Artwork & print guide
Artwork guide for custom coolies and can coolers.
Start with your wording, a logo, a photo or an idea. Personalized Drinkware helps turn it into artwork for your chosen cooler, then sends a proof for you to review before printing.
This guide covers personalized can coolers, bottle coolers, magnetic coolies and full-color photo coolers. Your product determines the available print locations, colors and design options.
See the possibilities
Your idea. Your way.
Three ways to start your custom cooler design
Use your own artwork
Share your logo, photo or finished design. Include the exact wording and tell us where you want the artwork placed.
Send artwork with a free-proof requestWork with our designer
No finished artwork? Describe your idea, cooler colors and occasion. Our team will prepare a free proof within 1 business day; we’ll contact you if we need missing artwork or details.
Request your free design proofExplore a design yourself
Use the design tools offered for your selected cooler, or choose a cooler on our free-proof page to explore AI concepts. Our team reviews artwork before production.
Explore free-proof design optionsWhat artwork should I send for a custom coolie?
Send the best original file you have, along with the exact names, dates and wording to print. Our free-proof request form accepts up to five JPG, PNG or PDF files, with a maximum of 5 MB per file.
Logos and illustrations
A clean original logo is more useful than a screenshot. If you have a vector PDF, send it; a PDF can also contain a low-resolution image, so the file extension alone does not guarantee print quality. If your only original is an AI or EPS file, contact our artwork team for help sending it.
Photos and full-color designs
Use the original, full-size photo when possible. Avoid screenshots, blurry pictures and images repeatedly saved from social media. Tell us who or what should remain visible when the photo is fitted to the cooler. Explore photo coolers and full-color cooler options.
Names, dates and text
Type the wording exactly as you want it printed, including capitalization, punctuation and the year. Short messages and readable lettering help the important details stand out. Tell us which line should be the main focus.
Inspiration and reference images
You can send examples to explain a style, layout or color idea. Label each file’s purpose: artwork to print, a photo to include, or inspiration only. Use artwork and photos you have permission to reproduce.
How artwork fits the cooler
The printable area depends on the product and print location. A design that fits one can cooler may need a different layout on a bottle cooler, slim-can style or magnetic coolie.
Keep important wording, faces and logos inside the selected imprint area. Front, back and bottom options vary by product; do not assume every style includes all three. For a full-color background that reaches an edge, our designer checks the supplier template’s bleed and safe areas.
Use clear shapes, readable text and enough space between details. Very small lettering, thin lines and crowded artwork may need adjustment. Our team checks the design at its intended print size rather than relying only on an enlarged screen preview.
Still choosing a style? Compare custom can coolers, bottle coolers and magnetic coolies, or use our cooler buying guide.
Cooler colors, ink colors and full-color artwork
The cooler material color and the printed ink color are separate choices. Check both when configuring your product and reviewing your proof. Available inks and printing methods vary by cooler.
For a simple one-color design, choose lettering and artwork that contrast clearly with the cooler. For photos, gradients or multicolor artwork, choose a product that offers full-color printing. If you need a particular brand color, share its PMS reference with our team and confirm whether matching is available for the selected product and printing method. Any applicable charge should be included in your quote.
Screen colors are a guide, not an exact physical color match. Artwork may appear in black and white on a proof to make the shapes easier to inspect; check the listed cooler and ink selections as well. For full-color artwork, also review the colors within the design.
Custom cooler layout ideas
Layout inspiration with sample names and dates. Your selected product determines the actual imprint area.
Names + a date
A small symbol, two names and a date. Let the names be the focus.
Names around a circle
Frame an initial with curved names and a date. Short wording gives every letter room.
A graphic + your words
Pair a bold graphic with a favorite line, then add your group name.
What to check before approving your proof
Your proof is the place to confirm the artwork before printing. Review every word and date, the selected product and colors, and the artwork’s size and placement. If anything is wrong, request a change before approving.
- Wording: Names, spelling, punctuation, dates and capitalization.
- Artwork: The correct logo or photo, readable details and the intended layout.
- Product and colors: The cooler style, material color and ink selections.
- Print locations: Each requested side or bottom design, where available.
An online design preview helps you communicate your idea. Your final proof is the artwork you approve for printing. A free-proof approval does not place an order or begin production.
Custom cooler artwork questions
Can I upload existing artwork?
Yes. Upload JPG, PNG or PDF artwork with your free-proof request, or use the artwork tools available for your selected product. Tell us how each file should be used. Our team reviews uploaded artwork for print suitability before production.
Can I see my exact words before printing?
Yes. Your proof shows the wording and layout for your custom cooler so you can check names, spelling, dates and placement. Product design tools may also offer an on-screen preview. Review and approve the final proof before printing.
Do I need to create a finished design first?
No. Share your idea, exact wording, preferred colors and any reference images. Our designer can help prepare the artwork for the cooler you choose.
Can you print a photo on a coolie?
Yes, on products that offer photo or full-color printing. Send a clear original image and tell us what should be included. The selected cooler’s printable area determines how the photo is cropped and placed.
Can the front and back have different artwork?
Where the selected product offers printing on both sides, tell us what belongs on each side. Bottom printing is available only on certain styles. Check the product’s options and your proof for the locations included in your order.
How long does a free proof take, and can I request changes?
We’ll email your free proof within 1 business day of your request. If artwork or information is missing, our team will contact you. The free proof includes up to three revisions after the initial design. Once you place your order, additional design revisions are unlimited before production.
How do I get the free-proof discount?
Accept your free proof, then use its ordering link to choose your quantity and product options. A 5% discount applies automatically to the matching item. Approving the free proof alone does not place a paid order.
When does production start?
Production requires a placed order, final artwork approval and our team’s release. Use the production time quoted for your selected order after proof approval, plus shipping time, when planning your delivery. See how the ordering process works for more guidance.