Quick Start

Python
# Generate an Etsy thumbnail using the universal template
canvas = create_canvas(3000, 2250)
apply_gradient_background(bg_top="#0B1F33", bg_bottom="#061421")
add_glow_effect(color="#1A4A7A", opacity=0.08)
add_top_badge("AUTOMOTIVE TEMPLATE", bg="#FFFFFF", text="#0F1720")
add_main_title("CAR MAINTENANCE TRACKER", color="#FFFFFF", size=140)
add_subtitle("Stay on top of your vehicle care", color="#FFFFFF", size=70)
place_product_image(spreadsheet_file, scale=0.75, shadow="#000000")
add_format_badge("EXCEL • GOOGLE SHEETS", bg="#FFFFFF", text="#0F1720")

Workflow

Progress:

• Set up 3000x2250px canvas with safe zone padding
• Apply vertical gradient background (top→bottom colors)
• Add subtle radial glow behind product area
• Place top category badge with rounded pill background
• Add main title (ALL CAPS, Montserrat Bold, ~140pt)
• Add subtitle benefit phrase (Montserrat Medium, ~70pt)
• Place actual spreadsheet image (70-75% width, brightness +8%, contrast +5%)
• Add drop shadow under spreadsheet (22% opacity, 45px blur)
• Place format badge at bottom (Excel • Google Sheets format)
• Verify all elements stay within safe zone boundaries

Critical Rule: Use the uploaded spreadsheet image exactly as provided. Never recreate or redesign it.

Examples

Example 1: Automotive Template Input: Car maintenance tracker spreadsheet Output:

• Background: Navy gradient (#0B1F33 → #061421)
• Top badge: "AUTOMOTIVE TEMPLATE" (white bg, dark text)
• Title: "CAR MAINTENANCE TRACKER" (white, 140pt)
• Subtitle: "Never miss an oil change again" (white, 70pt)
• Spreadsheet: Original file scaled to 75% width with soft shadow
• Bottom badge: "EXCEL • GOOGLE SHEETS"

Example 2: Budget Template Input: Monthly budget planner spreadsheet Output:

• Background: Burgundy gradient (#2B0D1A → #100508)
• Top badge: "BUDGET TEMPLATE" (white bg, dark text)
• Title: "MONTHLY BUDGET PLANNER" (white, 140pt)
• Subtitle: "Take control of your finances" (#F5C6D0, 70pt)
• Bottom badge: "EXCEL • GOOGLE SHEETS"

Best Practices

Typography:

• Use only Montserrat (Bold/Medium/SemiBold)
• Keep titles readable at thumbnail size (200x150px test)
• Break long titles into max 2 lines
• Use ALL CAPS for main titles

Layout:

• Maintain generous left/right padding (safe zone protection)
• Use consistent 25-60px spacing between elements
• Center everything vertically and horizontally
• Position spreadsheet slightly above vertical center

Colors:

• Always test white text readability on background
• Use pre-defined color schemes for consistency
• Match glow color to background theme
• Keep badge backgrounds high contrast

Product Image:

• Never recreate the spreadsheet - use original file
• Scale to 70-75% of canvas width
• Apply subtle enhancements: +8% brightness, +5% contrast
• Add soft drop shadow for depth

Common Pitfalls

• Don't recreate spreadsheets - Always use the exact uploaded file
• Don't let elements touch edges - Maintain safe zone padding
• Don't use complex color schemes - Stick to proven combinations
• Don't make text too small - Test readability at thumbnail size
• Don't overcrowd the layout - Maintain generous spacing
• Don't use multiple fonts - Stick to Montserrat family only
• Don't ignore contrast - White text must read clearly on dark backgrounds
• Don't add fake UI elements - Keep design clean and focused