How to Print Your Photo on a Phone Case

Custom phone cases are all the rage in the world of UV and sublimation printing. But many people aren't sure how exactly to make them.

That's why, in today's post, we're going to show you just how easy it is to take your favorite photo and print it right on your phone's case.

We've distilled the process down to three simple steps, offered two different methods, and provided some tips to help you select the best photos. That way you can get the best possible print results.

Method 1: How to Print a Custom Phone Case With UV Printing

It's important to note that you can use either UV printing or sublimation printing to print phone cases.

Each of these methods has its unique benefits and drawbacks. We prefer UV printing because it's slightly more intuitive than sublimation.

However, if you already have a sublimation machine, you can use it to get great results.

Step 1: Choose the Right Phone Case for Printing

Because of the way UV ink works, you need to first choose a phone case appropriate for printing. Phone cases with high levels of flexibility are discouraged as they can cause UV ink to crack.

Moreover, some types of silicone cases are too slippery to allow UV ink to adhere and will peel almost immediately without the proper surface prep.

The best phone case for UV printing is a case that has some rigidity to it and a slightly porous surface. Some rubber cases are perfect for this job. As are most hard plastic cases. The surface of your phone case should be the most important element to consider when UV printing.

Image Credit: MediaModifier / Pexels

Another option to consider if you prefer a flexible phone case is UV ink designed for more flexible applications. Our eufyMake flexible white ink is ideal for this purpose, as it allows for more movement than regular white UV ink. We've discussed white ink and why it matters in a previous blog post.

As for color, ultimately, the colors in the print should be the determining factor for the case color you choose.

If you're unsure about getting the right kind of phone case, then you can always visit our online store and purchase one from us. Our phone cases are specially manufactured to work with the eufyMake E1 printer.

Step 2: Prepare Your Photo

First, we'll need to import your photo into eufyMake Studio via your computer or mobile device.

Here are the steps for each scenario:

Using the eufyMake Studio Desktop App

1. Desktop users should place their photo into a folder on their computer where they can easily find it.

2. Open the eufyMake Studio application, and ensure your printer is ready to print.

3. Click the + button in the upper left of the eufyMake Studio window. This will open a new Canvas.

4. Click the Upload icon on the left side of the new Canvas.

5. Click the gray button that says Upload (PNG, JPG, SVG, WEBP, PSD, AI, PDF). This should bring up your file browser.

6. Select your photo for importing.

Note: Some iOS users may need to convert their image from the HEIC format into JPG format. This isn't always the case, but it's frequently necessary when using an Apple mobile device and the Windows version of eufyMake Studio together.

To convert via iOS, you should:

1. Open your photo in the Photos app.

2. Tap Share.

3. Tap Copy Photo.

4. Open the Files app and select any folder.

5. Tap on an empty space and select Paste.

The inserted file will be converted to JPEG format automatically. Then, you can import your image in JPG format to your Windows desktop.

On Android/iOS:

The eufyMake Studio mobile app makes things even easier. Just open the app and click the purple Print Photo button. You'll immediately be taken to your photo library. From there, select an image, and it will be uploaded immediately onto a new Canvas.

Step 3: Print on Your Phone Case With Your UV Printer

The last step in this process is to either print your photo directly onto the phone case or to use DTF film and transfer the design onto the case. The steps to perform either operation are as follows:

1. Load your phone case or UV DTF film onto the eufyMake E1 printer. (Make sure to remove your phone!)
2. Click the Snapshot button in the eufyMake Studio software.
3. Position your photo onto the case or film and adjust it to your liking.
4. Select either Standard or High Quality print settings.
5. Add texture if you want
6. Click Print
7. Tap the start button on your E1 once the design has been uploaded.

Viola! After a bit of patience, you should have either a printed phone case or a UV DTF decal that you can apply to your phone case. Use this process to make cases to match your mood, showcase certain holidays, mark special events, gift to loved ones, or even sell online.

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Check out this video to get a better idea of the process.

Some Tips on Choosing the Best Photos

It almost goes without saying that high-quality photos are best for UV printing. So, make sure you select a photo that is both sharp and colorful. Finely detailed images also work great, as the eufyMake E1 makes details pop. Avoid blurry photos, watermarked photos, and low-resolution photos. These don't scale well and can pixelate.

Likewise, make sure that any image you print isn't infringing on someone's intellectual property. Especially if the cases you're making are meant to be sold. If you're not sure about an image's copyright, it's best to consult a legal professional.

Method 2: Print on Phone Cases with a Sublimation Printer

Like UV printing, vacuum sublimation printing can be used to print on phone cases. Sublimation printers provide a quick and easy way to put images on phone cases, but they do require a few extra steps.

You'll also need a specialized sublimation printer for this process. The process goes as follows:

1. Print your design on the sublimation film.

2. Insert your blank phone case into the sublimation machine.

3. Apply the sublimation film to the blank case and manually adjust it.

4. Start the machine.

Sublimation printers work almost like UV DTF printing, but instead of the design being placed on the phone case like a sticker, it's forcefully imprinted on the case via a powerful vacuum transfer. You can also use the tips we've offered for selecting the best photos when you're using sublimation printing.

Which Printing Method is Right for You: UV or Sublimation?

Both UV DTF and sublimation printing can provide excellent phone case design results. The deciding factor on which to use will be determined by the equipment you're familiar with. For those that own a eufyMake E1, both direct printing and custom DTF decals can be achieved with the same machine.

Sublimation printing only allows the design to be transferred onto the phone via the steps above. However, in some instances, sublimation can provide an exceptional alternative to UV printing.

Tips for Better Printing Results

If you want to achieve the best print results possible, then choose a high-resolution design, a great phone case, and a high-quality printer. Without those three things, your phone case won't look as refined.

Additionally, you should ensure your printer is thoroughly cleaned and maintained. Excessive amounts of dust or other contaminants in your printing space can negatively impact your print quality. Clogged nozzles, old ink cartridges, and dirty print beds can also play a role in the kind of results you'll get.

Best UV Printer for Phone Case

If you're looking for the best UV printer to print on phone cases, make sure you take a look at our very own eufyMake E1. It's the world's first personal UV printer that features unique 3D texture, an easy-to-use software interface, and cutting-edge UV printing technology.

We've also made E1 with both hobbyists and small business owners in mind. Our printer not only offers top-tier printing results, but with its ability to customize almost anything, it boosts your business' profits. We've put together a guide to help you learn everything you need to know about selecting the right UV printer, if you have questions.

Printing Custom Phone Cases Is Easy

At first blush it might seem complicated to print custom phone cases. But once you print a few, you'll find that the process is easy and intuitive. Custom phone cases make great gifts and can even help your online business increase its profits. Plus, they're fun and unique! So, give them a try and let us know what you print.

Until next time-happy printing!

FAQs

Can you print onto a silicone phone case?

Yes, you can print on silicone cases; however, there are a few important considerations. First, you'll need to adequately prep the silicone surface with either a silicone primer or coating before you print. Untreated silicone can prevent designs from sticking and can cause designs to peel.

Flame-baking and adhesion promoters are also recommended. Likewise, flexible inks are a better choice than traditional UV inks when it comes to materials like silicone and TPU.

How do I stick pictures onto a phone case?

You can put images directly onto most phone cases using a UV printer, DTF films, or sublimation printing. Each of these methods has unique benefits and drawbacks. Your results will be determined by the method you choose and the quality of the materials you use.