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) with subtle blue glow (#1A4A7A, 8% opacity)
• Top badge: "AUTOMOTIVE TEMPLATE" (white pill bg, dark text)
• Title: "CAR MAINTENANCE TRACKER" (white, 140pt, Montserrat Bold)
• Subtitle: "Never miss an oil change again" (white, 70pt, Montserrat Medium)
• Spreadsheet: Original file scaled to 75% width with soft shadow (22% opacity, 45px blur)
• Bottom badge: "EXCEL • GOOGLE SHEETS" (white pill bg, dark text)

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

• Background: Burgundy gradient (#2B0D1A → #100508) with subtle pink glow (#7A1A3A, 8% opacity)
• Top badge: "BUDGET TEMPLATE" (white pill bg, dark text)
• Title: "MONTHLY BUDGET PLANNER" (white, 140pt, Montserrat Bold)
• Subtitle: "Take control of your finances" (#F5C6D0, 70pt, Montserrat Medium)
• Spreadsheet: Original file scaled to 75% width with soft shadow (22% opacity, 45px blur)
• Bottom badge: "EXCEL • GOOGLE SHEETS" (white pill bg, dark text)

Example 3: Fitness Template Input: Workout tracker spreadsheet Output:

• Background: Forest green gradient (#1B3328 → #0A150E) with subtle green glow (#2A7A4A, 8% opacity)
• Top badge: "FITNESS TEMPLATE" (white pill bg, dark text)
• Title: "WORKOUT TRACKER" (white, 140pt, Montserrat Bold)
• Subtitle: "Crush your fitness goals" (white, 70pt, Montserrat Medium)
• Spreadsheet: Original file scaled to 75% width with soft shadow (22% opacity, 45px blur)
• Bottom badge: "EXCEL • GOOGLE SHEETS" (white pill bg, dark text)

Example 4: Business Template Input: Invoice tracker spreadsheet Output:

• Background: Slate blue gradient (#1E2A3A → #0F1419) with subtle blue glow (#3A5A7A, 8% opacity)
• Top badge: "BUSINESS TEMPLATE" (white pill bg, dark text)
• Title: "INVOICE TRACKER" (white, 140pt, Montserrat Bold)
• Subtitle: "Streamline your billing process" (white, 70pt, Montserrat Medium)
• Spreadsheet: Original file scaled to 75% width with soft shadow (22% opacity, 45px blur)
• Bottom badge: "EXCEL • GOOGLE SHEETS" (white pill bg, dark text)

Example 5: Wedding Template Input: Wedding budget planner spreadsheet Output:

• Background: Mauve gradient (#332B2B → #1A0F0F) with subtle rose glow (#7A4A6A, 8% opacity)
• Top badge: "WEDDING TEMPLATE" (white pill bg, dark text)
• Title: "WEDDING BUDGET PLANNER" (white, 140pt, Montserrat Bold)
• Subtitle: "Plan your perfect day stress-free" (#F5D0E0, 70pt, Montserrat Medium)
• Spreadsheet: Original file scaled to 75% width with soft shadow (22% opacity, 45px blur)
• Bottom badge: "EXCEL • GOOGLE SHEETS" (white pill bg, dark text)

Example 6: Real Estate Template Input: Property management spreadsheet Output:

• Background: Bronze gradient (#332A1B → #1A140A) with subtle gold glow (#7A6A3A, 8% opacity)
• Top badge: "REAL ESTATE TEMPLATE" (white pill bg, dark text)
• Title: "PROPERTY MANAGER" (white, 140pt, Montserrat Bold)
• Subtitle: "Maximize your rental income" (white, 70pt, Montserrat Medium)
• Spreadsheet: Original file scaled to 75% width with soft shadow (22% opacity, 45px blur)
• Bottom badge: "EXCEL • GOOGLE SHEETS" (white pill bg, dark text)

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