Getting Started With Kittl!

Design should feel fluid. Fast. Inspiring. Not like you're wrestling with ten panels just to move some text around. 

That’s why Kittl exists—to give you powerful design tools that feel intuitive yet still deliver professional results.

If you’ve worked with design software before, you’ll find Kittl refreshingly familiar—but way less rigid. This guide will walk you through the essentials, from setting up your first project to using advanced features like text transformations, vector exports, and built-in AI tools. 

From personal projects to commercial work, Kittl gives you the flexibility and control to bring your ideas to life—without the friction.

Table of contents

What is Kittl? Here’s everything you need to know about Kittl

If you’re wondering about Kittl and why so many designers are talking about it, here’s the quick rundown.

Kittl is a professional-grade design tool built to help creators of all levels design faster, smarter, and with more flexibility. Based in Berlin and founded in 2020, the platform combines precision design capabilities with ease of use—making it a go-to solution for everything from logos and merch to packaging, social media content, posters, and full brand systems.

What sets Kittl design tool apart from other tools is its browser-based experience—you can jump in and start designing right away, no downloads or installations needed. With the Kittl free plan, you can explore thousands of templates, try core design features, and export your work. The Pro and Expert plans unlock even more: exclusive fonts (including licensed typefaces from Monotype), advanced AI tools, commercial licensing, and more storage.

Want to learn how to use Kittl? We’ve got a full Kittl tutorial for beginners in this guide. Or, if you’re ready to dive in, just head over to the Kittl website, hit Kittl sign up, and start creating within minutes.

Looking to contribute your own templates or design assets? You can also apply to become a Kittl Contributor and share your work with our growing global community—now over 5 million creators strong.

Why trained designers are switching to Kittl (and why it clicks for newcomers, too)

Kittl is built for professional designers who expect precision and flexibility but are tired of clunky workflows and tool overload. It gives you the creative control you're used to, with a much smoother experience.

Here’s what sets it apart:

• Professional-grade templates that feel like real starting points—not just placeholders
• True drag-and-drop editing that doesn’t sacrifice precision (alignment tools, guides, layers—all built in)
• Advanced typography tools with path distortion, shadows, outlines, textures, and full text customization
• AI-powered features like Background Remover, Image Generator, and Smart Layout Suggestions—all native in the editor
• Fully browser-based so you can design anywhere, no installations or system limitations holding you back.

If you're coming from a traditional design suite, you’ll feel right at home—but probably move a whole lot faster.

Step-by-step: How to create your first design in Kittl

Wondering how does Kittl work? You’re not alone. If you’re new here, or just curious about how to get started, we’ve put together a clear and practical guide—a kind of go-to Kittl tutorial for beginners—so you can see exactly how the design process flows inside the editor.

Before you scroll through the step-by-step checklist, we recommend watching the quick intro video above. It walks you through the Kittl interface, shows how to choose and edit templates, customize text and graphics, and export your final design. Then, come back here for a detailed breakdown of each step—so you can follow along or reference as you go.

1. Go to Kittl.com and start with a template or blank canvas

First, you want to go to Kittl.com. You’ll be automatically logged in to your account, or if you haven’t had one yet, you’ll be directed to create your free account. Once you’re in your Kittl workspace, you’ll land on the Templates page—think of it as your creative jumpstart.

You can:

• Search by keyword (try “t-shirt,” “logo,” “label,” or “flyer”)
• Filter by category like branding, merch, social posts, packaging, or client-ready deliverables
• Or, if you prefer full control, just hit “Create New Project” to open a blank canvas

Templates in Kittl aren’t just placeholders—they’re thoughtfully designed layouts with editable elements, ideal for reverse-engineering good structure or building something custom. 

You can swap colors, fonts, illustrations—everything is up for grabs. Use them as shortcuts or creative springboards, depending on your workflow.

2. Add and edit text

Click into any text element and the full typography panel opens up—this is where Kittl really shines.

You’ll have access to:

• Smart font pairings and advanced text styling, including curve, arch, wave, and custom path distortions
  Decorative enhancements like shadows, outlines, textures, and layered effects—fully adjustable and stackable
• A live font preview switcher that lets you explore different looks without breaking your layout or redoing spacing

Whether you're refining a headline for a brand identity or experimenting with expressive type on a poster, Kittl gives you pro-level control with a much smoother experience than you might be used to.

3. Add graphics or upload your own

Need visuals to support your concept? Head to the Elements tab, where you’ll find a massive, curated library of high-quality vectors—everything from detailed illustrations and icons to textured shapes and frames, ready to drop into your design.

Prefer to work with your own assets? Just click “Upload” to bring in logos, product shots, or custom SVGs. All imported elements remain fully editable within the Kittl canvas.

And if you’re building from a blank slate, you can use the AI Image Generator to create original artwork from a simple text prompt—ideal for quick concepts, mood boards, or filling visual gaps without leaving your workflow.

4. Customize colors, layout, and details

Everything on your canvas is fully adjustable—down to the pixel. You can fine-tune colors, organize layers, adjust transparency, and dial in alignment or spacing without the usual guesswork.

Here are a few tools that make it smooth:

• Project Colors: Build and reuse a consistent palette across your entire project
• Snapping + Smart Guides: Align elements effortlessly while keeping your layout clean and intentional
• Hold ALT: Instantly measure the distance between objects with on-canvas distance lines—a lifesaver for grid lovers

5. Download and share

When your design’s ready, hit Download to export it as PNG, JPG, PDF, or SVG. You can also copy the public link or share it with a collaborator for feedback.

Kittl features that save you serious time

1. Play with pro-level text effects

Typography is one of the most powerful tools in design, and Kittl takes it to the next level. With the Text Effects panel, you can apply curved, warped, arched, or wavy transformations with a single click. 

Want your headline to rise, bulge, or follow a custom path? Just drag the handles and watch it come to life. Plus, you can combine effects like shadows, outlines, textures, and 3D depth for rich, layered lettering that still looks crisp and editable.

2. Supercharge your workflow with AI tools

From designing from scratch to improving what you already made, Kittl’s AI-powered Copilot gives you a creative boost at every step. Use natural language prompts to adjust colors, layouts, or spacing instantly—or get smart suggestions based on your current design. 

Inside the Kittl Editor, you’ll also find AI tools like the Image Generator, Background Remover, Vectorizer, and Erase & Fill, all available right inside your canvas. These tools help you move from rough draft to polished design without jumping between tabs or tools.

3. Access thousands of illustrations, icons, and textures

Kittl comes packed with an ever-growing Content Library full of high-quality graphics you can drag and drop into your projects. This includes vintage ornaments, modern icons, botanical illustrations, decorative frames, textured overlays, and more—perfect for posters, apparel, logos, and packaging. 

Want to bring in your own brand assets? No problem. You can upload your own elements (SVG, PNG, JPG) and use them seamlessly across all your projects.

4. See your work in context with mockups

Need to show off your design on a T-shirt, coffee cup, or poster frame? With Kittl’s Mockup Generator, you can turn any design into a product preview in seconds. 

It’s all built into the Kittl Editor—no separate tool is needed. Choose from mockups for apparel, prints, packaging, and more to visualize how your design looks in real life. This is perfect for Etsy sellers, POD creators, or anyone needing presentation-ready visuals.

5. Get pixel-perfect layouts with rulers and guides

Visual alignment can make or break a design. That’s why Kittl includes powerful Layout Tools like rulers, guides, and snapping functionality. Hold ALT to activate Canvas Distance Lines, letting you measure spacing between objects in real time. 

Add custom guides or toggle rulers on and off to build precise, well-balanced layouts. Whether you’re designing for web, print, or social media, these tools help your composition feel intentional—not just eyeballed.

Got questions about Kittl design software? We’ve got you covered

Before diving into your first project, you might be wondering about the fine print—things like plan limits, font uploads, or what you’re allowed to do with your designs commercially. Totally fair.

Here are some of the most common things people ask when they’re getting started with Kittl (and probably what you’re wondering, too):

1. Is Kittl free to use?

Yes! Kittl offers a free plan with access to core design tools, templates, and the editor. That said, if you're looking to take things to the next level, Pro and Expert plans unlock even more. 

You’ll get additional projects, increased cloud storage, more AI credits, and access to advanced tools like font uploads, premium templates, and commercial licensing.

2. How do I create a Kittl account? (Kittl sign up)

Go to kittl.com and click the “Sign up” button in the top-right corner. From there, you can create a free account in a few ways: sign up with Google or Facebook, or manually enter your name, email, and password.

Once you’ve completed the Kittl sign up process, you’ll land in your personal dashboard where you can start designing right away using the Kittl free plan. You'll get access to the Kittl free plan, which includes thousands of editable templates, basic export options, and core design tools.

No credit card is required to get started, and you can upgrade to Pro or Expert plans anytime if you need more features like font uploads, commercial licensing, or AI tools.

3. How do I log in to my account? (Kittl login)

To return to your workspace, just head to kittl.com and click “Log in” in the top-right corner. Then, sign in using the method you registered with—email and password, Google, or Facebook. Once logged in, you’ll be taken straight to your dashboard where all your saved projects live.

Or, you could just type in kittl.com in your browser, and Kittl will automatically take you straight to your workspace instead of the homepage. No extra clicks, no distractions—just right back to where you left off.

Forgot your password? No problem—just click the reset link on the login screen and you’ll be back in the editor in no time.

4. Can I upload my own fonts?

Yes, font upload is supported—but only for Pro and Expert users. If you're working with custom brand fonts or just want to expand beyond Kittl’s built-in library, this feature makes a big difference. 

You can upload .TTF (TrueType Font) files directly into your project and use them just like native fonts inside the editor.

To see the full walkthrough and tips for managing your uploads, check out our guide on how to upload your fonts to Kittl.

5. Can I use my designs for commercial projects?

Absolutely—as long as you're on a paid plan. Free users can use their designs for personal projects only. With a Pro or Expert subscription, you can use your designs on merch, client projects, marketing campaigns, and more. 

For the full breakdown of what’s allowed, read our commercial licensing terms to make sure you're covered.

6. What file types can I export from Kittl?

Kittl supports multiple export formats, including PNG (with or without transparency), JPG, PDF, and SVG. These cover most use cases—from social media graphics and client presentations to print-ready posters and merch.

Not sure which format is best for your project? Check out our guide on how to choose the right export format—it breaks down when to use vector files like SVG versus raster files like PNG or JPG, so you can pick the right one every time.

7. Can I use Kittl on mobile?

Currently, Kittl is optimized for desktop and tablet use. A mobile-friendly editor is in the works, but for now, you’ll get the best experience on a larger screen where you can access all the precision tools.

Create your next project with Kittl design tool

If you're already comfortable with advanced design tools, Kittl gives you that same level of creative control—without the heavy setup or steep learning curve. 

You’ll find familiar features like vector editing, layered layouts, advanced typography, and export options that fit both print and digital needs.

What makes Kittl different is how fast you can go from idea to final design. No more bouncing between apps or setting up complex files just to try something out. Whether you’re creating for clients, building a portfolio, or testing new product ideas, Kittl lets you work at the speed of inspiration.

If you're looking for a powerful design platform that works like a pro tool—but feels far more intuitive—this is the place to start.