How to Create Your Favorite Design for Coffee Sleeves & Cups
Hotshot has prepared free templates to be used for designing your custom printed products. We have downloadable coffee cup sleeve templates, double wall coffee cup templates, and plastic cup templates. Our templates work best with Adobe Illustrator, but you may also create your custom cup designs and sleeve templates in other programs like Canva and Photoshop.
Before preparing your sleeve or coffee cup designs using our templates, be sure to give considerable thought to the image and message you would like to convey with your custom packaging. Do you want your printable coffee cup to be vibrant and splashy with lots of colors and graphics, or are you wanting something more subtle? The possibilities for what you can create are endless!
Once you have submitted your artwork for sleeves using our coffee cup sleeve template or artwork for cups using our coffee cup template, we will double check your files and prepare proofs for your review.
How to Prepare Artwork Files for Cup Sleeves & Custom Cups
| FIle Type | Preferred file type is Adobe Illustrator with artwork left in layers. If files bleed then make sure artwork extends beyond the die line | |
| Fonts | Convert all fonts to outlines whenever possible or supply us with your fonts | |
| Color Mode | Provide all graphics and colors in CMYK mode. Files submitted as RGB will be converted to CMYK. | |
| Number of Colors | STANDARD sleeves require that the number of print colors be limited to 2 (shades of the colors are permitted). In addition STANDARD sleeves have a defined imprint area | |
| Resolution | Images should be 300dpi at the final size they will print at. When images are enlarged the resolution decreases. Images should be embedded and not left as links | |
| Graphics / Logos | Graphics and logos should be left as vector whenever possible. Graphics should be embedded and not left as links | |
| Pantone (PMS) Colors | For both PREMIUM and STANDARD sleeves all Pantone (PMS) colors are converted to their closest CMYK equivalent. If you are working in PMS colors then please specify colors using the C (coated) version of the color and not U (uncoated) as we are printing on a coated paper. | |
| Arcing Artwork | Artwork should be arced so that text and graphics appear horizontal when the sleeve is placed around the cup. You can do this or our prepress department will do this (only for vectory artwork) |
How to Send Hotshot Your Artwork Files
Please place your order online before sending us your files.
You may email files up to 20 MB. For really large files please send files via services such as DropBox or WeTransfer.
*** Only send to the above email address for orders that are in production. If you have not yet placed an order and have sales related questions then email your questions and files to
What Happens Next? Wait For Your PDF Proof
Once we have received your files, we will prepare proofs for your review. PDF proofs are provided for all custom items, but double wall cup orders also include 3D image proofs. Upon approval of the proof, we will put your sleeves into production.
Coffee sleeve templates and custom cup templates have been set up using Adobe Illustrator. Our sleeves are meant to fit single wall hot cups. Our sleeves are not meant for cold cups or double wall cups unless specified.
Coffee Sleeve Templates
View CORRUGATED Sleeve Templates
Premium corrugated Templates
PREMIUM templates are for sleeves with more than 2 colors and/or you are printing with bleeds (full background printing).
Most common size
The industy standard.
Additional sizes
At this time we only produce Corrugated Sleeves in the 12-20oz size. For other sizes please refer to our Classic Sleeves.
Standard corrugated templates
For sleeves printing in 1 or 2 colors and you DO NOT require printing right to the edge of the sleeve (bleeds).
Most common size
Additional sizes
At this time we only produce Corrugated Sleeves in the 12-20oz size. For other sizes please refer to our Classic Sleeves.
Double Wall Coffee Cup Templates
Clear Plastic Cup Templates
Let Hotshot design your coffee sleeve for you – No extra cost!
We will gladly prepare a coffee sleeve design for you. In order to make the process as efficient as possible, we ask that you provide us with some important information. Once we have received your information, we will contact you should we have any questions, or we will get working on your design and send you a PDF proof shortly.
Please provide us with the following:
- Provide a brief overview (in writing and/or sketch) of what you would like to have in terms of layout on the front and back of your sleeve
- Provide all logos, graphics, and images that you would like us to use
- We prefer to receive graphics in vector formats including Adobe Illustrator, EPS, or vector PDF, whenever possible
- When providing graphics in JPEG, PNG, PSD, or BMP format, please try to supply us with the highest resolution files that you have. If you are not sure which format is best, then please send everything you have and we will use what is best
- STANDARD sleeves permit printing in only 1 or 2 colors, so all graphics and text must make use of the same colors.
- Email the above information to
Design Time Restrictions
STANDARD sleeve orders include 15 minutes of FREE design layout time. PREMIUM sleeve orders allow up to 30 minutes FREE design time. In most cases, the allotted time should be sufficient to prepare a design. If we believe your requirements will require more time (layout or fixing supplied graphics/logos, etc) then we will let you know prior to starting. In addition, multiple client changes may incur additional charges.
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FAQ About Double Walled Paper Cups
What design software is compatible with your templates?
Our templates have been created using Adobe Illustrator and so utilized features available in Illustrator. Designs can also be created in other programs such as Adobe Photoshop, Indesign and Canva by importing our templates. For best results, use vector-based software to ensure high-quality output.
How do I ensure my design fits correctly on the sleeve?
Use our provided design template, which includes clear guidelines, bleed areas, and safe zones. This ensures your design aligns perfectly with the sleeve dimensions during production. We also recommend printing out your design, cutting it on the dieline and wrapping it around your cup to see how your design looks.
What file format should I submit my design in?
Submit your design in high-resolution vector formats such as AI, EPS, or PDF. Ensure all text is outlined, and images are embedded for seamless processing.
Do you offer design assistance if I need help?
Yes, we offer design assistance to help you refine or create your design. Our team can guide you through adjustments to ensure your artwork is print-ready.
How do I submit my completed design?
You can upload your completed design through our online portal or email it to our design team. Specific submission instructions will be provided upon order placement.
What happens after I submit my design?
After submission, our team reviews your design for compatibility, alignment, and print quality. You’ll receive a digital PDF proof for approval before production begins.
Can I see a physical sample before full production?
Yes, physical samples can be provided upon request. This allows you to review the design, quality, and fit before committing to a full production run. Please note, physical samples may not be on the same paper or have the same finish as your final printed product.