1. Save time and money

AI automates duties like data entry, inventory management, scheduling, and even answering common customer questions. This leads to reduced costs, better use of resources, and frees up time for you to focus on other tasks.

2. Improve customer service

With AI-powered chatbots and support tools, you can answer questions, resolve customer issues, and deliver personalized responses anytime. This creates better customer experiences without requiring 24/7 staffing.

3. Enhance decision-making

AI tools can analyze complex data systems to uncover trends, find solutions, and lead to smarter decisions. Whether you’re testing ad campaigns or planning your product line, AI offers deeper insights than traditional spreadsheets ever could.

4. Drive marketing success

From email automation to social media scheduling and ad targeting, AI tools can help you generate more leads at a lower cost.

5. Support growth

As your business grows, your systems need to scale. AI can help manage that growth with tools for managing inventory, automating tasks, and smarter communications.

6. Boost efficiency and accuracy

AI improves efficiency and enhances bottom lines by handling complex tasks quickly and accurately – no more human error in manual calculations or form-filling.

1. Amarra: Enhancing eCommerce operations with AI

Amarra, a New Jersey-based formalwear distributor, integrated AI into its operations to improve efficiency and customer service. By using ChatGPT for product descriptions, they reduced content creation time by 60%. Additionally, their AI-powered inventory management system decreased overstocking by 40%, and chatbots now handle 70% of customer inquiries.

2. 3 Men Movers: Improving safety and efficiency in logistics

Texas-based moving company 3 Men Movers adopted AI technologies to enhance safety and operational efficiency. AI-driven cameras detect distracted driving, achieving a 91% accuracy rate, while advanced routing software optimizes delivery routes, leading to a 4.5% reduction in accidents within three months.

3. Happy & Glorious: Streamlining marketing efforts with AI

Kate Tompsett, owner of the UK-based gift shop Happy & Glorious, uses ChatGPT to assist in writing product descriptions and blog posts. This AI tool helps overcome writer’s block and maintains her brand’s authentic voice, enhancing marketing efficiency without additional staffing.

4. Notice Ninja: Automating compliance with AI

Phoenix-based compliance firm Notice Ninja developed an AI-powered platform to automate the processing of tax notices. The system scans and captures data from notices, routing them to the appropriate departments – increasing efficiency and reducing manual errors.

5. Afiniti: Providing AI CFO services to small businesses

Afiniti started by delivering AI-driven financial management tools tailored for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), but now serves major clients from Accenture to AT&T. Their AI agents handle various financial operations – banking, analytics, and more – giving SMBs easy, efficient control over their finances.

For marketing

AI marketing tools help small businesses create engaging content, analyze performance, and target the right audience. These tools use machine learning and large datasets to optimize campaigns, generate social media posts, and even write high-converting product descriptions.

• Jasper – AI-powered content creation for blogs, ads, and email marketing. Great for small business owners who want to generate persuasive copy quickly.
• Copy.ai – Create product descriptions, email sequences, or social media captions in seconds with this generative AI tool.
• Surfer SEO – Combines AI with keyword data to help your content rank better in search engines.
• AdCreative.ai – Generates high-performing ad creatives and banners using AI, improving click-through rates and ad ROI.

For customer support

AI can significantly improve customer experiences by providing instant replies, automating help desk interactions, and resolving common questions 24/7. AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants help reduce pressure on your team and deliver personalized support at scale.

• Tidio – A live chat and AI chatbot solution designed for small businesses. It uses AI to answer common customer questions and manage support tickets.
• Zendesk AI – Offers AI-powered ticketing, automated responses, and customer intent detection.
• Freshchat by Freshworks – Automates customer communications across channels and uses AI to route customer issues to the right agent.

For product research and planning

AI can help small businesses analyze trends, find solutions faster, and make better decisions based on real-time data. These tools help uncover what customers want, identify product gaps, and manage inventory more efficiently.

• Exploding Topics – Uses AI to detect emerging product trends before they go mainstream.
• TrendSpider – Offers AI-assisted technical analysis and market insights for eCommerce and product research.
• Shopify’s AI Reports – Built-in analytics that use AI to help business owners plan inventory and understand customer behavior.
• Google Trends – Not purely AI, but still powered by machine learning, and a great free tool to identify search interest and seasonality.

For automation and workflows

AI-powered software can automate repetitive tasks like data entry, order management, content scheduling, and customer follow-ups. This allows you to focus more on growth, creativity, and client needs instead of manual processes.

• Zapier – Connects your apps and automates workflows without coding. Perfect for automating emails, customer updates, or syncing orders between platforms.
• Make – A flexible automation tool that allows you to create more complex workflows than Zapier, especially useful for eCommerce.
• Notion AI – Helps small businesses automate note-taking, project planning, and brainstorming.
• Microsoft Power Automate – An AI-powered automation platform with deep integration into Microsoft tools and services.

Image generators: Creative freedom with responsibility

Image creation is one of the fastest-growing uses of generative AI among small businesses. Entrepreneurs are using AI to create marketing visuals, product mockups, and even digital artwork for sale. However, not all tools are equal, and not all outputs are safe to use commercially.

• Midjourney is popular among Etsy sellers, digital artists, and print-on-demand creators for generating unique visuals and concepts. However, it’s trained on a broad, web-scraped dataset that may include copyrighted material. Its outputs should be used carefully and never assumed to be automatically license-safe.
• Printify’s Image Generator allows merchants to create product designs directly within the platform. It’s optimized for commercial use within Printify’s ecosystem, but verifying originality is still good practice, especially if reselling designs elsewhere.
• Adobe Firefly stands out as the safest option for small businesses. Adobe uses a dataset of Adobe Stock, openly licensed content, and public domain material, making it relatively reliable for commercial projects.

Best practices when using AI-generated images:

AI-generated content relies on massive training datasets, sometimes including copyrighted or proprietary work. That’s why small businesses have to use image generators responsibly: 

• Always read each tool’s terms of use and licensing rules.
• Avoid relying solely on AI for final assets intended for resale.

Run a reverse image search on platforms like Google Images, TinEye, or Berify to check for lookalikes or potential copyright conflicts before publishing or selling.

1. Cost and learning curve

Even though many AI tools offer free plans or affordable pricing, advanced features can be costly. For small businesses on a budget, evaluating the return on investment is critical. Plus, understanding how to properly use AI-powered tools can take time, especially for non-technical users.

2. Ethical concerns and data privacy

AI technology relies on large amounts of information, some of which may include sensitive data like customer contact details or purchase history. Businesses must ensure they’re handling data responsibly and in compliance with privacy laws like GDPR or CCPA, as well as avoiding data breaches. Ethical concerns around bias in AI algorithms are also worth considering.

3. Risk of overdependence

AI can streamline many complex tasks, but it doesn’t replace human intelligence or emotional nuance. Businesses that rely too heavily on AI risk losing their personal touch, especially in areas like customer service or brand storytelling.

4. System limitations and inaccuracies

AI tools are only as good as the data they’re trained on. Sometimes, they can misinterpret requests, deliver generic results, or provide outdated information. These complex systems still need human oversight to ensure accuracy and relevance.

1. Identify areas that need support

Are you spending too much time on marketing? Struggling with inventory management or data entry? Start by pinpointing which tasks could benefit from automation or insights.

2. Pick the right AI tools

Choose AI solutions that fit your current business stage. For marketing, try Copy.ai or Jasper. For support, consider Tidio. For product research, use Exploding Topics or Google Trends to find solutions that align with your niche.

3. Use AI to deliver personalized customer experiences

Integrate AI chatbots or email tools that deliver personalized offers and respond to customer needs in real time. This boosts engagement and helps answer questions faster.

4. Automate your workflows

Use Zapier or Make to connect your eCommerce platforms with fulfillment providers and email tools. This helps reduce operational costs and frees up time to concentrate on your brand.

5. Keep testing and improving

Track your AI usage and monitor what’s working. AI evolves fast, so stay curious, keep learning, and don’t be afraid to adjust your tools or strategies.

Small business entrepreneurs can embrace AI without being tech experts. Many platforms now come with built-in AI, giving you immediate access to smarter tools that lower costs and improve performance.

1. Open an Etsy shop

Go to Etsy.com, sign in or create an account, and navigate to Sell on Etsy to create a seller account. 

Choose your shop name, set your language, country, and currency, and follow the steps to create your first listing – Etsy refunds the first $0.20 listing fee.

Next, add your payment and billing details (bank account or credit card). Verification may take a few days, so plan ahead before uploading multiple SVG files to your shop.

2. Upload and list your digital file

• Go to the Shop Manager in the upper-right corner. 
• Click Listings on the left-hand menu, then Add a listing, in the upper-right corner.
• Select Digital files to specify that you’re selling a downloadable.
• Fill in the About section information – add a title, up to ten product photos, and one video.
• Create mockups to use as product photos. Consider using mockups that show your design in real-life situations. For example, a DIYer looking at the computer with the SVG cut files you’re selling displayed on the screen.
• Drag and drop your .svg files or click Add file. Upload up to five files of 20MB each.
• Set up automatic renewal in Listings → Settings → Renewal options. Otherwise, the listing will appear out-of-stock every time someone purchases it.  

The next steps are the same as for creating a physical product. In the Description field, be sure to specify the purpose of your SVG designs and include any special instructions for printing or using them.

3. Set prices

Do a quick search on Etsy to see what top sellers are offering. This will help you establish a range for your prices. SVG bundles and packs typically range from $1 to $15. While many individual designs sell for around $1, specialized designs can sell for much more.

Use tools like eRank to analyze competitors’ pricing.

4. Publish and market your products

Before publishing, go to the Settings tab in your listing (or scroll down) and select the automatic renewal option. Without this, your listings will appear as Out of Stock after a sale. 

Double-check everything, then click Publish.

Promote your listings by sharing them on your website, blog, social media, or other platforms.

For the latest Etsy marketing strategies, check out our blog.

Other file formats

Etsy also supports .doc, .bmp, .ePUB, .gif, .iBook, .jpeg, .jpg, .mobi, .mov, .mp3, .mpeg, .pdf, .png, .psp, .rtf, .stl, .txt, and .zip. 

Expand your new business by adding more files in different formats, from product designs and woodworking plans to children’s education content.

Paid SVG software

• The Adobe Creative Cloud ($59.99/month) has everything designers need to create graphic elements, from thousands of assets to specialized applications like Adobe Illustrator – the go-to solution for creating and editing SVG files.

• Affinity Designer 2 – A one-time purchase alternative with both vector and raster design capabilities. Costs $69.99 for Windows or Mac and $18.49 for iPad.
• CorelDRAW by Alludo – A suite of vector design tools with AI-powered tracing. The Graphics Suite costs $549 (one-time) or $22.42/month, while Corel Vector is $69.99/year for hobbyists.
• Canva Pro – A beginner-friendly option with basic vector editing and thousands of templates. Subscription starts at $15/month. Prices may increase due to AI feature rollouts.

Free SVG software

• Inkscape – A powerful open-source vector editor with professional features. Available for Windows, Mac, and Linux.
• Vecta – A lightweight online editor with real-time collaboration and cross-platform support.
• LibreOffice Draw – Part of the LibreOffice suite, this tool supports basic SVG editing and is free for Windows, Mac, and Linux users.

Printify Expert tip

Besides text, you can create custom shapes and use brushes in Illustrator. Once you’ve gained more confidence, experiment with Illustrator’s more advanced tools to take your designs to the next level.

Printify Expert tip

Adobe Libraries has assets you previously saved to your Creative Cloud to make your own library. Click on the Libraries tab in the upper-right corner to access it. You may have to prepare the designs in your library to make them editable and save them in an SVG file.

Printify Expert tip

Make the image you want to insert editable, and then save it. Open the asset separately, go to the Properties tab in the upper-right corner, and then use the Image trace tool and save it.

Printify Expert tip

The safest option when creating an SVG file is to select all elements you want in your design, click File (upper menu), select Export as, and choose SVG as the file format. This ensures that only the selected elements are included in the SVG, preventing any other items on the Artboard from being added.

Pick a niche

A niche is a segmented portion of a market. It’s a target audience with specific preferences, needs, and characteristics. Think road-trip enthusiasts, soup connoisseurs, or yoga moms.

With a well-defined niche, your Etsy digital downloads can attract the right customers. Combine your own preferences with market demand and Etsy keyword research to develop a solid brand identity.

Go to the Etsy search bar and type a term for your niche – let’s say, cute animal downloadables. Analyze which listings stand out and check those stores, products, and customer reviews. Then, brainstorm how to make your downloads more attractive.

Find Etsy keywords related to your market using tools like Google Trends and Semrush Keyword Overview. 

Observe which terms appear together and the queries people ask. Note the patterns and use this information to carve your unique, well-defined niche. These keywords will also be helpful once it’s time to craft engaging product listings.

Create your products

Create and offer digital downloads yourself, use pre-made assets, or hire a professional. Here’s how to proceed in each case.

Register and prepare your Etsy shop

Go to the Etsy website, then click Sign in in the upper-right corner.

You’ll start with a Customer account, but you’ll need a Merchant account to become an Etsy seller. Click the round icon with your photo in the upper-right menu, then choose Sell on Etsy.

Scroll to the bottom of the page, click Open your Etsy shop, and complete these steps:  

1. Fill in the localization information including language, country, and currency.
2. Choose between a full-time or part-time seller status for your business.
3. Enter an Etsy shop name. Use a generator like Namelix for ideas. 
4. Create your first Etsy listing. You can edit it later after completing the setup process.
5. Set up payment and billing by providing a bank account or a card number. Note that card verification may take up to a few days.

Publish products and start selling

Once you’re ready to start selling digital downloads, create photo mockups for your product listings using tools like our Product Creator or HelloCustom. 

Showcase your designs in real-life settings – like a framed art print on a wall or a planner page being filled out. You can upload up to ten product photos and one video for your Etsy shop listing.

Prioritize good image quality to highlight key features and attract new customers. Make sure to watermark or modify the image to prevent unauthorized use without purchase.

Here are the steps to list your digital download:

1. Sign in and open the Shop Manager in the upper-right corner.

2. Select Listings on the left-hand menu.

3. Go to the upper corner button and click Add a Listing.

4. Select Digital files. Under Who made it, choose I did, then click Apply. Indicate if you created the digital download with AI assistance.

5. Click Add file or drag and drop your digital product. Upload up to five files, 20MB each, totaling 100MB.

The following steps are similar to creating a physical listing, but be mindful of details when configuring your digital items. Read more in our Etsy guide.

• Etsy SEO: Consider Etsy SEO when preparing titles, descriptions, and tags. Use all 13 tags and relevant keywords (including long-tail), and don’t forget to add attributes. Leverage keyword tools like eRank to help you find relevant terms. 
• Pricing: Research similar products and set a competitive price. Digital prints often sell for $5-$10, while niches like software, homeschooling resources, eBooks, woodworking plans, and sewing patterns can go higher. Factor in costs to price profitably.

• Automatic renewal: Scroll down to Settings and enable the automatic listing renewal option. Otherwise, your digital download will appear out of stock after each sale. 

Once everything is configured, click Publish or save the listing as a draft to preview how it looks.

Market your Etsy store

To increase your digital product sales, learn the basics of Etsy marketing. Consider these strategies:

• Refine your niche and target audience periodically to keep up with trends.
• Optimize your listings with SEO by using keywords naturally wherever possible, including titles, descriptions, and tags.
• Follow Etsy guidelines to optimize your product and store images.
• Share listings on your website and social media for exposure. Think Pinterest pins and boards, Facebook posts and groups, and Instagram Reels.
• Use email marketing tools to increase your reach and improve customer service.
• Consider Etsy advertising after building organic traffic. Spot which products need adjustments or a boost from targeted ads.

1. Exclusive digital assets

Exclusive digital assets designed for use in projects or tools rather than for printing are in high demand. 

These include fonts, software, custom website themes, plugins, social media templates, Lightroom presets, and even collections of AI prompts for tools like MidJourney and DALL-E. They’re ideal for creative professionals looking to enhance their digital workflows.

2. eBooks and manuals

Offer value through your knowledge and expertise in a specific field. These can be anything from how-to guides, self-help books, or educational materials. 

With minimal production costs, you can easily update them or publish newer versions, making them a sustainable source of income for writers and educators.

3. Event printables

Make digital designs for weddings, birthday parties, graduations, and other special occasions. Popular items in this category include invitations, gift tags, banners, and thank-you cards. 

Increase your product’s appeal by letting customers personalize digital products on Etsy for a specific event or occasion.

4. Baby and child-friendly products

Digital prints for babies and children often include baby shower decorations, milestone trackers, and learning materials. 

Buyers frequently search for educational materials for their kids, including growth charts, printable activity sheets, and nursery art. These Etsy digital products are perfect for giving parents a cost-effective, creative way to educate and entertain their kids.

5. Leisure printables

Leisure printables cater to both children and adults looking for entertainment. Offer high-demand products such as coloring pages, crossword puzzles, and printable games. 

People love these digital downloads for personal use or party activities. Coloring pages for adults, in particular, have grown in popularity as a relaxing, stress-relief activity.

6. Utility downloads and digital printables for household chores

This category includes practical digital items to manage daily tasks and home organization. For example, sell digital planners, printable calendars, checklists, and jar labels. 

These products help customers organize their homes, manage tasks, or prepare for special events like holidays.

7. Hobbies, DIY, and craft guides

These high-demand digital products on Etsy appeal to hobbyists and DIY enthusiasts. They include crochet, embroidery, knitting and sewing patterns, woodworking plans, and even electronics schematics. 

Customers look for these digital files to pursue their interests or start new DIY projects. Clear, easy-to-follow instruction manuals add immense value to the purchase.

8. Business-related products

Business-related digital products are useful for small business owners and entrepreneurs. These include business cards, logos, resume templates, and printable custom stickers.

Help your customers save time and money with pre-made customizable templates for a polished, professional look that fits their brand.

9. Art-related products

Artists and designers can sell digital art on Etsy like stock images and photography. You can even learn how to sell digital wall art on Etsy through services like Printify. 

People often look for printable custom posters to decorate their homes. Other items, like stock photos, are valuable for projects like websites, marketing materials, and social media content.

10. Online courses

This profitable digital product lets you share valuable knowledge on various topics like business, design, or personal development. 

Sellers can create video lessons, PDFs, and interactive materials to help customers gain new skills at their own pace.

1. Astra

Astra is a lightweight, fast, and highly customizable WordPress theme with over one million active installations and over 5,700 five-star reviews. It integrates seamlessly with WooCommerce, Spectra, Elementor, and Beaver Builder – perfect for eCommerce, small businesses, and membership sites.

Built-in schema markup, mobile-first design, and clean code raise SEO performance.

Who is it for? Businesses, solopreneurs, and web designers needing a fast, SEO-ready structure and highly customizable option.

2. OceanWP

OceanWP is a feature-rich and highly customizable WooCommerce theme. Unlike other lightweight options, OceanWP offers built-in WooCommerce enhancements, multi-step checkout, and deep integration with Elementor, Beaver Builder, and WPBakery.

It also supports RTL languages and translation plugins – ideal for global stores.

Who is it for? Businesses that need advanced WooCommerce features, multilingual support, and deep customization options.

3. Neve

Neve is a lightweight, fully optimized, and responsive theme with a minimalist design. It’s built for speed and works seamlessly with WooCommerce.

Who is it for? Individuals looking for a simple, fast, and SEO-friendly theme with potential for expansion.

4. Storefront

Storefront is the official WooCommerce theme, built for reliability, speed, and seamless integration with WooCommerce plugins.

As a minimalist foundation, this clean, functional theme provides maximum compatibility while keeping your site super fast and efficient.

Who is it for? Store owners who want a stable, WooCommerce-optimized option and are comfortable adding plugins for additional styling.

5. Zakra

Zakra is a flexible and lightweight theme offering over 40 starter sites, including designs tailored for WooCommerce stores. 

It provides a responsive design and compatibility with major page builders.

Who is it for? Users who want a lightweight option with different starter sites.

6. Hestia

Hestia is a modern, one-page WordPress theme for small businesses, startups, freelancers, and creative agencies. It offers a clean and stylish design with a widgetized footer, blog and news page, and seamless WooCommerce integration for online stores. 

Built with Material Kit, it delivers a polished look while remaining responsive, Retina-ready, and SEO-friendly. It also works smoothly with Elementor, WPML, and popular plugins like Flat Parallax Slider and Travel Map.

Who is it for? Ideal for small businesses, startups, freelancers, and agencies looking for a modern, one-page design with flexible customization options.

7. Rishi

Rishi is a lightweight and highly customizable WooCommerce theme designed for speed and flexibility. It offers over 90 ready-to-import starter sites, helping users build their shops in minutes – no coding required.

Who is it for? Users looking for a fast, customizable theme with easy setup and pre-built design templates.

8. Blocksy

Blocksy is a highly customizable WordPress theme that offers a range of design options and features – such as header and footer customization – typically available only in paid plans. 

It provides a lightweight and flexible foundation for your online store.

Who is it for? Those seeking a lightweight and highly customizable option with advanced features.

9. Boutique

Boutique is a Storefront child theme designed for small shops, boutiques, and niche stores. It keeps the reliable foundation of Storefront but adds a more stylish layout tailored for fashion, accessories, and small businesses.

Perfect for elegant stores that want a simple yet professional look.

Who is it for? Small businesses and fashion retailers who want a simple yet stylish WooCommerce store.

10. GeneratePress

GeneratePress is a lightweight and developer-friendly WordPress theme that prioritizes speed and stability. With a fresh install adding less than 10kb to your site, it’s one of the fastest WooCommerce themes available.

Built for performance-focused users, it includes over 60 customization controls, dynamic typography, and deep compatibility with Gutenberg and page builders.

Who is it for? Developers, bloggers, and performance-conscious store owners looking for a stable, highly customizable, and fast option.

1. Shoptimizer

Shoptimizer is a fast WooCommerce theme packed with features designed to help you convert more visitors into customers. Built on research and best practices, it focuses on speed, design, and conversions.

Who is it for? Store owners focused on performance and conversion optimization.

Pricing:$99, with frequent discounts.

2. Astra Pro

Astra Pro builds on the freemium Astra theme, adding powerful customization options, enhanced WooCommerce functionalities, and advanced performance settings.

Designed for serious online store owners, Astra Pro enables a fully tailored shopping experience without compromising speed.

Who is it for? Businesses, agencies, and power users that need full design flexibility, premium layouts, and advanced WooCommerce enhancements.

Pricing: From $49 per month (annual subscription) or a one-time payment of $199.

3. Avada

Avada is a versatile and feature-rich multipurpose WooCommerce theme that offers a range of design options and customization features, including over 109 prebuilt websites, over 120 design elements, plus dynamic content functions.

Who is it for? Users looking for a comprehensive and feature-rich theme with extensive design options.

Pricing: From $69.

4. Blocksy Pro

Blocksy Pro is a lightweight, highly customizable WooCommerce theme packed with advanced design options and premium features. 

It includes starter sites for multiple niches, including business, eCommerce, portfolio, blogs, news, nonprofits, and travel – a versatile choice for any website. 

The professional typography options (Adobe Typekit, custom, and Google fonts), advanced and Mega menu options, header, and footer customization offer complete design control.

Who is it for? Businesses, online stores, and content creators needing a flexible, professional-looking, highly customizable theme.

Pricing: From $69.

5. Bridge

Bridge is a creative multipurpose WordPress theme that offers deep integration with WooCommerce. It comes with over 630 pre-made demos, letting users create different websites, including online stores, portfolios, and blogs. 

The theme is compatible with both Elementor and WPBakery page builders, providing flexibility in design and customization and astonishing visuals.

Who is it for? Entrepreneurs seeking a versatile theme capable of creating different types of websites, from eCommerce stores to portfolios and blogs.

Pricing:$69

6. Flatsome

Flatsome is one of the most popular WooCommerce themes, known for its responsiveness, sleek design, and robust functionality. It features the UX Builder, a drag-and-drop page editor that lets users create custom layouts without coding.

Flatsome also offers a vast library of pre-designed elements and sections, making designing a professional-looking online store easy.

Who is it for? Online store owners who prioritize design flexibility and performance.

Pricing:$59

7. Porto

Porto is a versatile and highly customizable multipurpose WordPress theme with deep integration with WooCommerce.

It provides many pre-designed demos and layouts for several business types. Porto emphasizes performance and SEO, ensuring fast load times and a responsive WooCommerce website.

Who is it for? Businesses seeking a flexible and performance-optimized theme that can be tailored to different industries.

Pricing:$59

8. WoodMart

WoodMart is a premium WooCommerce theme designed for all types of online stores. It features over 70 pre-built store demos, a fast interface, and deep personalization options. 

WoodMart is compatible with popular page builders like Elementor and WPBakery.

Who is it for? Store owners looking for an eCommerce-focused, feature-rich theme with good user experience.

Pricing:$59

9. XStore

XStore is a multipurpose WooCommerce theme that creates responsive and customizable online shops.

It offers over 140 pre-built demos, seamless integration with Elementor and WPBakery page builders, and a range of features aimed at enhancing the eCommerce experience – both for entrepreneurs and customers.

Who is it for? Businesses seeking a flexible, performance-focused theme that can be tailored to various industries.

Pricing:$49

10. The Retailer

The Retailer is a premium WooCommerce theme known for its classic, responsive design, similar to Shopify layouts. It offers deep integration with WooCommerce – suitable for building online stores, portfolios, and personal or corporate websites.

The theme includes pre-built page layouts, an intuitive theme options panel, and compatibility with popular page builders.

Who is it for? Users seeking a straightforward and reliable theme for their online store or portfolio.

Pricing:$59

11. Shopkeeper

Shopkeeper is an established WooCommerce theme,  trusted by over 34,000 active stores and known for its eCommerce-first approach.

It’s ideal for sellers who want a reliable and modern online store.

Who is it for? Store owners who want a proven, reliable, and eCommerce-focused theme.

Pricing:$59

12. Savoy

Savoy is a minimalist AJAX WooCommerce theme that focuses on providing a seamless user experience. Its modern design puts products at the forefront, so customers can easily browse and purchase items. 

The built-in AJAX plug-in improves the shopping experience with quick product searches and page transitions.

Who is it for? Online retailers who prefer a clean and straightforward design emphasizing product display and providing a smooth shopping experience.

Pricing:$59

13. Betheme

Betheme is a multi-purpose WooCommerce theme featuring over 700 pre-built websites, including extensive eCommerce layouts. With BeBuilder, an intuitive drag-and-drop editor, and more than 80 built-in elements, it offers deep customization without coding.

The theme also supports conditional display settings, allowing users to assign unique templates to specific pages, categories, or tags – ideal for customizing shop archives or product pages.

Who is it for? eCommerce website owners, agencies, and businesses needing deep customization and a wide selection of pre-designed templates.

Pricing: $60

14. Electro

A powerful and flexible option designed specifically for stores selling electronics and tech accessories. It offers deep integration with WooCommerce and includes features like advanced live search, product comparison, and vendor management – suitable for affiliate, dropshipping, and multi-vendor eCommerce sites.

Who is it for? Owners aiming to design an electronics site or a multi-vendor marketplace.

Pricing: $59

15. Basel

Basel is a minimalist AJAX responsive theme built to design modern and powerful eCommerce sites.  

With its drag-and-drop page builder, extensive theme settings, premium sliders, and WooCommerce integration, you can create an online store that looks flawless on any screen resolution.

The theme suits all types of shops, including clothing, electronics, furniture, accessories, florists, and more.

Who is it for? Store owners who prefer a clean and minimalist design with advanced AJAX features to enhance user experience.

Pricing: $48

1. Sign up for Printify

Create a free Printify account to start crafting all-over-print designs for your custom t-shirts.

Do it all for free, or upgrade to Printify Premium to get up to 20% off product costs for maximum profits.

2. Choose your products

Browse our Catalog and explore various high-quality men’s tees and women’s t-shirts.

Once you select a product, click Start designing to bring your idea to life.

3. Make your all-over-print design

Upload your logos, photos, or artwork directly to our Product Creator. Align your placement and try our free graphics, customizable fonts, and layer management to refine your design.

Check out these free t-shirt designs or use our Shutterstock integration for quality visuals. Alternatively, leverage our AI Image Generator to create original graphics based on your prompts.

AOP design tips:

• Cover all areas. Add a background color or custom design pattern to avoid blank spaces on the shirt.
• Check the bleed area. Extend your design to the grayed-out bleed area in the mockup preview, but keep important elements (like text or logos) away from the edges.
• Preview every side. Check the front, back, and sleeves to see if your design aligns seamlessly.
• Use high-resolution images. Upload files at a resolution of at least 300 DPI to maintain sharpness.
• Choose bold colors. Bright and contrasting colors work best on polyester for vibrant prints.

Hit the Preview button to see how your design will look on the finished product. Once you finalize the details on your custom all-over-print t-shirt, order a sample to check the quality and delivery times.

See how the shirt looks after a machine wash, tumble dry, and a low-heat iron before publishing it to your store.

1. Choose your sales platform

Decide where to sell your custom all-over-print t-shirts. Printify offers seamless integrations with popular eCommerce platforms like Shopify and marketplaces such as Etsy and Amazon.

eCommerce platforms:

• Pros:
  • Full control over the store design, branding, and customer experience.
  • Scalability to expand with new products, features, or services.
  • No sales commission fees, letting you keep more profits.
• Cons:
  • No built-in audience, needing more effort to drive traffic.
  • Subscription fees, paid themes, and plugin costs can add up.
  • Requires time to set up and manage compared to marketplaces.

Online marketplaces:

• Pros:
  • Established customer base actively searching for products.
  • Quick setup with minimal technical requirements.
  • Excellent for testing new designs or niches with less marketing effort.
• Cons:
  • Limited branding and store customization options.
  • Marketplace fees or sales commissions reduce profit margins.
  • Highly competitive, making it harder to stand out without strategic pricing or ads.

For a simple and fast solution, consider a Printify Pop-Up Store to start selling quickly – no need for additional software. Printify’s free plan lets you connect up to five stores, while Printify Premium supports up to ten stores.

If you’re a website owner and want complete technical control over your storefront, integrate with Printify’s custom API.

2. Set up your online store

Showcase your all-over-print t-shirts strategically to attract buyers. A well-organized store helps customers browse products, understand their value, and trust their purchase decisions.

To achieve this, you’ll need clear descriptions, engaging visuals, and a thoughtful user experience that reflects your brand’s personality.

Write clear product descriptions:

• Specify the apparel material (e.g., 100% polyester or blends) for complete transparency.
• Highlight the benefits of all-over-print designs, such as bold colors, seamless patterns, and durability.
• Include a size chart to prevent confusion and reduce potential returns.

Use high-quality visuals:

• Upload realistic mockups from Printify’s Product Creator or take product photos from sample orders.
• Include lifestyle photos to show customers how your t-shirt will look when they wear it.
• Provide multiple angles (front, back, sleeves) to give a comprehensive view of your products – especially crucial for all-over shirt printing.

Build trust with policies and branding:

Your store’s policies, user experience, and brand identity directly impact how customers perceive your business.

Here’s how to establish credibility for your t-shirt store:

• Set transparent store policies: Provide clear information on shipping costs, delivery times, and return options. A well-written FAQ helps address common concerns like care instructions or production timelines.
• Focus on the user experience: Create intuitive navigation with clear product categories, like Bestsellers or New Arrivals. Make sure the store loads quickly and is mobile-friendly for seamless browsing.
• Enhance brand identity: Use consistent colors, fonts, and logos to reinforce your branding. Write a compelling About Us page to share your story and resonate with the audience.

3. Integrate with Printify

Connect your sales channel to Printify for streamlined order processing and fulfillment with no minimum order quantities.

Follow these steps to sync your custom AOP t-shirts to your store:

1. Log in to your Printify account:
   Access your dashboard and navigate to the Manage my stores section.
2. Select your sales channel:
   Choose the platform you’re using from the available integrations.
3. Follow the integration instructions:
   Check out our Shopify integration guide, Etsy integration playbook, or WooCommerce integration manual. Not using these sales channels? Find detailed instructions for other platforms here.
4. Sync products and automate orders:
   Use our Product Creator to export designs to your store along with their descriptions, images, and pricing. Enable order automation to route customer purchases directly to our production and fulfillment centers.

4. Market your AOP shirts

Effective marketing is key to driving traffic and turning visitors into loyal customers. Use these strategies to promote your custom all-over-print shirts.

Social media

Showcase high-quality product photos and videos to drive traffic to your store. Share behind-the-scenes content to connect with your audience and collaborate with influencers to strengthen your brand identity.

Consider also selling on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok to expand your reach.

Email marketing

Create a mailing list to keep customers engaged. Announce new collections, exclusive discounts, and seasonal promotions to drive repeat purchases and keep your brand top of mind.

SEO and content marketing

Optimize your product listings by using relevant keywords in titles, descriptions, and tags to increase organic traffic.

Use tools like eRank, Ahrefs, and Google Keyword Planner to track search trends for your niche. Adding alt text to images further enhances the user experience and search engine readability.

Create engaging content like blog posts on styling tips, design inspiration, or the story behind your creative process. Highlight what makes your AOP shirts unique to build authority as a brand.

Paid advertising

Leverage platforms like Google Ads, Facebook Ads, and TikTok Ads to target specific demographics. Pinpoint audiences that align with your niche, set up a campaign period, and set a budget.

Customer reviews

Ask buyers for feedback and showcase positive reviews on your store to build credibility and trust. Reviews not only help convert potential customers but also improve your visibility on marketplaces.

Use high-resolution graphics

Increase the resolution of your image using graphic design tools or software to get the best prints possible. Generate high-quality mockups that display the whole shirt to give an accurate example of the printed product.

Know when to avoid all-over-print

All-over-print clothing has limitations. Not every design is suitable for full-print shirts, so steer clear of common design mistakes that might produce low-quality results.

An all-over-print shirt is not the best choice for t-shirts with custom designs that target a specific area of the shirt – like cuffs and collars. The manual cut-and-sew process can result in slight shifts in print placement. 

Sublimation ink also only works on white fabric, so any white in your designs won’t show. Darker designs may also result in some white streaks. To avoid this, choose cut-and-sew-style AOP shirts.

Font choices evoke emotions

Every font carries its own personality, capable of evoking specific feelings or associations. Whether it’s the confidence of a bold serif font or the playful charm of a handwriting-inspired design, your font will shape how people perceive your t-shirt.

Think about how fonts convey emotions:

• Refined for upscale, classy designs.
• Playful for humorous or lighthearted t-shirts.
• Industrial or rustic for rugged, vintage vibes.
• Modern and stylish for minimalist, trendy aesthetics.

Font style and weight

The weight of a font – ranging from thin to ultra-bold – can make or break your design’s impact. Thick, bold fonts excel for short slogans or logos, grabbing attention instantly. However, they may be a bit too much for longer phrases. On the other hand, thin fonts lose visibility at a distance or on busy patterns.

Remember, your t-shirts are meant to be worn and seen in motion. Test your fonts in mockups on actual t-shirt sizes to ensure they’re easy to read from afar.

A serif or sans serif font?

When deciding between serif and sans-serif fonts, it depends on the style you’re aiming for. Serif fonts, characterized by small decorative “feet” on letters, give off a classic vibe. In contrast, sans-serif fonts appear cleaner and more modern.

For instance, use a bold serif font to add gravitas to inspirational quotes or vintage t-shirt designs. Opt for a simple sans-serif font if you’re striving for a minimalistic, clean look for a modern audience.

Choose t-shirt fonts that vibe with your niche

To create designs that sell, align your font choice with your niche’s preferences. A playful font might appeal to a younger, fun-loving demographic, while clean, modern fonts resonate with a more professional audience.

A few examples:

• Vintage-inspired fonts are ideal for retro-themed designs, such as classic car enthusiasts or throwback music lovers.
• A modern sans-serif font works well for tech or fitness niches.
• Avoid overly ornate styles for audiences that prioritize simplicity or practicality.

Practical tips for choosing t-shirt fonts

When making t-shirt designs, consider these practical guidelines to boost your product’s appeal:

• Stick to one or two fonts per design to stay cohesive.
• Avoid overly complex fonts for long text or slogans.
• Test your designs on different t-shirt colors to ensure your fonts stay readable.
• Pay attention to kerning (letter spacing) for a polished look.
• Ensure your fonts scale well for small sizes and larger prints.

Ask for feedback

Once you’ve narrowed your font options, share your mockups with friends, family, or even your target audience for honest feedback. 

Their insights can help you fine-tune the designs and choose the best font size for the t-shirts you’re about to sell, ensuring the words and letters align perfectly with the qualities you want to convey.

Personal vs commercial licenses

While there are millions of free fonts online, you may not be permitted to use them for business. 

Ensure you have a commercial license to use a font before including it in a t-shirt design you plan to sell. Otherwise, you will violate copyright laws and may be subject to legal action. 

If you plan to print a few t-shirts for friends and family and don’t plan to sell them, you only need a personal license.

When you explore the sites above, filter by category or licensing terms to view fonts that meet your needs.

Handwritten fonts

Fonts resembling handwriting add a human touch to your t-shirt designs, creating an authentic, personalized feel. Perfect for casual or artsy designs, they work well for slogans, quotes, or lifestyle brands looking for a natural vibe.

• Camilla Handwritten Font
• Sweet November Handwritten Font
• Happy Popcorn Font
• Blank Note Font
• Handmade Handwritten Typeface

Script fonts

Script t-shirt fonts are elegant and sophisticated, making them ideal for romantic, classy, or boutique-style t-shirt designs. While more intricate, they can add a high-end feel to wedding t-shirts or sentimental gifts.

• Signalis Script Font
• Olivia Font
• Blast Handwritten Script Font
• Halcion Script Font
• Watershed Script Font

Monogram fonts

Monogram t-shirt font options scream sophistication and exclusivity. They’re ideal for logos, initials, or personalized t-shirts that need a touch of refinement. From weddings to corporate branding, these fonts add a professional vibe without overcomplicating things.

• Vierasti Monogram Font
• Leafy Monogram Font
• Sunday Quotes Font
• Marliana Monogram Display Font
• Monogram Font Big Bundle

Gothic fonts

Dark, edgy, and dripping with attitude, gothic t-shirt fonts are the rebellious teenagers of typography. They’re for t-shirt designs that dare to stand out – think horror, metal bands, or tattoo culture. They’re bold, unapologetic, and perfect for anyone who wants to create t-shirts that make a statement.

• Gothically Font
• Gothic Script Font
• Black Star Font
• Dark Widow Font
• Ravenholm Font

Graffiti fonts

If you want a loud design, graffiti fonts are your go-to. They’re all about making an impact, making them excellent for urban, streetwear, or bold niche designs. These best fonts for t-shirts thrive on rebellion and creativity.

• Graffiti New Font
• Jack Roll Graffiti Display Font
• Radical Font
• Graffiti Font Bundle
• Urban Graffiti Font Bundle

Cartoon fonts

Cartoon fonts are the playful sidekick every t-shirt seller needs. Whether for kids’ clothing, birthday shirts, or comic-inspired designs, these bold, bubbly fonts bring humor and fun to your work.

• Cartoonery Font
• Comik Font
• Comic Gecko Pro Font
• Hands Down Font
• Little Munster Font

Futuristic fonts

Futuristic fonts are sleek, clean, and forward-thinking. They’re the ideal match for gaming, sci-fi, or tech-inspired t-shirt design.

• Futuristic Font
• Verwalter Font
• Modern and Futuristic Font
• Electro Wave Font
• Exodar Font

Fairytale fonts

Bring a whimsical touch into your designs with fairytale fonts for t-shirts. These fonts are excellent for enchanting themes, from children’s clothing to fantasy-inspired wall art.

• Mallica Fairytale Typeface
• Morrow Baby Display Fonts
• Wonder Night Display Font
• Beautiful Fairytale Display Font
• Legendary Runes Font

Christmas fonts

Nothing says festive like a well-chosen Christmas t-shirt font. Warm, cheerful letters bring holiday vibes to life, making them an important part of seasonal designs and gifts. Think ugly sweater parties, family reunions, or quirky holiday slogans.

• Bold Ugly Sweater Font
• Christmas Candy Font
• Christmas Shine Font
• White Christmas Font
• Wonderful Christmas Font

Halloween fonts

Halloween is a big event for print-on-demand sellers. These spooky t-shirt fonts add a thrilling edge to your design process and ensure the letters on your creations captivate audiences in the crowded Halloween market.

• Halloween Nightmare Font
• Halloween Night Font
• Witches Friend Font Duo
• Happy Halloween Font
• Spooky Halloween Font

Tattoo fonts

Looking to write an edgy, rebellious message with your design? Tattoo t-shirt fonts are all about bold lines and dramatic flair, making them ideal for designing biker-inspired or alternative t-shirts. These fonts carry an air of toughness and creativity that’s impossible to ignore.

• Melodical Font
• Her Song Font
• Puerto Playful Tattoo Font
• Fire Needle
• AZ Sailor Tattoo

Valentine’s Day fonts

Valentine’s Day is another major design and sales opportunity for print-on-demand merchants. These t-shirt fonts are full of romance, made for creating heartfelt designs that sell like hotcakes during the season of love.

• Valentine’s Day Handwritten Font
• Valentine’s Font
• Loveya Script Font
• Blossom Heart Font
• Love is in The Air Font

Birthday fonts

Celebrating another trip around the sun deserves a font for t-shirts that match the party’s energy. 

These letter styles are perfect for capturing the joy, fun, and excitement that birthdays bring. With an emphasis on playful strokes and whimsical symbols, these t-shirt font ideas add personality to custom birthday t-shirts, making them the highlight of any celebration.

• Birthday Calligraphy Font
• Lollipop Jar Font
• Birthday People Display Font
• Heilig Display Font
• Birthday Font

Retro fonts

Vintage fonts have a one-of-a-kind, effortless cool factor that takes your t-shirt brand back in time. Whether it’s 70s grooves or 90s nostalgia, these popular fonts for shirts are perfect for evoking a specific era while keeping your designs fresh.

• 70s Retro Font
• Retromax Font
• Andala Retro Script Font
• Retro Signature Font
• Light Trail Font

Classic fonts

Classic fonts never go out of style. Their subtleness, timelessness, and versatility make them perfect for professional or understated t-shirt designs. These fonts add a touch of class without stealing the spotlight from your message.

• Grobek Font
• Pastika Font
• Kinetic Typeface
• Kanyon Font
• StaadMitte Font

How to design t-shirts with words using Printify

Ready to design an incredible t-shirt for yourself or start selling them online? You’ve come to the right place. With Printify, it’s easier than ever to play around with different fonts and find the perfect one for your design. 

Here’s how to design your first t-shirt with Printify:

1. Sign up for a free Printify account. 
2. Explore our Catalog of over 1,000 popular products, including dozens of different t-shirt styles from popular brands like Gildan, Comfort Colors, Hanes, and more. 
3. Decide on a t-shirt and select Start designing.
4. Open the Product Creator and click Add text on the left side of the screen. 
5. Scroll through our fonts and categories to find the perfect one for your t-shirt.
6. Adjust the color and size of your text and select Save once done. 

Once your t-shirt looks perfect, it’s time to order a sample for yourself to start rocking your new design.

Want to sell t-shirt designs online? Printify integrates with all the leading eCommerce channels, providing you with a streamlined listing and order management process. There are no upfront costs when selling with Printify since every shirt is printed on-demand once a customer orders, saving you money and reducing risk.

How to print t-shirts with heat transfer paper at home

Grab all the above-listed supplies, and let’s get to work!

Step 1: Prepare the t-shirt design

To achieve top-quality t-shirt designs, you’ll need professional software, such as Photoshop or Adobe Illustrator. Add different elements, texts, and patterns, or print and press your own photos. 

Use a high-quality image or save it as a vector file to avoid a pixelated print. If you plan to start an online t-shirt business, only print original artwork to avoid copyright infringement.

If you only have your artwork in physical form, scan or photograph it to turn it into a digital file.

Step 4: Iron on your custom design

Place the transfer paper on the t-shirt – face down for light-colored shirts and face up for dark-colored shirts. Use the iron as a heat press to transfer your design onto the shirt. Press it down for the time indicated on your transfer paper instructions.

Let the paper cool for a few minutes, peel it off, and voila – you’ve got your first home-printed shirt!

How to print shirts with heat transfer vinyl at home

Step 1: Prepare your t-shirt design

Use editing software like Cricut Design Space to create the perfect t-shirt design. For the best printing quality, use SVG vector format and scale the image to fit your t-shirt size. Approximately 10” will work well for a medium-sized t-shirt. 

Don’t forget to mirror the print. Images need to be cut backward, as in heat press paper printing. Flip the design before cutting it.

Step 3: Weed the excess vinyl

Weeding means clearing away any unwanted bits of vinyl around the edges of your cut design on the carrier sheet.

• Peel the vinyl off the mat.
• Put the glossy carrier side down.
• Grab tweezers, a pen, or any other weeding tool.
• Peel off the first vinyl layer.
• Remove all unnecessary parts that don’t belong to your design.

Screen printing

Screen printing requires thick inks that ensure long-lasting and vibrant designs and a mesh screen to apply your artwork. You first create a stencil on the mesh screen and press it down to imprint your design on the shirt. 

This method is ideal for large-quantity orders and designs with fewer colors.

Direct-to-garment printing

This technique uses a direct-to-garment (DTG) printer to spray ink directly on a pretreated shirt, making the ink stick better. It is a wallet-friendly solution for smaller orders and one of the most popular printing methods.

Sublimation printing

Dye sublimation printing, also called all-over-print (AOP), is a great way to create exquisitely unique designs. 

The design is first printed with liquid inks on heat transfer paper. It’s then placed in a heat press machine, where the fabric paint turns into gas. The garment soaks up the ink and becomes one with the design. The applied pressure solidifies the gas ink, ensuring a vibrant, permanent image.

How it works

• Create a free Printify account to access our design tools, sales channel integrations, and huge product selection.
• Browse our Catalog of over 1,000 products and choose one of many shirts – from eco-friendly to all-over print and different styles and fabrics.
• Create a stellar design using our free and user-friendly Product Creator (formerly known as Mockup Generator). Add images, text, colors, patterns, and other elements to make your custom t-shirt really pop.
• List your custom shirts for sale, or order some for yourself. Our global Print Providers handle the production, packaging, and shipping directly to your or your customer’s doorstep.

Printify t-shirt printing methods

Our Print Providers print custom products using the following printing techniques:

• Direct-to-garment (DTG)
• Sublimation or all-over-print (AOP)
• Direct-to-film (DTF)

Save time and energy

Save hours on product research with an integrated tool. Online research databases streamline the process of finding dropshipping products, delivering all the information you need to start and grow your business efficiently.

Access to winning products and niche analysis

Most tools offer lists of top-performing products and in-depth niche market analysis. They provide insights into sales history and growth potential, helping you make informed decisions and stay ahead of trends.

Premium features for greater profitability

Premium plans often offer custom content tailored to your needs. This exclusive data helps you find the most profitable products, giving you an edge over other online stores.

1. Sell The Trend

Sell The Trend is an all-in-one solution for successful dropshipping. It simplifies finding your target customers and picking a profitable product with predictive AI technology, accessible through the NEXUS Product Explorer.

Leverage the search bar to explore a vast database of items sourced from AliExpress, Shopify, and Amazon to meet your store’s needs. After finding successful products, it only takes a click to add them to your store and start selling.

This platform also features a dropshipping website creator called SellShop, letting users build their own stores with all the necessary key features in minutes.

Both monthly and yearly plans offer the same features, including:

• 1-Click Push to Store and 1-Click Order Fulfillment for easy product management
• Ability to connect up to three stores
• Product sourcing Chrome extension 
• 24/7 customer support
• Access to a product video library for marketing content
• Built-in ad creator to enhance your advertising efforts

Price: 7-day free trial, $39.98/month, or $26.38/month for the yearly plan.

2. AliExpress Dropshipping Center

The AliExpress Dropshipping Center is a powerful dropshipping product finder designed specifically for AliExpress users.

This free dropshipping product research tool helps you identify best-selling items and gain a competitive edge using valuable sales data on the competitive landscape. 

Gain insights into product performance through the Product Analysis tab. It lists detailed product sales history, seller ratings, and information on various shipping costs and locations.

Accessing the Dropshipping Center is straightforward – go to My Orders in the dropdown menu of the AliExpress Marketplace and find DS Center toward the bottom of the list.

The AliExpress Dropshipping Center offers a range of valuable features, including:

• Information on shipping costs, locations, and product variants
• Analysis of hot-selling products, sponsored products, and promotional materials
• Product photos and videos for better marketing insights

Price: Free with registration.

3. Niche Scraper

Niche Scraper is a specialized research bot focused on dropshipping – analyzing thousands of products daily to reveal those with the highest potential.

This tool’s free version offers limited access to the Product Scraper, which lists trending items on AliExpress and Shopify. It also gives popularity scores and dropshipping analytics to help you understand market trends and identify profitable niches.

Niche Scraper’s monthly and yearly Pro membership plans offer a comprehensive set of market research tools, including:

• Unlimited “scrapes” to find products with a high-profit margin potential
• Access to keyword research and market analysis tools for TikTok and Facebook
• The ability to “scrape” stores to discover their products’ sales data
• Insights into the estimated revenue of competitor stores

Price: Free plan or $49.95/month for the Pro membership.

4. Dropship Spy

Dropship Spy is a good product research tool featuring over 10,000 top-selling goods sourced from Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

The platform conducts rigorous product testing and only showcases items that have earned its seal of approval. Explore the Free Products tab for a sample of their data analysis capabilities and a featured winning product of the month from AliExpress.

The free version is somewhat limited, while Dropship Spy Pro grants access to various tools for sales trends, ad insights, and other features, including:

• Access to a vast product database
• Yearly updates with more than 1,500 new items
• Sales trends, video ads, and product review files
• Analysis of major platforms like Amazon, CJ Dropshipping, AliExpress, and eBay
• Ad insights from Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok
• Connection to reliable suppliers, Facebook audiences, and influencers

Price: $39/month or $119/year for the Pro membership.

5. Thieve.co

Thieve leverages data from millions of consumer interactions to offer valuable insights into product popularity and conversion rates. This dropshipping product research tool also provides high-quality supplier images to use as product mockups for your store listings.

The Dropship plan gives you access to a curated selection of products with detailed descriptions, galleries, key features, and conversion and popularity scores. You’ll also receive access to market niche reports to effectively target potential customers.

Upgrading to the Pro plan unlocks early access to trending products, studio-quality images and videos, and curated eCommerce keywords. Pro also features a dropshipping store search tool to explore Shopify’s winning products.

Use Thieve to make informed decisions and optimize your dropshipping store with:

• Curated product listings with detailed descriptions and galleries
• Market niche reports to track trends
• Early access to new and trending products
• Studio-quality images and videos for marketing
• Dropshipping store search to view successful Shopify stores

Price: Free 14-day trial, $15/month, or $8.08/month for the annual Dropship plan. $49/month or $21.50/month with the annual Pro plan.

6. Ecomhunt

Ecomhunt offers a curated selection of winning products hand-picked by a team of dropshipping experts. It helps you track performance, monitor sales, and find profitable product ideas through competitor analysis.

The free version provides limited access to Ecomhunt’s product database – upgrading to the Basic plan unlocks full access.

Ecomhunt’s Pro plan offers personalized one-on-one consultations with eCommerce and dropshipping professionals. Meanwhile, the Suite plan adds unlimited access to AliExpress information, enhanced product analytics, the Ecomhunt content library, and a 3ET course.

Standout features include:

• Access to a hand-picked product database curated by Ecomhunt experts
• Performance tracking and sales monitoring tools
• Competitor analysis for Shopify stores and Facebook ads
• Ten live trending products and three product tracker sessions with the free plan

Price: Free, $23/month for Basic, $49/month for Pro, or $89/month for the Suite plan.

7. SalesSource

SalesSource is a versatile tool enabling users to conduct dropshipping product research directly from their browsers. It’s known for its in-depth analysis capabilities.

You can explore detailed reports on Shopify apps, track ad revenue, and analyze the performance of dropshipping products and Shopify stores.

The Advanced and Elite plans come with additional benefits, such as comprehensive market and product analysis tools that provide deep insights into the latest industry trends. 

SalesSource’s notable features are:

• Chrome and Firefox browser extensions for convenient product research
• 24/7 customer support for plans above the Starter level
• In-depth reports on Shopify apps and ad revenue tracking
• Advanced features for market and product performance analysis
• Tools to help identify best-selling products with optimal product quality

Price: Free trial for Starter and Professional plans, $49/month for Starter, $179/month for Professional, $399/month for Advanced, and $999/month for the Elite plan.*

*Each of these plans has an annual alternative for a reduced price.

1. PicsArt

PicsArt is a versatile photo editor available for iOS and Android. It’s an ideal Photoshop alternative for beginners needing quick edits on mobile devices, but it also suits professional artists and photographers. The app includes effects, stickers, remixes, drawing tools, and a collage feature.

With so many tools to try out, including filters and text options, PicsArt is an excellent free Photoshop alternative for those who want to edit pictures and enhance photos without any technical hurdles. It also connects with social media to let graphic designers promote their work online.

Overall, this is the best free Photoshop alternative for mobile devices. It has many of the same features as desktop versions, enabling you to craft and design without spending the big bucks.

• Platforms: iOS and Android
• Pricing: Free with in-app purchases (Premium subscription starting at $13/month)
• Import/Export Formats: Supports most standard image formats
• Color Space: RGB

2. GIMP

GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is a popular open-source photo editing software that is usually one of the first free Photoshop alternatives that designers transition to.

As one of the best free alternatives to Photoshop, GIMP maintains a huge community for support and resources, consistently delivers new tools and plug-ins for free use, has a layer function for editing images, and supports a customizable interface for efficient batch editing.

GIMP includes many of the professional features found in paid software, like advanced vector tools, and can even manage tasks like CMYK color printing and RAW photo editing.

Its extensive documentation and active user base provide ample resources for learning and troubleshooting, making it accessible despite a steep learning curve.

• Platforms: Windows, macOS, and Linux
• Pricing: Free
• Import/Export Formats: PSD, JPEG, PNG, TIFF, and more
• Color Space: RGB, CMYK (via plugins)

3. Paint.NET

Paint.NET is another fantastic alternative to Photoshop. It started as an improved version of MS Paint and has since evolved to offer more features, including pen and drawing tablet support with pressure sensitivity. Users can enjoy basic photo editing tasks and manage high-quality image projects in multiple file formats.

Paint.NET is highly intuitive and faster than most paid and free photo editors. It also supports plugins for additional effects and custom brushes downloaded from an active online community.

Like GIMP, Paint.NET’s community and plugins extend its functionality, letting users dig around and mimic features found in more advanced software without the associated costs.

• Platforms: Windows
• Pricing: Free (Optional paid plugins available)
• Import/Export Formats: PNG, JPEG, BMP, GIF, and PSD files (via plugins)
• Color Space: RGB

4. Photopea

Photopea is a powerful online photo editor with features comparable to professional desktop software. This excellent free alternative to Photoshop is entirely browser-based but has the same editing shortcuts as its Adobe counterpart. It’s easy to access, and you can start using it immediately.

Photopea is highly versatile, supporting around 60 editing tools, including layers, brushes, and advanced selection tools, for both simple and complex projects. The software connects with Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive and handles raster, vector, and RAW files.

• Platforms: Web-based
• Pricing: Free with ads ($5/month for AI tools, ad-free, and email support)
• Import/Export Formats: PSD, AI, XCF, SketchUp, and more
• Color Space: RGB, CMYK

5. Canva

Canva is one of the most popular free alternatives to Photoshop. This free photo editor is great for creating social media images and quick graphic designs for websites and printed products. It offers a vast library of templates, free stock images, and customizable design elements.

While considered a freemium graphic design tool, Canva has an intuitive interface and provides plenty of free templates and graphic design features for web use. Canva’s design features include image editing, resizing, AI-powered tools for image generation, and special effects and filters. Its drag-and-drop interface simplifies the design process, making it accessible even for those with little to no design experience.

• Platforms: Web-based, iOS, and Android
• Pricing: Free (Premium plans, starting at $12/month)
• Import/Export Formats: PNG, JPEG, PDF, and more
• Color Space: RGB

6. Pixlr X

The Pixlr suite of photo editing tools offers various programs and apps as free alternatives to Photoshop, including a mobile app and web-based photo editing tools. The solution’s curated interfaces are most similar to popular editors like Photoshop Elements and GIMP.

Pixlr X has plenty of templates, from collages, social media posts, and Etsy banners to flyers, posters, invitations, and business cards. It provides background or object removal, a collage maker, an AI generator, and all the tools necessary to edit photos quickly and efficiently.

Pixlr E, another free editor, offers more advanced tools similar to Photoshop’s earlier versions. If you want an image editor with all the photo editing features you’re already used to, this is about as close as you can get to free software like Photoshop in a web-app format.

• Platforms: Web-based, iOS, and Android
• Pricing: Free with ads (Premium plans starting at $1.99/month)
• Import/Export Formats: JPEG, PNG, SVG, and PSD
• Color Space: RGB

7. VistaCreate (ex Crello)

VistaCreate is an online design app focused on creating graphic assets for social media and marketing. Although it’s considered freemium, it includes fonts, animations, backgrounds, effects, frames, more than 50,000 animated templates updated weekly, and a brand kit with logos and palettes.

It offers a solid background remover (with a transparent background option), flipping, rotating, cropping, and resizing images, and basic tools for adding text and speech bubbles to photos.

The app is recommended for freelance graphic designers or people needing quick graphic solutions without as much skill required as other free Photoshop alternatives.

• Platforms: Web-based, iOS, and Android
• Pricing: Free (Pro plan from $10/month)
• Import/Export Formats: JPEG, PNG, PDF, MP4, and GIF
• Color Space: RGB

8. Sumopaint

Sumopaint is part of the comprehensive Sumo suite designed for content creation. All the suite apps are available online and on desktop. While the online option is free, the desktop version requires a subscription plan.

The whole suite offers tools for graphic design, digital painting, audio production, video editing, and 3D modeling, with a user-friendly interface for intricate designs and professional photo editing.

The recent suite updates greatly improved its quality and range, as well as the effects controls and software performance. This makes the full Sumo suite an excellent free Adobe Photoshop alternative. However, on its own, the Sumopaint app faces comparatively stiff competition.

• Platforms: Web-based, Windows, and macOS
• Pricing: Free online version (Desktop plan from $4/month or a one-time payment of $89)
• Import/Export Formats: PSD files, PNG, and JPEG
• Color Space: RGB

9. PhotoScape X

PhotoScape X is a free photo editor with features like photo management, image stitching, semi-automatic cropping, animated GIFs, color correction, screen capture, skin retouching, and RAW image processing, but could be better in terms of memory and file processing.

Great for previous Adobe users, PhotoScape is a free photo editor like Photoshop that even lets you import your old Photoshop brushes. That, combined with its enhancing tools and image editing tools for photo restoration, make it a great Photoshop alternative with a similar layout.

• Platforms: Windows and macOS
• Pricing: Free (Pro version available for $39.99)
• Import/Export Formats: RAW files, JPEG, PNG, and TIFF
• Color Space: RGB

10. MyPaint

MyPaint is an open-source raster graphic editor focused on digital painting. It integrates well with Wacom tablets and emulates traditional painting tools – ink, paint, pencil, and charcoal. This free photo editor is great for artists looking for a tool to for realistic sketching and painting.

MyPaint aims to deliver good expressivity and reaction to pressure and stroke speeds. It takes a simple approach with a streamlined interface. Its full-screen mode emulates the experience of painting and illustrating with real tools on a physical canvas. If you want to create digital art rather than edit photos, this is the free Photoshop alternative for you. 

• Platforms: Windows, macOS, and Linux
• Pricing: Free
• Import/Export Formats: PNG, JPEG, and  ORA
• Color Space: RGB

11. MediBang Paint

MediBang Paint is a Japanese paint app for digital art, illustrations, and comics. It’s available for desktop and mobile and has a wide range of tools and brushes. It’s free, but you can subscribe for more features. Much like the other free apps like Photoshop on this list, the platform focuses on illustrations.

MediBang Paint lets you scan and import images, combine traditional and digital art, and allows the artist to color or paint over sketches drawn on paper. Its PC version is free, but you’ll have to pay to enable it for other platforms. 

The mobile app is user-friendly, and its interface is well-thought-out and clean, making good use of the scarce space on a smartphone screen. 

Premium MediBang Paint users can get exclusive brushes and filters, specify the folders in which files are saved, use local fonts, and access more exporting options. Premium is also ad-free. 

• Platforms: Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS
• Pricing: Free on PC (paid subscription from 2480 Yen or about $17/year)
• Import/Export Formats: PNG, JPEG, and PSD files
• Color Space: RGB

12. FireAlpaca

FireAlpaca is a free Photoshop alternative aimed at illustrators, especially those interested in Manga. The software can run smoothly on lower-end devices, has a user-friendly interface, and serves artists interested in designing without too many overwhelming technical requirements.

The tool is powerful and reliable, packed with features for users interested in creating illustrated designs, including selection tools, brushes, pencils, 3D perspective, light performance, and layer manipulation. Users can check out the FireAlpaca Hub for many hands-on software tutorials. 

• Platforms: Windows and macOS
• Pricing: Free (ads-free version on Steam for $39.99)
• Import/Export Formats: PNG, JPEG, and BMP
• Color Space: RGB

13. Photo Pos Pro

Photo Pos Pro checks all the boxes for a free Adobe Photoshop alternative. It offers various comprehensive photo editing tools, like custom brushes, layers, healing tools, effects, and filters.

Its interface is organized like GIMP and similar free programs. However, Photo Pos Pro has a novice layout option that simplifies the software’s interface, making it easier for new users to understand how everything works.

Photo Pos Pro is complex but well-rounded and suits both freelancers and beginners. However, some tools require upgrading to the premium version. This includes editing vectorial objects, smart AI selection, and grouping layers and objects.

• Platforms: Windows
• Pricing: Free (premium version for $34.90)
• Import/Export Formats: PSD, JPEG, PNG, and RAW files
• Color Space: RGB

14. Fotor

Fotor is an online photo editor focused on quick edits for social media. It offers features like background removal and portrait retouching tools, making it ideal for non-professionals and hobbyists. This free photo editor is great for those needing basic photo editing tools.

Fotor provides tools for creating social media images, photo collages, and basic designs. Its portrait retouching capabilities and AI-powered tools for quick enhancements let users improve photo quality with just a few clicks.

While Fotor may not offer as many advanced features as other Photoshop alternatives, its simplicity and speed make it one of the best photo editing apps for casual users.

• Platforms: Web-based, iOS, and Android
• Pricing: Free (premium options available from $7.49/month)
• Import/Export Formats: JPEG and PNG
• Color Space: RGB

15. Polarr

Polarr is a mobile photo editing tool that focuses on filters, color correction, and skin adjustments. This free software is user-friendly with a clean interface but lacks the advanced editing features of more cutting-edge tools. Polarr is best used to edit photos quickly and easily.

Polarr’s standout feature is its extensive range of customizable filters, which let users achieve professional-looking results with minimal effort. Additionally, the app supports batch editing, making it easy to simultaneously apply consistent adjustments to multiple photos.

While it may not support RAW files or third-party plugins, Polarr’s ease of use and quick performance make it one of the best free Photoshop alternatives for professional photographers’ everyday editing needs. 

• Platforms: Android, iOS
• Pricing: Free (pro version from $7.99/month)
• Import/Export Formats: JPEG, PNG
• Color Space: RGB

1. Printify’s Product Creator

Our Product Creator is a highly intuitive in-browser tool that’s perfect for custom t-shirt printing.

One of the best software for merch design and quality mockups, it has a vast library of free design assets, an AI Image Generator, and text and image editing tools.

The best part? It connects with Printify’s vast Catalog of over 1,000 printable products and our print-on-demand business services. That way, you can go straight from the design process to production – all on one platform.

Pricing: Free

2. PlaceIt

PlaceIt is a great in-browser t-shirt designer tool, combining an extensive library of quality vector art with options for commercial licensing.

With a focus on simplicity, its easy-to-use interface helps turn your t-shirt design ideas into reality without the hassle of complex file formatting.

Pricing: Free option available or subscriptions from $7.47 per month.

3. GIMP

GIMP (GNU image manipulation program) is the free, open-source counterpart to software like Photoshop.

It offers a robust suite of features and a large developer community creating third-party plugins for additional image editing features.

Though not exclusively made for custom t-shirt designs, you can easily integrate pre-made templates to layer beneath your graphics. Change colors, add text, draw designs, and blend elements freely.

Pricing: Free

4. Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Photoshop, part of Adobe Creative Cloud products, is renowned among graphic designers for its extensive features for image editing and creating original art.

These include brush art, layering, blending, and making image effects you’re unlikely to accomplish anywhere else.

However, this powerhouse comes with a notable learning curve and is one of the pricier options on the market. Consider applying to paid courses on its more in-depth techniques to truly get the most out of this t-shirt design software.

Pricing: Subscriptions from $18.39 monthly.

5. Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Illustrator is the premier Adobe tool for creating scalable vector designs without compromising quality, making it suitable for most t-shirt print methods.

It’s among the most comprehensive graphic design software available and is a staple for professional designers globally.

Illustrator excels in intricate detailing, manipulation of complex shapes, and pattern creation for delivering high-resolution images – perfect for brand logos and typography. 

Pricing: Subscriptions start from $22.99 per month.

6. Adobe Express

Part of Adobe’s mobile app suite, Adobe Express is packed with beginner-friendly tools – perfect for quick edits, eye-catching collages, and bold t-shirt designs. It works seamlessly across mobile, desktop, and browsers.

With thousands of fonts and a library of royalty-free stock images, it’s excellent for designing t-shirts on the go.

Pricing: Free option or premium subscriptions from $99.99 annually.

7. Affinity Designer

Affinity Designer is a powerful alternative to Adobe Illustrator, specializing in vector graphics and precise design control. Its intuitive layout and robust functionality make it ideal for creating clean, scalable, and stunning t-shirt designs. 

With its one-time purchase model, Affinity Designer appeals to those seeking professional-grade tools without a subscription.

Pricing: One-time purchase of $69.99 (Mac and Windows) or $18.49 (iPad).

8. CorelDRAW

The CorelDRAW Graphics Suite is a high-end commercial vector graphics design tool with a user-friendly environment.

Offering multipage view for dynamic editing, use it to make print-quality logos or illustrations for your custom t-shirt design.

CorelDRAW has thousands of unique art assets, typefaces, and images for professional-grade results.

Pricing: One-time purchase of  $549, or $269 per year for a subscription.

9. Canva

Canva is a popular graphic design tool for both beginners and experienced professionals offering a vast library of t-shirt templates ready for printing.

It has an intuitive drag-and-drop interface and a creative toolkit for commercial projects.

Pricing: Free for basic features, Pro subscription available from $15 per month or $120 annually.

10. Photopea

Photopea is an online design tool suitable for creating custom t-shirts with functionality similar to Photoshop.

Its easy-to-use interface and advanced graphics make it a versatile t-shirt design software. It’s also mobile-friendly, supports RAW files, and offers AI features for quick background removal.

Pricing: Free option available (with ads), premium at $5 per month.

11. Vectr

Vectr is a free vector graphics software with a simple interface operating as a web-based platform.

This scalable t-shirt design software is perfect for creating logo and text-based custom t-shirts, with basic design capabilities available for free.

Pricing: Freemium, with paid options starting at $3.99 per month.

12. VistaCreate

Formerly known as Crello, VistaCreate is a t-shirt design software with a drag-and-drop editor, numerous templates, and a vast library of images and fonts. 

Create your own t-shirt design that stands out with a dedicated Brand Kit and Sticker Maker for unique, eye-catching visuals.

Pricing: Freemium, with the pro version starting at $13 per month.

13. Inkscape

Inkscape is an open-source graphics drawing software favored by many professional designers. It’s praised as a free high-end alternative to options like Adobe Illustrator.

Tailored for vector editing, Inkscape has a very easy setup and features extensive editing tools, dynamic font options, stylized effects, and precise measuring guidelines. 

Inkscape also lets you export vector images to formats compatible with t-shirt printing.

Pricing: Free

14. Kittl

Kittl is a versatile design software for creating artistic t-shirt designs.

It has AI-powered tools, high-fidelity mockups, and an erase and fill function. Design shirts easily with its clean interface and variety of templates and graphic elements. 

Pricing: Freemium, with premium versions starting at $15 per month or $120 annually.

15. Fotor

Fotor is a versatile graphic design tool that excels in photo editing and offers its own t-shirt mockup software.

Perfect your t-shirt designs with its automatic image enhancer, AI object remover, overlay function, and vast collection of presets.

Pricing: Freemium, with the pro subscription at $8.99 per month or $3.33 monthly if billed annually.

Eco and sustainability

Print t-shirts with eco-friendly and sustainable themes to reflect the global shift towards environmental consciousness in fashion.

Geometric patterns

Create designs with eye-catching and unique shapes, perfect for those who prefer a contemporary aesthetic on their custom t-shirts.

Pop culture

Reference movies, music, memes, or online niches in your t-shirt design to resonate with fans of various media.

Humor

Funny t-shirts with witty slogans or playful graphics are always in demand, offering a fun and light-hearted choice for casual wear.