If you've got a smartphone, chances are you've got a case. They're the protective, designer accessories that are a must if you want a sharp-looking phone with no scratches, scuffs or the dreaded cracked screen. It's not just about solid colours - today you can design a phone case with exciting graphics and images to stand out from the crowd.

With new phone models being released every year, custom phone case design has become a lucrative business. Smartphone owners can express their personality while keeping their prized phone free of scratches.

Whether you're looking to start a small business or just want to design your own phone case for fun, this guide covers everything you need to know.

Why design your own phone case?

There’s nothing more satisfying than creating something that’s uniquely yours. Whether you prefer retro patterns, colourful shapes, or standout graphics, you can design a phone case that speaks to you.

Creating a custom design phone case serves several purposes, including:

• Showcasing memories. Include photos of your favourite memories, such a selfies with loved ones, your beloved pets, or special moments that you want to immortalise.
• Expressing your style. Sometimes a plain phone case just doesn’t cut it. A DIY phone case design allows you to choose patterns, colours and designs that fits your personal aesthetic.
• Protecting your device. Design a phone case that is durable and unique – ideal for protecting your phone from everyday wear and tear.
• Giving a meaningful gift. Custom phone case designs also make thoughtful gifts for holidays, birthdays, or special occasions.
• Selling phone cases online. You can use the demand for smartphone cases to sell your designs online, whether it’s through an e-commerce site or your online shop.

How to design a phone case.

It’s easy to design a custom phone case with a print-on-demand business or design a phone case for your loved ones. Whatever you choose, these tips can help you get started.

1. Create your design.

Phone case custom design begins with the design itself. Consider what you want your phone case to look like. It may feature a specific pattern, such as abstract waves, or a particular graphic, like your favourite cartoon character or your favourite quote.

Or why not make it even more unique and add your own add photos. Get creative with specialist software like Adobe Express to build a collage or grid of your favourite images. For a truly unique design, you can incorporate a cool logo, background colours and a special layout.

2. Choose the right case maker tool.

With your design finalised, it’s time to source your phone case. Different companies offer online services to create custom cases. Print-on-demand services are a popular method for printing phone cases as and when you need them.

If you’re looking to sell your own custom phone case designs, partnering with a manufacturer that produces high-quality cases can help to maximise profits. Similarly, you could choose to dropship existing products from a trusted supplier.

3. Pick a phone model and case type.

Next, you’ll need to pick the right measurements for your phone make and model. The most common types of phone case include:

• Slim cases. Opaque and polycarbonate with a wraparound design and glossy finish.
• Tough cases. Double-layered and shock-absorbent with a glossy wraparound shell.
• Clear cases. Transparent, impact-resistant, scratch-proof, and wireless-charging compatible.
• Flexi cases. Lightweight and impact-resistant with a frosty, transparent TPU shell.

4. Upload your design.

Incorporate high-quality images and photos to make your custom phone case design stand out. Sharp, clear images will print clearly on a case as opposed to low-quality, blurry ones. Before printing, enlarge your design to check the quality.

The phone case material you choose will also determine the finished product. Photos will show clearly on slim cases, while logos and graphics may appear more vibrant on a flexi or tough case. Wraparound cases can also alter your design slightly.

5. Check the final case design.

Once you design your phone case, take a moment to review the mock-up before you order. You can upload a vector image or PNG to get an idea of how your design looks. Make sure the text is legible, the photos or graphics are clear, and everything is aligned properly.

If you like your design, add it to your cart and place your order. Depending on your source, your personalised design will be printed on demand and delivered right to your doorstep, or handled by manufacturers before shipping.

Top tips to design a phone case.

Designing a phone case requires a blend of creativity and inspiration. You have a host of phone case design templates at your disposal. But before you begin, consider the following tips for a standout design.

• Use high-resolution designs. The higher the resolution of your design, the better they will look on your phone case. Avoid pixelated or blurry images. Always preview your design as a PNG or vector image for the best results.
• Keep it appropriate and respectful. Avoid offensive symbols, controversial imagery or inappropriate language in your phone case design.
• Use a simple, clean design. Sometimes less is more. Keep your phone case custom design simple for an impactful look. Tidy, sleek designs can bring a classic charm, while a smattering of graphics can look cluttered.
• Let your personality shine. Phone cases are the perfect accessory to showcase your personality and interests. Whether you prefer a minimalist look or bold, bright colours, design a phone case that reflects who you are.
• Choose the right case type. Your phone case should match your lifestyle in both appearance and function. If you lead an active lifestyle or tend to drop your phone, a durable, shock-absorbent case might be your best fit.

Editable phone case design ideas.

How can Adobe Express help you with a custom phone case design?

Ready to design your own phone case? Adobe Express has all the tools you need to customise a phone case for yourself or someone special.

1. Create eye-catching artwork – for free.

From mood boards to comic strips, unlock your creativity to design vibrant artwork. Easily generate graphics and concepts from handy templates and inject your personality into your phone case design.

2. Personalise your phone case with a photo collage.

Transform your most memorable photos into a stunning photo collage to make your phone case design shine. Go for a scrapbook style, grid design, checkered format or other unique layouts to create a unique design.

3. Easily edit your photos and images.

Turn your treasured images into a custom phone case design with the click of a button. The Adobe Express photo editor lets you alter any image to fit your aesthetic. Remove pesky backgrounds, add fun fonts and more.

4. Find inspirational quote templates.

Feeling inspired? Find motivation quote templates to spread positivity wherever you go. Choose a fitting template, customise with text and graphics, then create your own uplifting phone case design.

5. Build your brand with a cool logo.

Market your custom phone case design with a professional logo maker. Choose from a range of styles, fonts and colours to build your visual identity.

Personalise your phone case designs with the AI image generator.

You carry your phone everywhere you go, so you want it to express your personality. The Adobe Express AI image generator tool – powered by Adobe Firefly – allows you to create unique images from a simple text prompt in just a few clicks. Whether you’re looking for inspiration for your next phone case design, or want to whip up something new and creative, the AI-powered tool has everything you need.

In just a few words, you can generate a library of different designs. Have them all be variations of the same prompt, so you can provide different product alternatives, or let your imagination run wild. Personalise them to customer requests – perfect for print-on-demand business models – or get started creating an exciting new range. Whatever you can imagine, it’s possible with generative AI from Adobe Express.

Try Adobe Express for free now

Good to know.

How do you start a DIY phone case business?

Print-on-demand platforms are a great way to start your phone case business. They’re easy to manage, low risk and the printing is handled by third parties. Choose a print-on-demand supplier, design your products and create an online store for your custom phone case designs.

What is the best material for a phone case?

The best material for a phone case depends on the function. Silicone cases are ideal to protect against light scratches and scuffs, while hard polycarbonate cases offer extra durability against harder impacts and falls.

How do I print a photo on to a phone case?

Print-on-demand platforms are a common way to print your custom phone case design. Choose your or create your favourite design, upload it, customise, preview the mock-up, then order. Always check the image quality of your design before finalising your order.

Is Adobe Express free?

Yes, our free plan offers many core features including thousands of templates, photo editing and effects, animation, and 5 GB of storage. See our pricing page for details and to compare plans.