How to Choose a Photo for a Tote Bag or Phone Case

Choose what should be visible at a glance

A tote can show a wide travel image or a bold detail like a painted doorway. On a phone case, a single face, pet, or landmark usually has more room to stand out. If you want both items from one image, keep an uncropped original so you can make a separate crop for each shape.

Keep key details away from seams and openings

For a tote, check the preview for where the printable area ends and where the bag creases when it hangs. A caption near a seam may be hard to read. Keep important elements above the base and check the preview for the exact bag you choose.

For a phone case, select the correct phone model before arranging the design. The camera cutout changes by model and can take up more of the image than you expect. Try shifting a pet’s eyes or a landmark away from that corner before zooming in.

Compare the finished design at normal viewing size

Hold the phone preview at arm’s length or reduce it on screen. If a group picture becomes a row of indistinct faces, try a tighter original or switch to the tote, where you may have more usable space. For text, pick a simple background and verify spelling after moving the crop.

Before gifting a case, confirm the exact model with the recipient or someone who can check it. If you are keeping the gift a surprise and cannot confirm the fit, a tote made with the same photo is an option.