So, you’ve finally decided to dip your toes into the digital product business. Awesome! But now comes the million-dollar question (well… hopefully literally): Should you sell printables or templates?
Honestly, this debate feels like asking someone, “Tea or coffee?” — both have their loyal fans, both give you energy, and both can totally change your day. But when it comes to money-making, creativity, and sustainability, there are some clear differences worth exploring.
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| Printables vs Templates: What’s Better to Sell? |
Let’s dive in. 🏊♂️
What Exactly Are Printables?
Imagine walking into a stationery shop online, where instead of buying physical planners, calendars, or wall art, you just download them and print them at home. That’s a printable.
They’re typically PDF files — think planners, budget trackers, coloring pages, chore charts, or even party invitations.
👉 The magic? They’re easy to create, easy to sell, and people love the instant gratification of downloading something immediately.
Example: A busy mom might hop on Etsy at midnight, grab a printable meal planner, hit “Print,” and voila — her kitchen is organized before morning coffee.
What About Templates?
Now, let’s talk templates. Instead of a finished printable product, a template is more like a skeleton you dress up.
Templates are editable designs (usually in Canva, PowerPoint, or Photoshop) that people can customize to fit their own needs.
👉 For example:
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Social media post templates
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Resume templates
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Business card designs
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Canva eBook layouts
Think of templates as IKEA furniture. You get the parts, but you still have to assemble it the way you like. Some people love the customization, while others just want the finished product (that’s where printables shine).
Printables vs Templates: The Showdown 🥊
Here’s a friendly face-off between the two:
🖨️ Printables: Pros & Cons
Pros:
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Super beginner-friendly
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Require basic design skills
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Quick to create (you can make one in a few hours!)
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Customers get instant use
Cons:
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Limited customization for buyers
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Can feel “one-size-fits-all”
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Market can be saturated (hello, 1,000+ meal planners on Etsy)
🖌️ Templates: Pros & Cons
Pros:
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Higher perceived value (people pay more for customization)
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Great for entrepreneurs, coaches, and businesses
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Evergreen demand (social media templates = goldmine)
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More opportunities for branding niches
Cons:
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Need a bit more design skill
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Some customers find them confusing (“Wait, how do I edit this again?”)
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Slightly longer to create
So, Which One Actually Sells Better?
Here’s the juicy part.
If you’re a beginner with zero experience, printables are your best friend. Why? Because they’re easy-peasy to make and don’t require advanced tech know-how. You could literally design a printable daily planner in Canva this weekend and start selling on Etsy by Monday.
But… if you’re looking for higher profits and long-term growth, templates win. They’re perfect for business owners and creators who are constantly looking for designs to make their lives easier.
Example: A social media manager isn’t going to buy a printable; they’ll happily pay $20–$50 for a Canva template bundle they can use for their clients.
The Sweet Spot? Combine Both 🍭
Here’s a little secret: you don’t have to pick just one.
Many successful digital product sellers start with printables (fast and easy income) and later expand into templates (higher-value products).
👉 Example business idea: Sell a budget planner printable for $7, then upsell a Canva budget planner template bundle for $27. Now you’re covering both casual buyers and professionals.
Pricing: How Much Can You Charge?
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Printables: Usually between $2–$10 (Etsy’s sweet spot)
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Templates: Anywhere from $15–$100+ depending on complexity
Think of it like fast food vs fine dining. Both have customers, but one fills you up quickly while the other gives you a luxury experience.
How to Decide What’s Best for YOU
Ask yourself:
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Do I want to start small and fast? → Go with printables.
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Do I have design skills or want to learn? → Go with templates.
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Do I want recurring, higher-ticket sales? → Focus on templates.
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Do I want to serve a mix of customers? → Create both.
FAQs About Printables vs Templates
Q1. Are printables easier to sell than templates?
Yes. Printables are easier for beginners because they’re quick to make and don’t require advanced editing. But templates usually sell for higher prices.
Q2. Which platform is best to sell them?
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Printables: Etsy, Gumroad, Creative Market
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Templates: Etsy, Creative Market, your own Shopify store, or niche marketplaces like Design Bundles
Q3. Can I sell both printables and templates together?
Absolutely! Many top sellers bundle them to maximize revenue.
Q4. Do I need Canva Pro to create them?
Nope. Canva’s free version works fine for most designs, though Canva Pro gives you more flexibility and elements.
