You’ve got a great idea for a printable or a template. Maybe it popped into your head while planning your own week, organizing your pantry, or helping a friend with a resume. It’s useful and you know other people would love it too.
But then, you hit a creative speed bump: “What do I even use to make this thing?”
Totally get it. With so many programs and design platforms out there, it can feel like stepping into a giant craft store with no clue which aisle to start in. Do you need fancy tools? A degree in graphic design? Nope.
And so today, I’m sharing four popular resources that you can use to bring your ideas to life. I’ve personally used some of these to create my printables and templates, and many other digital product creators on Etsy swear by them too—so you’re in great company!
1. Adobe Design Programs (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator)
Website: https://www.adobe.com
Cost: Subscription is required to use the application
Pros: Powerful design software to create any kind of printable
Cons: Steep learning curve, can be costly to use for a starting digital product seller
If you’re already a pro at Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, or Illustrator—go for it! These programs are powerful and give you tons of creative control for designing anything from flyers and invitations to full-on printable planners.
I use InDesign for most of the layouts for my digital products and I absolutely love it.
That said, Adobe tools come with a steep learning curve. If you’re brand new to these programs, it may take some time to get comfortable. But if you already know how to use them? Amazing! Lean into your strength!
Have fun creating printables using Adobe. Many Etsy sellers also create editable templates in Adobe formats and sell them to customers who prefer to work within these tools (think: fellow designers, small business owners, etc.).
If you don’t have access to Adobe programs or don’t know how to use it, don’t let that hold you back. There are plenty of great options out there, including the ones I’m mentioning next.
2. Canva
Website: https://www.canva.com
Cost: Free account available, Subsctiption to Canva Pro is recommended if you’re creating and selling templates
Pros: Easy to use for both the seller and customer, you can create any kind of printable or template and you have access to a large library of graphic elements, fonts and stock photos
Cons: You need a subscription to Canva Pro to be able to share template links that prevent customers from editing the original design
Ahhh, Canva. You’ve probably already used it, and for good reason!
It’s super user-friendly, quick to learn, and packed with gorgeous templates to help you get started. Whether you’re creating flyers, invitations, resumes, posters, or planners, Canva makes it easy to bring your idea to life.
Many Etsy sellers create and sell products using Canva.
You can create printables on Canva and sell the finished files on Etsy. And, you can also create and sell an editable template by sharing the link to your Canva template to your Etsy customers. That link leads them to your template on Canva where they can edit and personalize it themselves. You’ll need to have Canva Pro (paid subscription) to be able to share template links that prevent customers from editing the original design.
TIP:
Use graphics and images that are either from the free Canva library or ones you’ve uploaded yourself. That way, your customers who don’t have a subscription to Canva Pro can still use your templates using their free Canva account. Also, if you’re using a Canva design as your inspiration, a jumping-off point, be respectful and make sure that the final design you create doesn’t resemble the inspiration. Let’s play nice! 🙂
And bonus: Canva is also fantastic for creating your product listing images and even social media graphics to promote your Etsy shop. It’s truly a multi-tasking tool!
3. Google Docs (and Google Sheets!)
Website: https://docs.google.com, https://drive.google.com
Cost: Free to use
Pros: Best for creating organized content you want to share to your customers
Cons: It’s not best for creating products that rely heavily on design, such as invitations, since it’s not meant to be a design application
Yes, Google Docs! This one’s perfect for information-based printables like guides, tutorials, workbooks, or even editable templates like resumes, flyers, or spreadsheets.
If you’re more comfortable in Google Docs and it helps you produce your product more quickly, then go ahead! No fancy tools required.
Create a document that looks clean and organized, make your information easy to read and consume, and sprinkle in a few fun graphics or images to make it more visually engaging.
Once you’re done, simply save your file as a PDF and upload that to your listing on Etsy.
Want to make it editable? Share your Google Doc or Sheet as a link in way that customers can make their own version without changing your original file. (Check out my Deliver Like a Pro downloadable guide, where I walk you through how to seamlessly share your Google Docs and Sheets links without giving customers access to your master file.)
4. Corjl
Website: https://www.corjl.com
Cost: Subscription is required as a digital product seller, but it’s free for your customers to use. They charge a fee for every sale of your Corjl template on Etsy.
Pros: Perfect for creating templates, allows sellers to have more control of their product such as limiting the number of downloads and the duration to access
Cons: Though you can create your designs directly on Corjl, I still consider Corjl more of a template creator than a design application. Create your designs first (using a more powerful design app) and then upload the designs to Corjl to make them into editable templates.
If you’re planning to sell editable templates that customers can personalize right in their browser, Corjl is a fantastic option. I personally use Corjl for all the templates I sell in my shop.
Here’s how it works for me:
I design my layouts in Adobe InDesign first, then I upload them to Corjl where I place textboxes and images that customers can personalize.
It’s especially great for:
- Invitations
- Signs
- Labels
- Party decor
- Anything that needs quick personalization
Personalizing on Corjl is very easy and works on any browser (no software download required for you or your customer). And once they’re done editing, customers can simply download the finished product directly from Corjl.
Corjl also allows me to have control over my digital product such as how many times the template can be downlaoded and how long my customers have access to the template. And if they need help, I can easily go into their template to make changes. I also love that they have a demo link for customers to try out before they buy the template. I think it’s a great feature that can help make the right customers decide to buy the product.
Corjl has several tips and tutorials in its website. As a seller, I find it easy to create a template. And for my customers, the Corjl web-based editing interface is simple and easy to use.
One Last Bit of Encouragement…
There are still many applications and tools out there to create printables, templates and other digital products. In my experience, no matter what application you use, the most important part is that the product does what it’s supposed to do, it’s easy to use, and it works!
And, if you’re still wondering where to begin, here’s my simple formula:
Start small. You don’t need to build a giant bundle right out of the gate. Try one page. One idea. One helpful little printable.
Pick something useful. Think of what you wish you had—or what your customer would love to have. That’s your sweet spot.
Use what’s easy for you. Choose a design program you already know or one that feels simple to learn. You can always level up later!
You don’t need a perfect plan and the perfect application to get started, perhaps all you need is a nudge. And I hope this blog post is that nudge.
Your first digital product might be simpler than you imagined, and more powerful than you think. You’ve got this! 
Deliver Like A Pro:
How to Seamlessly Deliver Files from Google Docs, Google Drive, Canva, and Dropbox to Your Etsy Customer
Receive this PDF guide on how to professionally deliver links and files to your Etsy customers when you sign up for my community newsletter (where I share my experiences and journey as an Etsy digital product seller).
Deliver Like A Pro is a great guide with step by step instructions on how you can professionally share your digital product to your customers. A smooth, seamless delivery builds customer trust!
Start building a shop that you love. Let’s create, sell and thrive together!
