Brat Phone Case Design: Templates, Print Areas and Camera Cutouts
A phone case is a product with fixed geometry: camera cutouts, curved edges and a printable area that varies by model. Planning the design around that geometry saves failed prints. This guide uses the free Brat Text Generator for the artwork and covers the technical checks.
Know your template
Every case maker publishes a template for each phone model. Download it before designing. It shows the print area, the safe zone and the camera cutout. Designs must keep important text inside the safe zone, away from edges that curve.
Design principles
- Keep the text centered or aligned to the bottom, away from the camera cutout.
- Use a short word or phrase, large enough to read from arm’s length.
- Use a flat background color that extends beyond the print area (bleed) so there are no white edges.
- Pick high contrast; see the colors guide.
Making the artwork
- In the generator, choose a custom size that matches the template ratio (for example, 1000 by 2000 pixels).
- Type your text and set the colors.
- Export as PNG at the highest quality.
- Open the case maker’s template and place the PNG, then adjust position for the camera cutout.
Print options
| Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Print-on-demand service | No inventory | Limited control over color |
| Local print shop | Fast proofs | Higher unit price |
| DIY with transfer sheets or sticker paper | Cheap | Lower durability |
Quality checks
Order a sample before launching. Check that edges are fully covered, the text is centered and the color matches the screen. Test the case for scratching.
Selling
Use original wording and do not imply any official connection. Details are in the merch hub and the print-on-demand guide.
Mistakes to avoid
- Designing without the model template.
- Letting text run into the camera cutout.
- Using a low-resolution export.
Choosing between case types
Snap-on cases suit simple prints. Gel and silicone cases need special printing methods. Sublimation blanks are designed to take printed designs with vivid colour. Check what type your supplier offers before designing.
Protecting the design
A clear coating helps reduce scuffing, but thick coatings may cover small text. Test a sample and handle it for a week before ordering more.
Ordering a test case first
Order one case with the design and check how the colour, edges and finish look in daylight and indoor light. Hold it for a few days. Note any scratching, fading or peeling. Adjust the design or supplier based on what you see, then order more.
Fit and compatibility
Phone models change often, so confirm the exact model name before ordering, including the size variants.
A worked example: an everyday case
A designer downloads the template for her phone model, which shows a camera cutout in the top-left corner. She sets the generator to 1000 by 2000 pixels and types “mine” in black on lime. In the template she moves the word to the lower center, away from the cutout, and extends the lime background to the template edges. She orders one sample, notices the text sits a little low, and adjusts before ordering more.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| White edge on the case | Extend the background beyond the print area |
| Text hidden by camera | Move it |
| Print looks dark | Brighten the colors slightly |
| Case scratches | Use a harder coating |
Case types
| Type | Notes |
|---|---|
| Hard plastic | Prints sharply, scratches easily |
| Soft silicone | Print can wear off faster |
| Tough or dual layer | Protects better, higher cost |
Photographing the product
Use natural light and a plain background, and show both sides of the case.
Getting the print area right
Phone case suppliers publish a template for each model, showing the printable area, camera cutout and curved edges. Download that template instead of guessing, and place the lettering in the flat central zone. Text near the edges can wrap around the curve and appear cropped.
Colour and finish
Screens glow, while printed cases reflect light, so the green will look slightly different on the finished product. Order a single sample before a batch. Matte finishes hide fingerprints but mute colour a little; glossy finishes look brighter but show scratches sooner.
Design that survives daily use
Use one short word, keep letters at least a few millimetres thick, and avoid fine hairlines that scuff away. A solid colour background is more forgiving of small scratches than a detailed photo.
Comparing production methods
Custom phone cases are made in a few ways. Sublimation prints dye into a coated surface and tends to give sharp, full-colour results on matching blanks. UV printing places ink on the surface and can add slight texture. Vinyl or sticker wraps are the cheapest and easiest for a first test, and can be replaced later.
Choosing for a first test
If you are experimenting, start with a clear case and a printed insert. You can change the design in minutes, test how the colour looks in your hand and decide whether a permanent print is worth it. Keep each sample, and write notes on what you liked and did not like so the next version is better.
Handling returns and complaints
If you sell phone cases, expect questions about fit, colour and quality. Provide a clear returns policy, answer quickly and offer a replacement for genuine defects. Keep sample photos showing the true colour, and ask customers for photos if they report an issue.
Frequently asked questions
Does it work for all models?
Yes, as long as you use each model’s template.
Can I use a transparent background?
See the transparent background guide.
Can I print wrap-around designs?
Some suppliers allow it.
What resolution do I need?
The supplier’s template usually states a minimum.
Can I print on any case type?
Only cases sold for printing, such as snap-on or sublimation blanks. Check the supplier’s instructions.
How do I avoid cropping near the camera?
Keep key text away from the camera area shown on the supplier’s template.
Brat Generator is an independent tool and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Charli XCX, her record label, or any related brand. Any album or trademark names are mentioned only to describe a visual style.
