Decoration technique

Dye Sublimation Design Software with Full-Bleed Output

Sublimation turns dye to gas so it bonds into polyester and coated hard goods, giving edge-to-edge, full-colour decoration that will not crack or peel. FastEditor checks the upload, applies bleed and wrap allowances, and outputs a calibrated full-colour file.

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What this technique demands of the artwork

Sublimation gives the most vivid, durable full-colour finish, on the right substrate.

The substrate decides. Sublimation only bonds to polyester fabrics and specially coated hard goods such as mugs and metal. The correct substrate is set per product in the Product Hub, so unsupported items never enter the flow.

Full bleed and wrap. Sublimated products are usually decorated edge to edge, and curved items such as mugs wrap the full surface. Bleed, safe area and wrap allowances are applied automatically so nothing important is lost at the edge.

Resolution at print size. Full-colour and often large, so the design is validated at the physical size it will print.

Substrate compatibility enforced per product
Bleed, safe area and wrap allowances applied automatically
Resolution validated at true print size
Full colour, edge to edge, no colour limit

What FastEditor outputs for production

The printer receives a calibrated full-colour file at the full decoration area with bleed and wrap allowances applied, ready for the sublimation press.

File type: high-resolution calibrated raster, full bleed
Colour: sublimation colour profile per substrate
Sizing: full decoration area with bleed and wrap from the Product Hub specification
Validation: substrate compatibility and resolution at true print size
Turnaround: generated on proof approval

The production-ready file goes straight to the press.

Products decorated this way

Sublimation covers full-colour, edge-to-edge work on the right substrates:

Mugs and drinkware: full-wrap photographic decoration on coated ceramic and metal. See the mug flow.
Sportswear: all-over prints on polyester team kit across the apparel range.
Coated hard goods, from coasters to phone cases.

Products are pre-configured in the Product Hub. See the full supplier ecosystem.

Frequently asked questions

What is sublimation best for?

Vivid, durable, full-colour decoration on polyester fabrics and coated hard goods such as mugs and metal. Because the dye bonds into the surface, the result will not crack or peel.

Which products can be sublimated?

Only polyester fabrics and specially coated hard goods. The supported substrate is set per product in the Product Hub, so unsupported items never enter the sublimation flow.

How is full-wrap decoration handled?

For curved items such as mugs, FastEditor applies the wrap and bleed allowances automatically so the design covers the full surface without anything important being lost at the seam or edge.

Is there a colour limit?

No. Sublimation is a full-colour process, so photographic and gradient designs are fine. The constraint is the substrate and the resolution at print size, not colour count.

What file does production receive?

A calibrated full-colour file at the full decoration area with bleed and wrap applied, generated on proof approval and ready for the press.

What upload formats are accepted?

PNG, JPG, SVG, AI, EPS, PDF and TIFF. Raster files are resolution-checked and enhanced at the size they will print.