We'd recommend getting Adobe Photoshop, if possible. There is also a free competitor program called GIMP that is supposed to work pretty well. We have a few Photoshop tutorials here on our RU-vid channel. This one in particular shows how to create a template for mugs: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-UZMG6R38A6Q.html
You'll want to print using a sublimation printer onto sublimation paper. You also want to make sure you're using sublimation mugs (regular mugs won't work). For the full tutorial, check out this video: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-e-Y5nNgbPLY.html Sublimation Printer - heat.press/sg500kit Sublimation Paper - heat.press/dtheavy Sublimation mugs - heat.press/sc11oz
T-shirts and hats, yes. All day with a Cameo and some HTV or inkjet heat transfer paper👍 You can technically use it to create templates for sublimation prints on things like mugs and face masks. However, that would be easier and more efficient to use PhotoShop for your sublimation products. Vinyl printing usually requires a solvent/eco-solvent printer (Like a Roland Versacamm, which we don't carry). These are pretty heavy-duty machines that usually have their own software and programs to manage.
If you're using regular sublimation paper (like TexPrint), there is no need to cut the paper. Only the ink will transfer onto the substrate. If you're using a printable HTV (like EasySubli) you'll want to use the "Heat Transfer, Smooth" preset in SIlhouette Studio or Blade 3, Force 8, Speed 15.
Silhouette Studio is easier to learn and get started with. This tutorial was created for those who are proficient in Silhouette Studio, but may still be learning the ropes of Photoshop. There are tons of SIlhouette users who eventually get a sublimation printer. This tutorial helps bridge that gap. Eventually, all sublimation users should learn Photoshop.
Can you please help me. I am trying to make a mug in silhouette without a full wrap and I cant figure out how to get my template to print with my image so I know where to cut.
Add a line style to the box that you create (Go to about 16:00 of this video) for your template. - Select the box - Open the "Line Style" panel (should be 4th down on the right, near the Fill and Trace panels) - Set your line thickness to about 0.50pt and your line color to black or grey. Now when you print your template, it will have a thin border around it indicating where to cut. You can play with the line style settings to fine tune to your liking.