PatchForge · Documentation

Quick Start Guides

Short, practical walkthroughs take you from a blank account to production-ready files. Read them in the browser, or download the PDFs for the shop computer.

1 · Getting Started

Create your account, start your free trial, and learn the five-step flow every patch follows.

2 · Design a Patch

The core workflow: Process → Artwork → Material & shape → Text → Layers, plus the toolbar, pricing, and export.

3 · Artwork & Uploads

Which file types to use, removing backgrounds, vectorizing for engraving, and getting clean cut lines.

4 · Materials & Effects

How UV print and laser engraving differ, choosing materials and engrave colors, and tri-layer acrylic.

5 · Hat Mockups & Client Proofs

Drop a patch onto real hat photos, then send a shareable proof your customer can approve or request changes on.

6 · Gang Sheets

Pack multiple designs onto a single print sheet to save material, then export the production file.

7 · Exporting Production Files

The Export dialog: file formats, DPI, the production ZIP, laser project files, and sending to your software.

8 · Account & Billing

Starting your trial, choosing a plan, updating your card, and what happens if a payment fails.

Download the whole set: quick-start-guides.zip
More help: FAQ · patchforge@makerfoundryco.com
Blank hats & patch materials: https://makerfoundryco.com

More from Maker Foundry:
ToneSmith — Turn any artwork into clean, press-ready halftone color separations for DTF and DTG printing — no Photoshop required.
Laser Settings — A searchable library of dialed-in laser cut and engrave settings — find the right power, speed, and passes for your material and machine.
TumblerForge — Design and preview custom tumbler and drinkware wraps in true 3D on real cup templates, then export laser-ready files and product mockups.

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