The BEST Free Sublimation Software For Epson Printers

Instructions

STEP 1: GET MY QUICK SUBLIMATION DESIGNS

First, download my Quick Sublimation designs from my free library – look for Design #689. Alternatively, you can use the Save This Project form near the top of this post and the design link will be emailed to you.

I used an AI art generator to create the designs, then made them even more fantastic with image editing software. If you want to learn more about the process, check out my workshop on creating and using AI-generated art in your crafts.

In the PNG folder, you’ll find four designs for print sublimation with abstract backgrounds and affirming messages:

“Happy dances are my exercise”

“Be the hero of your own story”

"Kindness is contagious”

“Positive vibes are a renewable energy” 

TIP: If you’re not sure how to download zip files and upload designs, go to jennifermaker.com/svgs. The steps are similar for PNGs and Google Docs.

STEP 2: MEASURE YOUR SUBLIMATION BLANK

1. Lay your blank flat on your work surface. 
2. With a ruler, measure the width from left edge to right edge, then the height from the top to bottom.
   NOTE: My Eye Glass Cleaning Cloth is 6” x 7,” my Rectangular Puzzle Blank is 7.9" x 5.9," and my Aluminum Photo Blank is 8” x 10.” Your sizing might be different even if you use the blank I recommend, so always be sure to measure.
   
   TIP: To ensure an accurate measurement, make sure your ruler is at the widest part of the shape, and that it goes through the center of your blank. Most sublimation designs should completely cover the blank, even if you need to make the file cover more than its shape to fill all the white space.
3. Record your measurements, and set aside your notes for now.

STEP 3: PREPARE AND PRINT YOUR SUBLIMATION DESIGN

NOTE: As you follow these instructions, resize the image to be slightly larger than your blank. Here is how I sized designs for each of my quick projects:

Eye Glass Cleaning Cloth is 6” x 7” so I printed designs at 6.25” x 7.25” 

Rectangular Puzzle Blank is 7.9" x 5.9" so I printed designs at 8.25” x 6.25” 

Aluminum Photo Blank is a little smaller than the stated 8” x 10” dimensions, so I printed designs at 8” x 10.5”

GOOGLE DOCS ON AN APPLE COMPUTER

1. Open Google Docs in the Google Chrome web browser on your computer.
   NOTE: You will need a free Google account to use the free Google Docs software.
   TIP: You can also download and open the Google Docs app, but you will have limited access to features, so I do not recommend it on a mobile device.
2. Click “Blank document” at the top left to open a new document.
   
   
3. Go to the File menu and select “Page setup.” 
4. Check the box next to “Landscape.”
5. Change your margins to “0” to use more of the page.
6. Make sure your Paper Size matches your sublimation paper size. I’m using 8.5” x 11” or letter-size paper.
   
7. Click “OK” to apply the settings.
   
   
8. Click the area that says “Untitled document” at the top and type a name for the file.
9. Go to the Insert menu, select “Image,” and select “Upload from Computer.” 
10. Select the sublimation design you want to use. I’ll demonstrate with the Kindness design.
    
    TIP: You’ll most likely find it in your Downloads folder.
11. Click “Open.”
12. Click “Image Options” at the top of the canvas.
    NOTE: You can also open the menu by going to “Format,” “Image,” and “Image Options.”
    
    
13. Select “Size & Rotation.”
14. Keep the “Lock aspect ratio” box checked to maintain the design’s proportions. 
15. Change the “Width” field to be slightly larger than the width you recorded earlier. Since my blank is 5 7/8", I’ll make my design 6.25” wide.
    
    NOTE: It is best to make the print a little larger than the blank. This also makes it easier to tape the blank in position. 
    TIP: The “Height” field will automatically adjust proportionately.
16. Click the image and select the “Wrap text” icon from the menu that appears below it.
    
    NOTE: This setting lets you move the design anywhere on the page.
17. Click and drag the image to the center of your page, as that ensures it won’t get cut off at the edges.
    
    
18. Go to the File menu and choose “Print.”
19. Select your sublimation printer under “Destination.”
20. Click the arrow beside “More Settings” to select “Print Using System Dialog.”
    
    
21. Your print menu may look different - just make sure the sublimation printer is selected, that you “flip horizontally,” and select the highest quality matte paper setting.
    
    
22. Load sublimation paper correctly into your sublimation printer.
    NOTE: Check the packaging for information on how to load the paper.
23. Click “Print.”
24. Allow the print to dry before handling it, as the ink can smear. 
    
    NOTE: The printed design will appear lighter before pressing.
25. Your project is ready to press!

GOOGLE DOCS ON A WINDOWS COMPUTER

1. Open Google Docs in the Google Chrome web browser on your computer.
   NOTE: You will need a free Google account to use the free Google Docs software.
   TIP: You can also download and open the Google Docs app, but you’ll have limited access to features, so I do not recommend it on a mobile device.
2. Click “Blank document” at the top left to open a new document.
   
   
3. Go to the File menu and select “Page setup.” 
4. Check the box next to “Portrait.”
5. Change your margins to “0” to use more of the page.
6. Make sure your Paper Size matches your sublimation paper size. I’m using 8.5” x 11” or letter-size paper.
   
   
7. Click “OK” to apply the settings. 
8. Click the area that says “Untitled document” at the top and type a name for the file.
9. Go to the Insert menu, select “Drawing,” and then “New.”
   NOTE: This is an important step that is different from the Mac process and will let us mirror the image, which isn’t an option later in the printer settings.
   
   
10. In the Drawing pop up, click the image icon in the top toolbar.
11. Click “Browse” and select the sublimation design you want to use. I’ll demonstrate with the Kindness design.
    
    TIP: You’ll most likely find it in your Downloads folder.
12. Click “Actions” to pick “Rotate” and “Flip Horizontally” in the menu.
    NOTE: You don’t have to worry about sizing at this point.
    
    
13. Once the image looks mirrored, click “Save and close” to close the Drawing pop up.
    
    
14. The mirrored image will be placed on the Google Docs Canvas.
    
    
15. Click “Image Options” at the top of the canvas.
    NOTE: You can also open the menu by going to “Format,” “Image,” and “Image Options.”
    
    
16. Select “Size & Rotation.”
17. Keep the “Lock aspect ratio” box checked to maintain the design’s proportions. 
18. Change the “Width” field to be slightly larger than the width you recorded earlier. Since my blank is 5 7/8", I’ll make my design 6.25” wide.
    
    NOTE: It is best to make the print a little larger than the blank. This also makes it easier to tape the blank in position, depending on the preparation technique. 
19. The “Height” field will automatically adjust proportionately.
20. Click the image and select the “Wrap text” icon from the menu that appears below it.
    
    NOTE: This setting lets you move the design anywhere on the page.
21. Click and drag the image to the center of your page, as that ensures it won’t get cut off at the edges.
    
    
22. Go to the File menu and choose “Print.”
23. Select your sublimation printer under “Destination.”
24. Click the arrow beside “More Settings” to select “Print Using System Dialog.”
    
    
25. Your print menu may look different - just make sure the sublimation printer is selected and select the highest quality matte paper setting.
    NOTE: Remember, we already flipped the image horizontally so it’s ready to be transferred with heat.
    
    
26. Load your sublimation paper correctly into your sublimation printer.
    NOTE: Check the packaging for information on how to load the paper.
27. Click “Print.”
28. Allow the print to dry before handling it, as the ink can smear. 
    
    NOTE: The printed design will appear lighter before pressing.
    

STEP 4: PREPARE YOUR QUICK SUBLIMATION PROJECTS

IMPORTANT: As with all sublimation projects, turn on a fan and open a window to improve your ventilation before beginning.

QUICK SUBLIMATION PUZZLE

1. Set your heat press to the correct temperature and time. According to my Sublimation Cookbook, the EasyPress 2 needs to be set at 365° F (185° C) and 5 seconds to preheat these MDF puzzles.
   
   
2. Place your pressing mat on your work surface with a piece of white cardstock on top of the pressing mat to protect it..
3. Use a lint roller to remove debris from the puzzle, which can interfere with the design.
4. Place the puzzle on the pressing mat with white uncoated butcher paper on top to protect it from the direct heat.
5. Press the puzzle for 5 seconds to remove any moisture, which can also interfere with the design's transfer.
   
   
6. Set it aside to cool in a clean area.
7. Put the printed design face up on the cardstock.
8. Place the puzzle face down on the print and center it so there is an even border of color around the edges.
9. Use heat-resistant tape to secure its edges to the paper so it won't shift.
   
   
10. Turn the taped print and puzzle over and place them on the cardstock.
    
    
11. Add white uncoated butcher paper on top of the design to protect your press.
12. Keep the press at 365° F (185° C) and set it for 60 seconds.
13. Lower the press straight down on the design and heat it for 60 seconds with light pressure.
    
    
14. When the time is up, lift the press straight up to avoid blurring the design by shifting the materials while the ink is still sublimating.
15. Remove the butcher paper and let the project cool for about 10 seconds.
16. Then flip over the project and remove the design to see your results!
    

LENS CLOTH

1. Set your heat press to the correct temperature and time. According to my Sublimation Cookbook, the EasyPress 2 needs to be set at 385° F (196° C) and 5 seconds to preheat polyester fabric.
   
   
2. Place your pressing mat on your work surface.
3. Place a piece of white cardstock on top of the pressing mat to protect it.
4. Use a lint roller to remove debris from the cleaning cloth, which can interfere with the design.
5. Place the cloth on the protected pressing mat and make sure there are no wrinkles.
6. Press the cloth for 5 seconds to remove any wrinkles or moisture, which can also interfere with the design's transfer.
   
   
7. Set it aside to cool in a clean area.
8. Put the printed design face up on the cardstock.
9. Place the cleaning cloth face down on the print and center it so there is ink around all of the fabric’s edges.
   NOTE: The amount of ink showing on each side will depend on the design’s proportions.
10. Use heat-resistant tape to secure its edges to the paper so it won't shift.
    
    
11. Turn the taped print and cloth over and place them on the cardstock. Make sure there are no wrinkles.
    
    
12. Add a sheet of white uncoated butcher paper on top of the design to protect your press.
13. Keep the press at 385° F (196° C) and set it for 45 seconds.
14. Lower the press straight down on the design and heat it for 45 seconds with light pressure.
    
    
15. When the time is up, lift the press straight up to avoid blurring the design by shifting the materials while the ink is still sublimating.
16. Remove the butcher paper and let the project cool for about 10 seconds.
17. Then flip over the cloth and remove the design to see your results!
    
    

ALUMINUM PHOTO BLANK

1. Set your heat press to the correct temperature and time. According to my Sublimation Cookbook, the EasyPress 2 needs to be set at 385° F (196° C) and 5 seconds to preheat aluminum sublimation blanks.
   
   
2. Place your pressing mat on your work surface with a piece of white cardstock on top to protect it.
3. If your photo blank has a protective film, remove it from both sides.
4. Place the blank with the white sublimation surface face up on the protected pressing mat and put uncoated white butcher paper on top to keep it from getting too hot.
5. Preheat the metal for 5 seconds in case there is any moisture on it.
   
   
6. With your heat-resistant gloves on, set it aside to cool in a clean area.
7. Put the printed design face up on the cardstock.
8. Place the metal blank face down on the print and center it so there is ink around all the edges.
   NOTE: The amount of ink showing on each side will depend on the design’s proportions.
9. Use heat-resistant tape to secure its edges to the paper so it won't shift.
   
   
10. Add a sheet of white uncoated butcher paper on top of the design to protect your press from excess ink.
11. Keep the press at 385° F (196° C) and set it for 50 seconds.
12. Lower the press straight down on the design and heat it for 50 seconds with light pressure.
    
    
13. When the time is up, lift the press straight up to avoid blurring the design by shifting the materials while the ink is still sublimating.
14. Remove the butcher paper and let the project cool for a few minutes until it’s safe to touch.
15. Then remove the design to see your results!
    
    
    

STEP 5: SHOW IT OFF

Here are the finished quick sublimation projects!