How do I set up product personalization?

You can personalize products on Printify by allowing buyers to request custom text or images. Depending on how you set up personalization, buyers may either share details manually or enter them directly at checkout. This article explains the available personalization options, how to set them up, and what to consider before publishing personalized products.

Printify supports two personalization methods, each with different setup requirements and buyer experiences.

Manual personalization (all sales channels)

Manual personalization lets you offer customized products without adding buyer input fields at checkout.

How manual personalization works

• Buyers don’t enter personalization details on the product page.
• Personalization details are collected manually (for example, via messages or order notes), and you’ll need to set up how buyers share this information yourself.
• Personalization can be enabled or disabled at any time.
• All personalized orders require manual approval.

When using manual personalization, you’ll need to turn on the Enable personalization toggle in the product listing settings before publishing your product.

When to use manual personalization

Use manual personalization if you:

• Sell on sales channels that don’t support automated personalization.
• Want flexible, case-by-case customization.
• Prefer direct communication with buyers.

Automated personalization (Shopify, TikTok Shop US, Pop-Up Store, and Etsy)

Automated personalization lets buyers enter customization details during checkout using structured input fields.

How automated personalization works

• Buyers must provide text and/or images at checkout
• Input fields are generated based on your product design
• Personalization becomes mandatory for the product
• All personalized orders require manual approval

How do I set up automated personalization?

Step 1: Add personalizable layers in the Product Creator

1. Go to Catalog and select a product.
2. Open the Product Creator.
3. Click Personalize.
4. Add Personalizable text and/or Personalizable image layers.
5. Add placeholder content and rename each layer clearly (these names are shown to buyers).

Step 2: Save the product and review personalization settings

After saving your design and selecting mockups, proceed to the product listing settings.

If personalizable layers were added:

• Personalization is enabled automatically
• The Enable personalization toggle can’t be disabled
• A non-personalized version requires a separate product

Step 3: Configure buyer instructions and limits

Buyer instructions (up to ~70 characters)

• Explain what buyers should enter or upload
• Optional, but recommended to reduce incorrect orders

Buyer text input limit (up to 256 characters)

• Limits how much text buyers can enter at checkout
• Your design should work with the maximum length

Important things to keep in mind

• Adding personalizable layers permanently enables personalization for the product
• Image uploads may vary in quality and proportions
• You can enable automated order submission with buyer approval in your store settings
• To sell a non-personalized version, create a separate product

Which option should I choose?

To learn how buyers personalize products and how orders are handled afterward, see:

• What is Personalization Hub for Etsy, and how does it work?
• What is Personalization Hub for Shopify, and how does it work?
• How can I manage orders with personalized products?