What every cup maker needs to know before buying or selling designs.

If you’re new to custom cups, you’ve probably seen a swirl of acronyms and design file types — SVG, PNG, DTF, sublimation — and thought, “What even is all this?”

Let’s break it down.

This post will help you understand the key differences between SVG and PNG files, how they’re used in Cricut and print projects, and which format you need depending on your crafting setup.

What is an SVG file?

SVG stands for Scalable Vector Graphic — it’s a file made of paths and shapes that you can resize without losing quality.

SVGs are most commonly used with cutting machines like Cricut or Silhouette.

You’ll use SVGs if you’re:

Cutting vinyl to apply to cups, shirts, or signs
Layering different colors of adhesive vinyl
Creating decals or detailed line work

✅ Perfect for: Cricut users, vinyl work, DIY sellers
❌ Not great for: Full-color or photo-style designs

What is a PNG file?

PNG stands for Portable Network Graphic — it’s a flat image file with a transparent background. Unlike SVGs, PNGs are pixel-based (not layered or cuttable).

You’ll use PNGs if you’re:

Printing cup wraps (via sublimation or UV DTF)
Using full-color artwork that can’t be layered with vinyl
Selling or buying pre-designed, print-ready artwork

✅ Perfect for: Sublimation printing, UV DTF wraps
❌ Not usable with: Cutting machines unless converted

What is Sublimation?

Sublimation is a process that uses special ink + heat to transfer designs onto coated blanks (like tumblers, mugs, or shirts). You need:

A sublimation printer
Sublimation paper
Blanks that are poly-coated
A heat press

Your PNG file is printed, taped onto the cup, and heat-transferred directly into the surface — it’s smooth, vibrant, and super durable.

What is UV DTF?

UV DTF stands for Ultraviolet Direct-to-Film. It’s newer and super popular with small shops because it skips the heat press.

Your PNG file is printed onto adhesive film using a UV DTF printer
The wrap is peeled and stuck directly onto the cup — like a fancy sticker
It works on a wider variety of cups and is faster to apply

✅ No weeding, no heat
✅ More beginner-friendly
✅ Super popular in the iced coffee cup niche

So… which one should you use?

If you’re using a Cricut or cutting machine:
👉 Go with SVGs — they’re designed for clean cuts and simple layering

If you’re printing designs onto cups:
👉 Use PNGs — they’re ideal for sublimation or UV DTF projects

🎀 Want to try one for free?

I created a beginner-friendly cup wrap that you can use with SVG or PNG formats.
Perfect for 16oz cups and compatible with both Cricut and UV DTF printing.