Criminally Good & Totally Free: 11 Insane Tools Every Print-on-Demand & Digital Designer Should Use
, by Jean-baptiste Maligne, 8 min reading time
Tools Every Print-on-Demand Artist Should Be Using
Why blow your budget on design software when the internet is stacked with shockingly powerful free tools that rival — and sometimes outperform — the paid giants?
Whether you're creating sublimation designs, crafting SVG bundles, or running your Etsy/Shopify print-on-demand (POD) store, these tools will save you time, money, and headaches. And yes, they’re really free — no subscriptions, no bait-and-switch trials, just tools that get the job done.
1. OptiPNG + WebP Converter (Pixelied)
🧠 Use Case: Speed up your shop with optimized, lightweight images.
🔗 Pixelied WebP Converter
🔗 OptiPNG (SourceForge)
Free tool combo for compressing and converting PNG or JPEGs to WebP format, ideal for improving your Shopify or Etsy load speeds, a crucial SEO factor.
Buyer-intent keywords to work into your listings:
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“optimize product images for Shopify”
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“free image converter for Etsy”
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“best free tool for WebP sublimation files”
2. Advanced Renamer
🧠 Use Case: Rename hundreds of wrap designs, mockups, or product images in one go.
Drag-and-drop folders and bulk rename with rules like date, SKU, or product type. Perfect for organizing digital downloads or sublimation design folders fast.
Ideal for:
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“bulk rename tool for digital products”
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“organize files for Etsy listings”
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“rename wrap templates in seconds”
3. Upscayl (Open Source AI)
🧠 Use Case: Fix blurry PNGs or old artwork and turn them into high-res stunners.
🔗 Upscayl
AI-powered image upscaler — perfect for sublimation designs for tumblers, mug templates, or anything print-ready. Batch processing makes it a lifesaver.
Search-friendly phrases:
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“free photo upscaler for Etsy”
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“enhance sublimation PNGs without Photoshop”
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“AI image enhancer for designers”
4. VisionCortex VTracer
🧠 Use Case: Instantly convert raster graphics into SVGs for Cricut or Silhouette.
Trace any image into clean, scalable vector graphics. Perfect for making SVG clipart, line art, or digital stickers for Etsy shops.
Use this when searching or listing:
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“convert PNG to SVG free”
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“SVG design tool for crafters”
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“best vector tool for sublimation designers”
5. Photopea
🧠 Use Case: Photoshop-like editing, totally in-browser and totally free.
🔗 Photopea
Open PSDs, edit smart objects, or export your tumbler mockups with transparent backgrounds. Works perfectly for designing wrap templates, mugs, and t-shirts.
High-intent phrases:
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“design tumbler wrap for free”
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“Photoshop alternative for sublimation”
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“edit Etsy mockups without paying”
6. Remove.bg
🧠 Use Case: Isolate your design or product photo with one click.
Removes backgrounds like magic — ideal for creating transparent PNGs or polishing tumbler design mockups. Works wonders for sticker sheets, too.
Use for:
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“free background remover for Etsy products”
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“transparent PNG sublimation design”
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“quick mockup cleanup tool”
7. Inkscape
🧠 Use Case: Build SVGs and intricate designs without Illustrator.
🔗 Inkscape
Professional-grade vector software with path editing, curve smoothing, and layer exports. Use it for creating your own SVG bundles or detailed clipart sets.
Keywords:
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“free SVG design software”
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“vector design for Cricut”
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“Illustrator alternative for digital downloads”
8. GIMP
🧠 Use Case: Layered editing for wraps, t-shirts, and mockups.
🔗 GIMP
Edit designs, templates, or photos with robust image tools. GIMP is a go-to for anyone doing sublimation tumbler wrap editing or clipart modification on a budget.
Use for:
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“free Photoshop for sublimation artists”
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“design your own tumbler wrap template”
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“edit digital designs without Adobe”
9. Leonardo.Ai
🧠 Use Case: Generate stunning AI artwork or textures for wrap backgrounds or design packs.
Free credits daily to generate textures, styles, mockup backgrounds, clipart scenes, and more. Ideal for making holiday-themed backgrounds, custom pattern packs, or unique artwork for your shop.
Works with:
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“AI for sublimation backgrounds”
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“generate wrap designs using free AI”
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“Leonardo.ai for digital products”
10. Midjourney (Free Trial via Discord)
🧠 Use Case: Create mesmerizing design scenes, surreal clipart, or watercolor patterns.
🔗 Midjourney (join via Discord for free trial access)
Midjourney creates high-end, photorealistic images and dreamy textures — use it for mockup settings, custom AI bundles, or concept art for new products.
Good for:
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“best AI tool for tumbler mockups”
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“free Midjourney trial for POD sellers”
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“how to generate clipart using AI”
11. Kleki
🧠 Use Case: Sketch ideas or draw your own stickers and PNGs on the fly.
🔗 Kleki
Minimalist drawing app with layers, pressure control, and no login needed. Use it for drawing cute clipart, hand-lettered wrap designs, or quick sticker sets.
Use for:
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“create clipart free online”
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“draw stickers without Procreate”
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“easy drawing tool for sublimation designers”
✅ Final Takeaway: Build Your Zero-Dollar Design Stack
Design doesn’t have to be expensive — not when you’ve got top-tier tools that cost $0 and work like magic. Whether you’re scaling your print-on-demand store, launching your first Etsy SVG bundle, or building a personal design brand, these tools will help you work faster, better, and smarter.
🔥 Want more tools and templates? Get our Free Tumbler Wrap Starter Pack — a curated bundle of print-ready files to get you started.
📲 And don’t miss more pro tips, sneak peeks, and community challenges on Instagram and in our Facebook Group.
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