How to Design the Perfect Custom Phone Case: Step-by-Step

Updated 21 September 2026: this guide reflects the current model-first collection links and design workflow.

A custom phone case starts with two decisions: which phone it must fit, and what you want to put on it. You can upload your own image, use the design tools available in the customizer, or choose finished artwork. Here is how to get from that first choice to an order without guessing the model or relying on outdated instructions.

1. Choose your exact iPhone or Samsung model

Start with iPhone cases or Samsung Galaxy cases. Choose the full model name in the collection's model list. The link carries that choice into the customizer, so you should not need to select it again.

As of this update, the custom-case product includes the iPhone 15 and 16 families, iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, iPhone Air, iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the Galaxy S25 and S26 families, including Plus and Ultra variants. Availability can change: the live selector is the place to confirm that your exact variant can be ordered. Do not choose a similar model as a substitute.

If you open the customizer directly without a model-specific link, choose your device there. For a gift, confirm the recipient's model in their device settings before you begin.

2. Choose a design route

Upload your own photo or artwork

Use an original image you have permission to reproduce. A portrait, your own car photo, a favourite place or your own illustration can work. Start with the original file rather than a compressed screenshot. Check the file types and any limits shown in the current upload interface.

Create artwork with the available AI tools

Use the Prompt Engine when you have an idea rather than an existing picture. Describe the subject, colours and composition: for example, “an original abstract circuit pattern, cyan on black, vertical layout, one clear focal point”. Leave room around the edges and camera opening.

The Portrait Engine is intended for human portraits. Do not assume it will reliably transform pets, objects or landscapes; use direct photo upload for an existing image of those subjects. Check the current interface for access and generation allowances. If you need additional access, the current PIXELBACK page explains the offer. Older Phantom, Ghost and timed-access instructions should not guide a new order.

Choose finished artwork instead

If you want a ready-made design, browse RPX customs Originals. Automotive, retro and gaming-inspired artwork can be a starting point for finding your style without preparing a photo. Follow the options on the specific product; do not assume every finished design supports the same editing controls as the customizer.

3. Inspect the preview for your selected model

Look at the whole layout, then check the details. A face, car wheel or important word should not disappear under the camera opening or outside the printable preview. If you change the model, check the crop again.

• Keep important subjects clear of the camera opening and outside edges.
• Check text, numbers and AI-generated details individually.
• Use a better source if the image is visibly blurred or damaged by compression.
• Remember that a backlit screen and a printed surface can look different.

Design quality and case construction are separate questions. Read the phone case materials guide for the terminology, then verify the specifications on the actual product you are ordering. Do not infer protection or charging performance from the artwork.

4. Choose your offer and the correct photo terms

Use “Choose your offer” to select the case option you want before adding it to your cart. The current choices include one case, The Case Pair with a second case for €20, and a case with two screen protectors. Check the displayed price, model availability and included items; offers can change. For a pair, follow the next step to choose the second case’s model and design.

For ordinary photo printing, read and accept the Photo Upload Terms. Portrait Engine and optional AI print remastering use the separate AI Photo Processing Terms before their AI requests. Choosing an ordinary upload does not require an AI transformation.

5. Check the design and variant before paying

Continue through the customizer's final review and check the selected model before adding the case to your cart. Review the cart details as well. If a model or design is wrong, correct it before payment; a screenshot of your intended artwork does not change an incorrectly selected variant.

Use the current shipping and payment information for delivery details and the photo processing terms for upload handling. This guide does not promise a fixed design time, an exact screen-to-print colour match or a delivery deadline.

Frequently asked questions

Why does the direct customizer ask for my model?

A direct visit may not contain a device choice. Enter through a model card on the iPhone or Samsung collection to carry your selection forward, or select the model in the customizer.

Can I reuse the same design for another phone?

You can use your source artwork again, but check the new phone's crop and camera opening. A layout that works on one case may need repositioning on another.

Do I have to use AI?

No. Upload your own suitable image or choose finished artwork. AI is one design route, not a requirement for a personal case.

Ready to build your loadout? Choose your iPhone or Samsung Galaxy and start with the right fit.

Still deciding between a personal design and a ready-made case? Read our comparison of custom and generic phone cases, with checks for fit, print quality and buying transparency.