When you order embroidery products, each design needs to be converted into a special file format that our embroidery machines can read. This process is called digitization. Depending on the embroidery type - flat, 3D puff, or unlimited color embroidery - each design must be digitized separately.
Once your design is digitized, you can reuse it for future orders using the same embroidery type. There’s a one-time digitization fee per new design, and the cost depends on the type and placement of your design.
Digitization fees by currency
| Currency | Digitization | Text | Back and side embroidery | Adjustment |
| USD | $6.50 | $3.95 | $2.95 | $2.95 |
| EUR | €5.75 | €3.70 | €2.50 | €2.50 |
| CAD | C$9.60 | C$5.85 | C$4.40 | C$4.40 |
| AUD | A$9.25 | A$5.95 | A$4.50 | A$4.50 |
| MXN | MX$130.00 | MX$80.00 | MX$60.00 | MX$60.00 |
| NOK | NOK 59.95 | NOK 35.00 | NOK 26.00 | NOK 26.00 |
| PLN | PLN 25.00 | PLN 15.00 | PLN 11.00 | PLN 11.00 |
| SGD | S$8.95 | S$5.50 | S$3.95 | S$3.95 |
| HKD | HK$50.00 | HK$31.00 | HK$23.00 | HK$23.00 |
| BRL | R$35.00 | R$20.95 | R$15.50 | R$15.50 |
| KRW | ₩7150 | ₩4350 | ₩3250 | ₩3250 |
| SEK | SEK 58.00 | SEK 35.00 | SEK 26.50 | SEK 26.50 |
| DKK | DKK 41.50 | DKK 25.50 | DKK 18.95 | DKK 18.95 |
| CHF | CHF 6.00 | CHF 3.70 | CHF 2.75 | CHF 2.75 |
| NZD | NZ$9.95 | NZ$5.95 | NZ$4.50 | NZ$4.50 |
| GBP | £4.95 | £3.00 | £2.50 | £2.50 |
| JPY | ¥700 | ¥450 | ¥350 | ¥350 |
What if I update my design later?
If you add new elements to a digitized file, it’s considered a new design and needs to be digitized again.
But if you’re only switching between product types (like hats and apparel), you might only need a small adjustment to make the design compatible. The fee for these adjustments is listed in the chart above, under “adjustment fee”. For example, hat embroidery files need to be adjusted to work on apparel and bags, and vice versa, because stitch direction and density are different.
Note: 3D puff embroidery is only available for hats, and it can’t be used in combination with unlimited color embroidery. You can’t use 3D puff files for apparel or bags; they’ll need to be fully digitized again.
Can I reuse my digitized files?
Yes! Once your design is digitized, you can use it again for the same type of embroidery (flat or 3D puff) and product type (hat, apparel, or bag).
However, digitized files can only be used to fulfill orders with Printful - they can’t be downloaded or used elsewhere.
Where can I find my digitized files?
You can view all your digitized embroidery files in the File library. To find them easily:
- Go to your Printful Dashboard → File library.
- Open the Created filter drop-down menu.
- Select digitized first.
This will bring up all your previously digitized embroidery files, so you can reuse them whenever needed.
Embroidered patches
If you’re applying a digitized design to a patch and the design area includes transparency or falls outside the usual embroidery zone, we’ll generate a new image that fits the patch’s print area. This new image is saved in your File library.
Later, if you order patches using this same design, our system will recognize the match and use the previously digitized file, so you won’t be charged again.
However, if you want to use that patch embroidery on something else, like a hat, it’ll need to be adjusted. That means an adjustment fee applies, just like when switching from hats to apparel.
Can I get free digitization?
Yes! If you order 25 or more embroidery items in a single order, we’ll digitize all your designs for free. It’s a great way to save if you’re planning a bulk order.