How to design custom mugs: Step-by-step guide

There are plenty of ways to create your mug design depending on your skills, time, and budget. Whether you’re a beginner who just wants something simple or a pro chasing polished detail, there’s a tool for you.

Beginner-friendly tools

If you’re new to design, start simple. Canva and Printful’s Design Maker make it easy to create personalized mugs without experience. They offer pre-made templates where you can upload your images, type text, or add a logo, then instantly see it on a mug.

Want even less work? Try AI design generators like Kittl and Midjourney to spark ideas. 

You can also hire a freelancer on Fiverr to create your custom mugs. This route is great if you want authentic, crafted designs but don’t have time to make them yourself.

Tip: Opt for bold, clear designs that look good from across the room – tiny details may not show well once printed on your cup.

Advanced tools

If you’re serious about design, pro software unlocks a world of possibilities. These tools are ideal for photo mugs, branded merch, or mugs that need sharp, high-resolution print detail.

• With Photoshop, you can edit images using advanced tools – great for family portraits that need polishing or personalized mugs with high-quality photos. 

• Illustrator is unbeatable for vector graphics, which scale without losing quality (think logos or geometric patterns). 

• Procreate, popular for iPads, is fantastic for hand-drawn or artistic custom mugs.

The learning curve for these tools are steeper, but the control is unmatched. You decide colors, layers, brush effects, and more, ensuring your final mug looks exactly as envisioned. 

If you’re running a business, mastering these tools can set your products apart with crafted, professional designs.

Mockup generators

Design finished? Time to test how it looks in real life. Mockup generators are essential because what looks great on screen may not pop on a curved mug. 

Printful’s Mockup Generator lets you preview instantly by placing your artwork on a digital cup. You’ll see exactly how your custom mugs will appear once printed.

Other platforms like Placeit and Smartmockups let you add your designs to lifestyle shots. Show a cozy desk scene with your mug, a steaming tea beside some glasses, or your design staged in a cafe. These visuals don’t just communicate quality – they help sell your product.

Pro tip: Create multiple mockups to cover different mug styles and angles. This ensures your personalized mugs stand out on your website or Etsy store, giving buyers confidence in what they’re ordering.

Step 5: Order your own mug or list it online

Time to show off your work! Once your custom mugs are ready, order them for yourself, your loved ones, or start selling on your online store. 

If you’re using Print on Demand:

• Place an order and enjoy your custom mugs – or use the sample to check the print quality before listing it to sell.

• Set up an online shop on Etsy, Amazon, Shopify, or other sales channels and connect to Printful.

• Upload your products, set pricing, and, once someone buys, let your POD provider handle printing, packing, and shipping to customers.

If you crafted mugs at home:

• Create an online store with Shopify, Squarespace, Etsy, or Wix.

• Build a brand with a name, logo, and social presence.

• Post lifestyle photos of your mug in action (think cozy tea setups or desk shots).

• Sell directly through local markets, your site, or platforms like Facebook Marketplace and TikTok Shop.

Valuable read: 

Trending mug design ideas you’ll love

Whether you’re making custom mugs for your store or gifts for friends, keeping up with design trends helps your creations stand out. Think bold, fun, and crafted with personality.

Hottest mug design ideas right now:

• Minimalist typography: Clean lines, witty one-liners, or uplifting mantras that look sharp on a classic ceramic mug.

• Photo mugs: Add personal photos or travel snaps for a sentimental touch. Great for those looking to personalize with memories.

• Retro and vintage styles: Faded colors, quirky logos, and throwback vibes.

• Nature and “green” themes: Botanical prints, earthy tones, and eco-conscious designs inspired by sustainability.

• Illustrated artwork: Hand-drawn doodles, cartoons, or watercolor-style images that make every cup of tea feel special.

• Pop culture and fandom: Clever nods to books, shows, and memes that connect instantly with niche audiences – just make sure to avoid copyright infringement.

No matter your audience, there’s a drinkware design trend waiting to inspire your next bestseller.

How to customize mugs with Printful

If you want custom mugs without the mess of vinyl or DIY tools, Printful makes it simple. 

As a leading print-on-demand company, we offer in-house printing for professional quality, a wide range of crafted products, fast global shipping, and dedicated support. 

Whether you’re designing photo mugs as a gift or launching a full custom product line, Printful handles everything from printing to fulfillment.

Sign up

Register for a free Printful account to access our print-on-demand platform.

Pick a mug

Find our mugs under Home & Living → Drinkware & Coasters. Choose from glossy classics, color-inside ceramic mugs, latte styles, enamel, or travel mugs.

Customize the design

Use Printful’s Design Maker to upload images, add text or photos, and instantly preview realistic mockups. 

Customize a single mug to order for yourself, buy in bulk for an event, or connect your online store and start selling worldwide. 

Valuable read: How to start a print-on-demand business