Customer expectations have shifted. The days of submitting artwork via email, waiting on PDFs, and approving proofs by phone are fading fast. In today’s on-demand economy, clients want control, speed, and simplicity—and that’s exactly what online design tools deliver.
If you’re a General Commercial Printer (GCP) looking to grow your margins, streamline operations, and attract modern buyers, it’s time to consider how online design tools—embedded in web-to-print platforms—can reshape your offering and give you a competitive edge.
Read on to discover how online design tools are revolutionizing customer experience and could transform your business.
The Rise of Online Design in Print
Print buyers today—whether individual consumers or large marketing teams—expect digital-first convenience. They want to:
- Design or personalize products themselves
- See instant previews
- Approve orders on the spot
This demand is reflected in growing investment across the industry, to support this change in buying behaviour. Industry data shows that the self-service printer market was valued at $2.5bn in 2024 and is forecast to reach $4.8bn by 2033.
Online design tools are at the heart of that trend. They empower users to customize without the learning curve of professional design software, while still producing press-ready files that meet your specs.
What Online Design Tools Offer
Online design tools are intuitive interfaces embedded within your web-to-print system. Here’s what they typically include:
Drag-and-Drop Editors: Customers can add text, images, and shapes, all within your branded design environment.
Smart Templates: Designers set locked layouts, fonts, and brand elements. Customers edit only what you allow—like contact details, event info, or logos—ensuring brand consistency.
Variable Data Printing (VDP): Personalization at scale—perfect for event invites, direct mail, or multi-location campaigns.
Mobile-Friendly Access: Design and order from any device, anywhere—ideal for clients on the move.
Seamless E-Commerce Integration: Link designs directly to product pricing, shipping options, and checkout.
Live Previews & Instant Proofing: Users see exactly what they’re ordering, reducing approval time and last-minute corrections.
Business Benefits for Printers
Online design tools don’t just improve customer experience—they transform internal efficiency and unlock new revenue opportunities.
Fewer Artwork Errors: Templates generate production-ready files, reducing the risk of color issues, low-res images, or layout problems.
Faster Approval Cycles: Live previews and customer-led edits eliminate lengthy back-and-forths. Most orders move from design to production in hours, not days.
Lower Design Overhead: Customers take care of simple customization—like business cards, brochures, or banners—without needing your team’s help. That frees your designers to focus on high-value creative work.
Scalability Without Extra Staff: You can handle more orders, more clients, and more SKUs without increasing admin or production headcount.
B2B Portals for Repeat Clients: Offer branded storefronts for your clients, complete with ready-to-edit templates and order history. This builds loyalty and recurring revenue.
Enhanced Customer Experience
The user-facing side of online design is where it really shines.
Self-Service 24/7: Customers can create and order on their own schedule—no need to call or email during office hours.
On-Brand Every Time: For franchises, sales teams, and marketing departments, templates ensure every print asset meets brand guidelines.
Confidence in Ordering: Live previews and instant file validation build customer trust. They see exactly what they’ll get, before it hits the press.
Retention Through Convenience: Make it easier to order and they’ll keep coming back. Many printers see a significant increase in repeat order rates after implementing online design tools.
Choosing the Right Online Design Tool
While there are many platforms on the market, not all reach the same standards. If you’re investing in web-to-print, here’s what to look for:
Intuitive Interface: Ensure it’s easy for non-designers to use—with drag-and-drop functionality and responsive previews.
Smart Template Control: Your team should be able to create and lock templates, controlling brand integrity while giving customers the freedom to personalize.
API Integration: Choose a platform that plays nicely with your MIS, CRM, and production systems. Smooth data flow equals smoother operations and increased efficiency.
Scalability & B2B Features: Look for tools that can handle multiple storefronts, permission levels, and user roles—ideal for clients with teams or branches.
Support & Onboarding: Training, documentation, and responsive support make all the difference in getting started quickly and effectively.
Design Simplicity, Production Power
Online design tools aren’t just an upgrade—they’re a competitive necessity. They reduce overhead, improve turnaround, enhance customer loyalty, and open new doors to recurring revenue.
If you’re a GCP evaluating web-to-print platforms, make online design tools a top priority in your checklist. The printers leading the charge today are the ones making design simple, consistent, and connected to production.
Discover More
To learn how Infigo could transform your workflows, download our guide Workflow Bottlenecks: The Hidden Cost in Print Operations and How to Fix Them now.
