nodes for customized objects and shapes. Besides, there are options for working with paths and tracing with text support. The only drawback is that it does not support the ICC profile for proper color management required for sublimation printing.

Features

• Work with layers and nodes
• Customize shapes and objects
• Apply paths and tracing to texts

Pros

• Different tools for object manipulation
• Simple and easy user interface
• Powerful tools for vector designs

Cons

• Limited output file formats
• Does not support ICC profile.

2. GIMP

If you are looking for a free version of Photoshop with limited features, GIMP is a great choice. You get all the painting tools you need. The software features a powerful memory management tool so that the software does not slow down in operation. You get a wide range of transformation tools as well as selection tools. There are advanced scripting options.

You can work with layers and channels; the software supports alpha channel for transparent designs. The rendering is excellent for outstanding output quality. The software supports various third-party plugins for more features and options for creative designing.

Features

• Option to work with layers and channels
• Wide range of tools for image manipulation
• Completely open-source and regularly updated

Pros

• Superior memory management for smooth operation
• Support for a wide range of third-party plugins
• Options for scripting and mathematical designs

Cons

• Tools and options are limited

3. Photopea

If you are looking for an online tool for sublimation design, this is the one for you. Even though Photopea is a dedicated software application for sublimation design, you can create creative designs in simple steps. There is a wide range of image editing tools, and the software supports working with layers.

The presence of vector shapes and smart objects makes it ideal for sublimation design. Besides, you get a wide range of fonts, filters, channels, and paths to work with. You will need a high-speed internet connection. You can consider it to be an alternative to Canva.

Features

• Wide range of tools like Adobe Photoshop
• Work with layers, textures, and channels
• Options for vector shapes and smart objects

Pros

• Different types of file formats for output
• Intuitive user interface and easy access
• Vast collection of filters, fonts, and objects

Cons

• Irritating adverts and no cloud storage

4. Krita

Krita is an open-source graphics designing software. The user interface is clean and intuitive. You can open any PSD file and work on it. Therefore, you can download any ready-made Photoshop template based on sublimation design and customize it as per your requirements.

The software is suitable for direct to garment printing, a common sublimation printing. You can work with raster and vector graphics. There are over 100 paintbrushes available for creative designs. You can also work with special effects and filters.

Features

• Comprehensive layer management options
• Wide range of brushes for creative designs
• Open PSD files directly and edit designs

Pros

• Suitable for working with vector and raster images
• Customizable layouts help in easy operation
• Support for PSD files helps in editing templates

Cons

• It is more focused on digital painting with brushes

5. Easel.ly

Easel.ly is an online platform for graphics designing with minimal effect. The user interface has several drag-and-drop options for instantly designing. The platform is more popular for designing infographics, but you can create creative designs for sublimation printing. There are hundreds of templates to choose from and customize per your needs.

The tools are not extremely advanced, but they are enough to create amazing designs. You can use shapes, brushes, gradients, and pathfinders. The premium version comes with more templates and collaboration tools. Besides, there will be no limitation on downloads. The platform also allows hiring graphics designers for your design requirements.

Features

• The drag-and-drop user interface is easy to operate
• A vast collection of templates that you can customize
• Wide range of brushes, shapes, and gradients.

Pros

• Wide range of tools for infographics design
• Customer support is readily available
• Premium version supports collaboration

Cons

• Focus is more on infographics designs.

6. SVG-Edit

SVG-Edit is another web-based, open-source sublimation design tool. The platform is suitable for two-dimensional vector designs. Hence, you can create high-resolution designs and change the size of the designs without losing resolution. The platform is extremely lightweight, and hence, it runs smoothly on all devices.

As the name suggests, you can work with SVG files and edit and scan them conveniently. In terms of tools, you get basic tools for freehand drawing, adding texts, and creating different shapes. You can export the design in SVG as well as PNG format. The platform is suitable for beginners as it has limited features.

Features

• Features to work with vector graphics
• Tools for free-hand drawings and designs
• Completely open-source for vector graphics

Pros

• Ensures high-resolution output quality
• Basic user interface for beginners
• Suitable for low-end devices

Cons

• Limited features and file format

7. DAZ 3D

If you are looking for a sublimation designer for 3D graphic designing, this is the one for you. There are different morphing tools available for three-dimensional facial expressions and imitating movements. You can also create 3D texts and models. The designs are going to look realistic.

Its library has a wide range of 3D models and designs to pick from and customize. You can adjust different settings for a better 3D design, starting from textures to lighting and angles. DAZ 3D is more of a simulation tool but works well for sublimation 3D designs.

Features

• Wide range of tools for three-dimensional designs
• Create different types of 3D texts easily
• Vast collection of 3D designs to customize

Pros

• Suitable for creating 3D texts and objects
• Adjust different types of settings for realistic design

Cons

• Focused mainly on the 3D designs only

8. Vectr

Going by its name, Vectr is a web cum desktop vector graphics designing tool. It is a simple yet powerful tool where team members can collaborate and use artificial intelligence to their advantage. Since it deals with vector images, there will not be any scalability issues. You can create faster designs with AI and use the chat option for better communication.

The user interface is easy to operate with certain drag-and-drop options. There is a wide range of tools for vector graphic editing, but some advanced tools are missing. Vectr is a cross-platform tool, and you can export it in SVG as well as PNG format.

Features

• Drag-and-drop options with manual editing tools
• Work with vector graphics and scale without distortion
• Easy to modify shapes and proper color management

Pros

• Available in desktop software and web platform
• Incorporates artificial intelligence for designing
• Suitable tool for collaborative work smoothly

Cons

• The online platform has advertisements in workspace

Paid Sublimation Software Apps

1. Canva

Canva is the most popular web sublimation tool. You can start designing from scratch as well as customize ready-made templates. There are literally tons of templates available in every category of graphics. The user interface is intuitive, and hence, it is equally popular among beginners and experts. Though not many advanced tools are available yet, it gets the job done well for most users.

The Pro version of Canva offers you more exclusive templates and premium content that you can use freely in your sublimation designs. Resizing designs without any issue is unlocked. Besides, you can create transparent backgrounds and remove backgrounds from images for customized designs. Working with vector graphics and layers is very limited.

Price: $119.99 per year or $14.99 per month.

Features

• Collaborative tools for team members
• Vast collection of ready-made templates
• Enhance images and add filters and effects

Pros

• Easiest and most intuitive user interface
• Unique options to remove background
• Wide range of filters and cost effective

Cons

• Not very suitable for vector graphics

2. Adobe Creative Cloud

If you are into sublimation designing and printing business, Adobe Creative Cloud is something you must possess. Most professional designers use Adobe Creative Cloud, a graphics design tool suite. Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop are the most popular Adobe graphics designing tools in Creative Cloud. You need to purchase the entire suite to use the graphics designing tools.

Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign enable you to design anything to imagine. You must be experienced enough to use the wide range of designing and editing tools to your advantage. The learning curve is slightly steep, but once you get the experience, you can design stunning stuff accurately and superiorly. Adobe Creative Cloud is the industry standard for sublimation design.

Price: $54.99 per month for yearly subscription.

Features

• Industry-standard tools to creative designs
• Create and edit complex designs perfectly
• Work with vector graphics with high-quality output

Pros

• Different types of file formats supported
• Wide range of unique and advanced tools
• Online tutorials available for creativity

Cons

• The learning curve is steep
• The pricing is highly expensive

3. CorelDRAW

If you want to design anything from scratch and you want to work with curves and edit every node, CorelDraw is a professional tool for you. It is the best tool to work with vector and raster graphics for experienced users. The overall cost is lower than Adobe CC, so many professionals prefer it. There is advanced typography available to create unique and stunning texts.

The color management of CorelDraw deserves special mention because it is absolutely essential in sublimation designs. The software uses hardware acceleration for optimized performance. With Microsoft Teams integration and live commenting, collaboration work can be done swiftly. There is also a wide range of unique templates available to customize.

Price: $22.42 per month for yearly subscription and $599 for lifetime.

Features

• Capture free-hand drawings with LiveSketch
• Support for multiple monitors for professional work
• Work with nodes of objects for manipulation

Pros

• Great for creative designs from scratch
• Easy to work on complex designs with different tools
• Huge collection of fonts and templates

Cons

• The learning curve is steep
• Focused more on drawing

4. Affinity Designer

Affinity Designer is an award-winner professional designing application. You can compare it with Adobe Creative Cloud suite in terms of features and tools available. The platform supports vector-based graphics, and the typography is extraordinary. You can edit individual elements separately; the color management features are outstanding. It is perfect for beginners who want a professional sublimation design tool to get started.

Affinity Designer is available for Windows, Mac, and even iPad users. The user interface is smooth to work with, and you can share files with team members across different devices for seamless collaboration. It is a feature-rich tool for vector and raster graphics, ensuring professional-grade digital output.

Price: $69.99 for lifetime

Features:

• Editing tools for different elements
• Has all the tools of Adobe Illustrator
• Proper color management and collaboration

Pros:

• Suitable for vector graphics and text designs
• Different types of file formats supported
• Cross-platform support for different devices

Cons:

• The user interface could have been better

5. Pixlr

Pixlr is another web platform that most beginners use for graphics designing and editing. You can create stunning graphics for sublimation design with a few clicks, and the user interface is super easy and intuitive. There is a wide range of designing and editing tools available. Besides, you can access a huge library of ready-made templates on different design categories.

You can work with individual layers and brushes. There are different photo editing and manipulation tools present. You get access to a huge collection of filters, and some of them are exclusive. They have over 50,000 templates, elements, and stickers. Moreover, a wide range of fonts and overlays beautify your designs and structures and make them eye-catching.

Price: $4.9 per month for yearly subscription

Features

• Vast collection of templates and elements
• Work with layers and draw with brushes
• Different types of tools for editing purposes

Pros

• Save work in progress in the browser itself
• Suitable for editing and enhancing photos
• Most affordable pricing plans

Cons

• Limited advanced creative designing tools

6. Procreate

Procreate is exclusively available for iPad users only. The app has won an Apple Design Award for creative graphics. The tool is particularly popular for its wide range of handcrafted brushes and stunning color control. There are different gestures available for a powerful design experience. You can export designs in all popular file formats.

Unique tools are available for artists to bring their imaginations to life for sublimation printing. The app enables you to 3D paint, a trend in the current scenario of sublimation designs. The user interface is intuitive, and the learning curve is not steep. You can do wonders on your iPad with an Apple Pencil.

Price: $12.99 for lifetime

Feature

• Options for 3D painting and designing
• Free-hand drawing with Apple Pencil
• Wide range of brushes and color set

Pros

• Suitable for creative designing from scratch
• Video recording option for education purpose
• Highly intuitive user interface

Cons

• Available only for iPad users

7. Sketch

Sketch is a popular sublimation design tool among professionals. It is best suited for vector editing and creating prototypes. The tool is excellent for collaborative work. You can create wireframes of designs and customize them as per customers’ demands. Even though it is mostly popular for designing UI and UX for websites, the tools make it suitable for sublimation designing.

The designs are vector-based, so scalability is easy without losing quality. There are ready-made templates, and the software saves all your moves automatically. The user interface is responsive, and there is a perfect amalgamation of basic and advanced tools for editing and designing. Besides, there are different layouts to work with, and the plugin library is quite extensive.

Price: $99.99 per year or $9.99 per month.

Features

• Different advanced tools for wireframing
• Exclusive prototyping tool for mockups
• Fast and easy to work with loads of tools

Pros

• Suitable for prototyping and wireframes
• Supports a wide range of plugins
• Supports share assets of styles and designs

Cons

• Specifically focused on wireframes

8. Cricut Design Space

Cricut Design Space comes for computer users as well as mobile users. Cricut design space is not suitable for starting a design from scratch but for instant designing by importing designs from the Image Library. As a professional tool, you get all the basic and advanced tools for creative designs. You get everything from contouring and curve text to blade cutting and warping on the photo canvas.

Beautiful templates and fonts are available to give your design a unique look. Team members can collaborate on the platform for better project building. Cricut Design Space has a popular community where users share projects and templates for reference and inspiration.

Price: $99.99 per year or $9.99 per month.

Features

• Wide range of fonts and templates
• Edit imported designs with different tools
• Highly affordable pricing plans

Pros

• Unique range of tools for beatification
• Exposure to a lively community for reference
• Compatible with Cricut sublimation printers

Cons

• Limited advanced tools are present.

9. Silhouette Studio

Even though the basic version of Silhouette Studio is available for free, its designer editing is a premium version. Silhouette Studio offers you full tools and options for creative designs and graphics. There are over 60 design tools available for complete professional sublimation designing. Besides, there are over 200,000 fully customizable ready-made templates to get started.

Silhouette Studio is suitable for both beginners as well as experienced designers. You can convert images into cut designs instantly. You can also work with rulers and crosshairs for accurate design. Silhouette Studio allows you to work with file formats like SVG and PDF, and you can send your design to Silhouette machines for cutting and printing work.

Price: $49.99 for lifetime

Features

• Wide range of tools for creative designing
• Convert images to designs instantly
• Works well with Silhouette machines

Pros

• Most customizable templates
• Wide range of output file formats
• Different tools for accurate designs

Cons

• Not suitable for in-depth editing of designs

 App For Sublimation – FAQs

Conclusion

Sublimation designing and printing have become a trend due to personalization and customization. But you need the best sublimation design software to get the exact creative design you want for printing on an object. We have handpicked the best sublimation design software to cater to every category of users as per their requirements. If you are getting started, you should start with free software and move on to premium software for more features, tools, and designs.