Shopify vs Easy Digital Downloads: My Verdict for 2025

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Original Source: https://ecommerce-platforms.com/articles/shopify-vs-easy-digital-downloads

Shopify and Easy Digital Downloads are two major players in the eCommerce space—but which one’s better for selling digital products?

We’ve spent over 200 hours researching and testing the top platforms to help you make the best choice for your online store.

After running the numbers and testing both platforms hands-on, Shopify takes the lead as the most beginner-friendly option.

But EDD has its strengths, especially for WordPress users focused on digital-only sales.

Shopify vs Easy Digital Downloads Quick Verdict

Shopify – Best for ease of use and growing a digital product business fast

Easy Digital Downloads – Best for total control and lower long-term costs if you’re selling only digital goods

In this guide, I’ll compare both platforms in-depth, including pricing, sales tools, customization options, and more, to help you choose the right fit for your business.

Shopify is best for:

Creators and entrepreneurs who want a quick, low-maintenance way to sell digital products

Sellers who might expand into physical products later

EDD is best for:

WordPress users focused entirely on digital goods

Store owners who want full control and to avoid monthly platform fees

This article was updated on 01/31/25 with the latest pricing and features. Keep reading for the full breakdown.

Quick Comparison: Shopify vs Easy Digital Downloads

If you’re in a hurry, here’s a quick summary of how Shopify and EDD compare when it comes to selling digital products:

ShopifyEasy Digital Downloads (EDD)Overall rating4.84.2Starting Price$39/month (after trial)Free (core plugin), paid plans from $99/yearPros– All-in-one hosted platform
– Beginner-friendly setup
– 100+ payment gateways
– Large app ecosystem
– Built-in marketing tools– Built specifically for digital products
– Zero transaction fees
– Fully customizable via WordPress
– Great for licensing and subscriptions
– Cheaper long-term if you’re tech-savvyCons– Monthly fees add up
– Transaction fees unless using Shopify Payments
– Limited flexibility without custom code
– Native digital product support requires apps– Requires WordPress + hosting
– Steep learning curve for beginners
– Relies on plugins for core features
– No visual editor or built-in theme systemFree plan or trial3-day free trial, then 3 months for $1/monthFree core plugin, paid extensions availableNumber of Templates200+ themesDepends on WordPress theme, not EDD-specificBest ForSellers who want fast setup and bundled toolsWordPress users focused on digital-only productsVisitVisit ShopifyVisit EDD

Both platforms can sell digital products effectively, but the experience differs significantly. Let’s break it down further.

Best for Pricing: Shopify

While EDD offers a free version, Shopify’s pricing is more predictable and beginner-friendly. You know exactly what you’re paying, and everything—from hosting to support—is included.

There’s no guesswork, no hidden plugin costs, and no piecing together a stack of tools just to get your store running.

With Shopify, your store is ready to go right out of the box. That convenience is baked into the price, which makes it ideal for beginners or anyone who just wants to start selling without thinking too much about the tech stack.

Sure, it’s not the cheapest on the market, but the value is in the ease and speed of execution.

Shopify Pricing Plans

PlanPrice (per month, billed annually)IncludesBasic$39Digital sales support, apps, 24/7 supportShopify$105Advanced reports, lower feesAdvanced$399Best for scaling and larger teams

You can get started with Shopify for just $1/month for your first 3 months. That’s ideal if you’re testing the waters. Most people can build, launch, and start making sales during that intro period—making it one of the most accessible entry points in eCommerce.

And remember, Shopify includes:

Hosting and SSL

Unlimited products

A mobile-optimized storefront

App access and theme library

24/7 support

This means there are no separate costs for hosting, backups, or basic maintenance, unlike WordPress-based platforms.

EDD Pricing Options

OptionCostNotesCore PluginFreeBasic functionalityPersonal Pass$99/yearIncludes Stripe, MailchimpExtended Pass$199+/yearSubscriptions, software licensing, and more

EDD appears cheaper upfront, but you’ll need to install—and in many cases, pay for—extra plugins for basic features like:

Stripe or PayPal payments

Recurring billing

Email automation

Analytics and reporting

And you’ll also need to factor in:

Monthly hosting ($5–$20/month for decent speed)

Security (free with some hosts, paid with others)

Plugin updates and compatibility issues over time

So while the initial costs look appealing, the overall pricing structure with EDD is more fragmented and unpredictable—especially as your store grows and you need more features.

For store owners already comfortable with WordPress, that may not be an issue. But if you’re looking for a cleaner, more transparent cost model, Shopify delivers better.

Real Talk: Which One Saves You More Money?

If you’re building a simple, one-product store and already have a WordPress site, EDD might save you some cash in the short term.

But once you factor in paid add-ons, hosting, and your time managing updates and tech issues, it quickly levels out—or tilts in Shopify’s favour.

On the other hand, Shopify’s pricing looks more expensive at first glance, but you’re paying for a managed experience, built-in scalability, and the time savings of not needing to piece together multiple tools.

Over a year, that simplicity saves you hours, and those hours can be spent on growth and sales.

The Winner

✅ Shopify wins for pricing, due to its simplicity, bundled features, and beginner-friendly $1 launch deal. Even if the monthly price is higher, what you get for it—especially if you’re new to selling online—is worth every penny.

Best for Selling Digital Products: It’s a Tie

Easy Digital Downloads was built for digital sales. The entire platform is focused on helping you sell downloadable goods in the most streamlined way possible.

From licensing to file delivery and customer tracking, EDD gives you the kind of control and specificity digital sellers need—without the clutter of features meant for physical products.

The moment you install EDD, you’re ready to sell things like eBooks, courses, templates, music, or software. There’s no need to bolt on third-party tools just to enable downloads or manage customers.

You can keep everything inside one plugin ecosystem and tailor it to exactly how your store runs.

EDD Features for Digital Products

Secure file delivery with access expiration

Built-in customer management dashboard

License key generation (paid add-on)

Subscription-based billing with renewal reminders

Detailed reports for digital product performance

Restrict downloads by user, product, or number of attempts

Integrates with major WordPress plugins like LearnDash, AffiliateWP, and more

In short: EDD is digital-first, and it shows. It feels like the platform was designed with digital creators in mind, not just as an afterthought.

That said, Shopify has stepped up its game when it comes to digital sales. While digital products aren’t its main focus, the experience has improved significantly—especially if you’re already planning to use Shopify for a hybrid store that includes physical items.

To sell digital products on Shopify, you’ll need to install the Digital Downloads app (free), or use a more advanced tool like Sky Pilot or SendOwl.

These apps handle file storage, delivery, and gating, but each comes with its own limitations, especially on the free versions.

Shopify Digital Features

Basic file delivery via Shopify’s free Digital Downloads app

Ability to bundle digital + physical products in a single order

Optional integration with Sky Pilot, SendOwl, or FetchApp for advanced delivery

Auto-email download links after purchase

Built-in tax handling for digital goods

App-based gating and drip content (with paid tools)

The biggest strength Shopify brings to digital sales is its infrastructure. You get a super reliable checkout system, secure hosting, and an app store packed with upgrade options. Even if it requires more setup, Shopify gives you a lot of flexibility if you’re willing to explore its third-party tools.

Key Differences: EDD vs Shopify for Digital Sales

FeatureEDDShopifyBuilt-in digital delivery✅ Native support❌ Requires appLicense key generation✅ Add-on available❌ Requires integrationBundling digital + physical❌ Not native✅ SupportedFile expiration + access limits✅ Built-in✅ With appSubscription support✅ With paid extension✅ Via appsLearning curve❌ Requires WordPress knowledge✅ Beginner-friendlySetup timeLongerFaster

My Take

If you’re focused entirely on digital products, especially things like software, templates, or online courses, EDD is more streamlined and flexible. It was made for that purpose, and you can feel it in every step of the setup and selling process.

But if you’re looking to build a hybrid store, or want to simplify operations with a fully hosted platform, Shopify does a solid job once you’ve set up the right app stack. It’s a better fit if you need speed, scalability, and an all-in-one environment.

The Winner

🤝 It’s a tie.

EDD is purpose-built for digital sales and offers more native control out of the box.

Shopify is easier to launch and scale, especially if you’re mixing physical and digital products or want everything hosted for you.

Both platforms can sell digital products well—it just depends on your priorities.

Best for Ease of Use: Shopify

Setting up a store on Shopify was quick, intuitive, and beginner-friendly. From the moment you land on the dashboard, it walks you through everything step-by-step.

Whether you’re selling a single digital product or launching a full online business, Shopify keeps the process clean and simple.

The platform is designed to remove barriers. There’s no need to worry about hosting, installing plugins, or configuring third-party tools just to make the site functional. You’re up and running in minutes—not hours or days.

Shopify Onboarding Flow

When I tested it, I was asked a few basic questions:

What are you planning to sell?

Are you already selling online or just getting started?

Where will you be selling—social media, online store, or both?

Then, setup looked like this:

Choose a pre-built theme and customise it using the drag-and-drop editor

Add digital products with file attachments

Set up payments (Shopify Payments, PayPal, etc.)

Preview and launch your store

Everything is contained in one dashboard, and the UI is clean and well-organised. For someone new to selling online, this kind of frictionless onboarding is a huge win.

On the flip side, EDD takes more effort to set up—especially if you’re not already comfortable with WordPress. You’ll need to manage several moving parts just to get to the same basic starting point.

EDD’s Setup Involved

Installing and configuring WordPress (manually or through a host)

Installing the EDD plugin and confirming compatibility with your theme

Adding extensions for payment gateways, analytics, subscriptions, and file delivery

Managing hosting, SSL certificates, caching, backups, and plugin conflicts

For experienced WordPress users, this might feel second nature. But for beginners? It can feel overwhelming—especially if something breaks or doesn’t behave as expected.

Why Shopify Wins Here

No hosting or technical setup required

Built-in themes, checkout, and product delivery tools

Clear support docs, live chat, and a large help centre

No need to manage updates, plugin conflicts, or security patches

Shopify lets you focus on growing your business, not managing your website. That matters when you’re a solo creator or small team wearing multiple hats.

Who Will Struggle More with EDD?

First-time sellers with no tech background

Non-WordPress users unfamiliar with plugin ecosystems

Businesses that want to launch fast with minimal setup

That’s not to say EDD is difficult—it’s just not beginner-first. It was designed for flexibility, not ease. And while it does its job well, it assumes you know your way around a WordPress dashboard.

The Winner

✅ Shopify is easier to use, especially for anyone without technical experience. It wins on speed, simplicity, and support—making it the better option for creators who want to launch fast without diving into code or configuration.

Best for Payments and Fees: Easy Digital Downloads

When it comes to payment flexibility and keeping more of your revenue, EDD comes out ahead—especially if you’re focused on selling digital products with tight margins.

The platform doesn’t charge any additional transaction fees, which makes a noticeable difference over time, particularly if you’re selling at volume or working with low-cost digital products.

With EDD, you choose your gateway, install the relevant extension, and you’re good to go. The plugin natively supports Stripe, PayPal, and other gateways like Authorize.net via add-ons.

There’s also no penalty for using third-party gateways, which is a big advantage compared to Shopify’s model.

EDD Payment Gateway Options

Stripe, PayPal, Authorize.net (via extensions)

No platform transaction fees

Full control over checkout experience

Flexible integration with WordPress plugin ecosystem

Supports one-time and recurring payments

In short, you pay Stripe or PayPal’s standard processing fee—and that’s it. No middleman platform fees, no upgrade prompts just to save on percentages, and no lock-in to a specific provider.

By contrast, Shopify offers plenty of gateway options—but they come with strings attached. Shopify Payments (which is powered by Stripe) is their default gateway. If you use it, great—you won’t pay extra transaction fees beyond standard card processing costs.

But if you use any other payment gateway, Shopify adds a platform fee on top:

Up to 2% per transaction on the Basic plan

Drops to 1% on the Shopify plan

Drops to 0.5% on the Advanced plan

This can seriously affect your profit margins—especially if your store processes dozens or hundreds of smaller digital purchases every week.

Shopify Payment Options

Shopify Payments (Stripe-powered)

100+ third-party gateways

Additional platform fees if using non-Shopify gateways

No full control over checkout (unless on Shopify Plus)

Solid reliability, fast payout structure

Shopify’s payment system is robust, and setup is easy. But you’re nudged toward their preferred gateway, and if you don’t follow that path, you’ll pay more.

Side-by-Side: EDD vs Shopify Payment Setup

PlatformTransaction FeesGateway SupportShopify✅ Yes (unless using Shopify Payments)✅ 100+ optionsEDD❌ No platform fees✅ Stripe, PayPal, more via plugins

Our Take

If you’re running a digital-first store, especially one that sells low-ticket items or volume-based digital goods (like templates, eBooks, or downloads), platform fees add up fast. Even a 1-2% cut per sale can eat away at your profits—especially if you’re also paying for email tools, add-ons, and advertising.

That’s why EDD wins here. You have complete control over your payment flow, no forced upsells to reduce transaction fees, and you can tailor the checkout experience using plugins or custom code.

If you’re using Shopify and want to keep things simple, Shopify Payments works great—but the second you want more flexibility, you’re penalised with platform commissions. For many sellers, that’s a dealbreaker.

The Winner

✅ EDD wins for fees, giving you full control without platform commissions. If you’re processing a high volume of small digital sales, those extra Shopify platform fees can quietly erode your margins over time.

Best for Customization: Easy Digital Downloads

EDD is open-source and sits inside WordPress, so customization possibilities are almost limitless. You’re not boxed into a proprietary platform.

Instead, you get complete freedom to shape your store exactly how you want—whether that’s a minimalist one-product sales page or a full-blown digital marketplace.

With access to WordPress’s massive plugin ecosystem, developers (and even non-devs with a bit of experience) can tweak, extend, or overhaul nearly any part of the store.

You’re able to edit theme files, change checkout logic, create user roles, or connect to external tools—all without relying on a locked-down platform.

EDD Customization Options

Build fully custom checkout pages

Use hooks and filters to alter behaviour or functionality

Choose from thousands of compatible WordPress themes

Integrate with membership, LMS, and affiliate plugins

Create gated content, custom dashboards, and complex user flows

Whether you’re building a course site with LearnDash, a membership platform with Restrict Content Pro, or selling software licenses with recurring billing, EDD gives you the flexibility to connect it all under one WordPress roof.

Shopify also offers some solid customization—especially with themes, design, and apps—but you’re operating within a closed system.

Its templating language, Liquid, is powerful but not beginner-friendly, and deep customisation often requires hiring a developer familiar with Shopify’s framework.

You’re also restricted when it comes to checkout customization, unless you upgrade to Shopify Plus (starting at $2,300/month).

That means if you want to change how fields are presented, add upsells in checkout, or personalise the user journey—you’re stuck unless you pay enterprise-level pricing or rely on workarounds.

Shopify Limitations

Deep customization requires editing Liquid code

Limited checkout control (unless on Shopify Plus)

Fewer ways to connect custom back-end workflows

Some themes and apps require extra payment or subscription

If you want flexibility without guardrails, EDD is the clear winner. For developers, designers, or technical marketers, it offers the tools needed to build exactly what you want—no compromises.

The Winner

✅ EDD wins for flexibility, especially for developers or those wanting full control over every element of the store.

Best for Marketing and Growth: Shopify

Shopify offers more out-of-the-box tools to help grow your business—and that’s one of its biggest advantages. You don’t have to hunt down 10 different plugins just to do basic marketing. It’s already baked in, and the integrations are native, smooth, and easy to use.

With Shopify, you can run email campaigns, set up automated abandoned cart recovery, and connect to major sales channels like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook in just a few clicks. It even lets you sync products with marketplaces like Amazon and Etsy through the Shopify Marketplace Connect app, opening up more visibility for your digital products.

Marketing Features in Shopify

Built-in email tool (Shopify Email)

Sales channels for TikTok, Facebook, Instagram

Marketplace sync (Amazon, eBay, Etsy)

Discount codes and abandoned cart recovery

App store integrations with Klaviyo, Privy, Omnisend

Shopify also provides access to marketing analytics, campaign tracking, and integrations with tools like Google Ads, Facebook Pixel, and UTM tracking—all without touching code. For most users, this means faster setup, fewer moving parts, and more confidence in growing the store.

On the other hand, EDD requires a plugin-based approach for almost everything related to marketing. You’ll need to install and configure third-party tools to handle the basics—like email marketing, SEO, analytics, and conversion tracking.

While WordPress gives you more flexibility here, it also means more plugins to manage, more things that can break, and a steeper learning curve if you’re not already familiar with the tools.

EDD Requires Additional Plugins To Match Shopify’s Stack

Mailchimp or FluentCRM for email marketing

MonsterInsights or GA4 for analytics

RankMath or Yoast SEO for search optimisation

WP Simple Pay or custom scripts for promotions and funnels

AffiliateWP for referral marketing

It’s not a dealbreaker—but it does make scaling your marketing more fragmented and hands-on.

Feature Comparison Table

FeatureShopifyEDDEmail Marketing✅ Built-in❌ Plugin requiredSocial Selling✅ Built-in❌ Plugin requiredSEO Tools✅ Shopify Apps + native fields✅ RankMath, YoastMarketplace Integration✅ One-click setup❌ Custom setup/plugins requiredAbandoned Cart Recovery✅ Included in all paid plans❌ Requires pluginAnalytics & UTM Tracking✅ Built-in + integrations❌ Plugin or manual setup

Our Take

If you want to start selling and marketing quickly—without juggling 10 different dashboards—Shopify wins hands down. Everything you need to grow is right there, or just one app away. You don’t need to stitch together a Frankenstein stack just to run a campaign or track results.

EDD can compete—but only if you know your way around WordPress, have time to tinker, and don’t mind paying for multiple third-party tools to replicate the experience Shopify gives you on Day 1.

The Winner
✅ Shopify wins for growth, giving you all the tools to market digital products without extra setup. If you want speed, simplicity, and sales channels that are ready to go, Shopify is the better choice.

Our Winner: Shopify

Both platforms have strengths, but Shopify is better suited for most digital product sellers—especially those who value speed, simplicity, and built-in tools.

Choose Shopify if you want:

An all-in-one platform with hosting, security, and support

A fast, intuitive setup experience

Strong built-in marketing tools

A platform that supports both digital and physical sales

Choose EDD if you want:

Total control over design, checkout, and file delivery

To avoid platform fees and build on WordPress

A digital-only store with deep plugin customization

Full access to your store’s code and hosting

The Overall Winner

🏆 Shopify wins for most digital sellers—especially if you want to launch fast, grow quickly, and avoid technical headaches.

The post Shopify vs Easy Digital Downloads: My Verdict for 2025 appeared first on Ecommerce Platforms.

Gild Just One Lily

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Original Source: https://smashingmagazine.com/2025/04/gild-just-one-lily/

The phrase “gild the lily” implies unnecessary ornamentation, the idea being that adorning a lily with superficial decoration only serves to obscure its natural beauty. Well, I’m here to tell you that a little touch of what might seem like unnecessary ornamentation in design is exactly what you need.

When your design is solid, and you’ve nailed the fundamentals, adding one layer of decoration can help communicate a level of care and attention.

First, You Need A Lily

Let’s break down the “gild the lily” metaphor. First, you need a lily. Lilies are naturally beautiful, and each is unique. They don’t need further decoration. To play in this metaphor, let’s assume your design is already great. If not, you don’t have a lily. Get back to work on the fundamentals and check back in later (or keep reading anyhow).

Now that you’ve got a lily, let’s talk gilding. To “gild” is to cover it with a thin layer of gold. We’re not talking about the inner beauty baked into the very soul of your product (that’s the lily part of the metaphor). A touch of metaphorical gold foil on the surface can send a message of delight with a hint of decadence.

This gilding might come in the form of a subtle, animated transition or through a hint of colour and added depth in a drop shadow. Before we get into specifics, let’s make sure our metaphor doesn’t carry us too far.

Gild Sparingly
If we go too far with our gilding, we can communicate indulgence and excess rather than a hint of decadence.

An over-the-top design can be particularly irritating, depending on the state of mind of the person you’re designing for. For example, a flashy animation bragging about your new AI chat feature may not sit so well with a frustrated customer who can’t get their password reset to use it in the first place.

Wink At The Audience (Once)

Not every great product design can be so obviously beautiful as a lily. Even if you have a great design, it may not be noticeable to those enjoying the benefits of that design. Our designs shouldn’t always be noticeable, but sometimes it’s fun to notice and appreciate a great design.

If you’re Apple, you don’t need to worry about your design going unnoticed. Nobody thinks the background color of the Apple website is white (#FFFFFF) because they forgot to specify one in their stylesheet (though I’m old enough to remember a time when the default background of the web was a battleship gray, #CCCCCC). It’s so clear from the general level of refinement and production quality on the Apple site that the white background is a deliberate choice.

You and I are not Apple. Your client is (probably) not Apple. You don’t have an army of world-class product photographers and motion designers working in a glass spaceship in Cupertino. You’re on a small team pushing up against budget and schedule constraints. Even with these limitations, you’re managing to make great products.

The great design behind your products might be so well done that it is invisible. The door handle is so well-shaped that you don’t notice how well-shaped it is. That button is so well-placed that no one thinks about where it is positioned.

When you’re nailing the fundamentals, it’s ok to wink at the audience once in a while. Not only is it ok, but it can even augment your design.

By calling just a touch of attention to the thoughtfulness of your design, you may make it even more delightful to experience. Take it one inch too far, though, and you’re distracting from the experience and begging for applause. Walk this line carefully.

Digital Lilies

A metaphor — even one with gold and lilies — only takes us so far. Let’s consider some concrete examples of gilding a digital product. When it comes to the web, a few touches of polish to reach for can include the following:

Not-quite black and not-quite white: Instead of solid black (#000000) and solid white (#FFFFFF) colors on the web, find subtle variations. They may look black/white on a first glance, but there’s a subtle implication of care and customization. An off-white background also allows you to have pure white elements, like form inputs, that stand out nicely against the backdrop. Be careful to preserve enough contrast to ensure accessible text.

Layered and color-hinted shadows: Josh Comeau writes about bringing color into shadows, including a tool to help generate shadows that just feel better.

Comfortable lettering: Find a comfortable line height and letter spacing for the font family you’re using. A responsive type system like Utopia can help define spacing that looks and feels comfortable across a variety of device sizes.

A touch of color: When you don’t want your brand colors to overwhelm your design or you would like a complementary color to accent an otherwise monotone site, consider adding a single, simple stripe of solid color along the top of the viewport. Even something a few pixels tall can add a nice splash of color without complicating the rest of the design. The site for the One React web framework does this nicely and goes further with a uniquely shaped yellow accent at the top of the site. It’s even more subtle if you’re seeing their dark-mode design, but it’s still there.

Illustration and photography: It’s easier than ever to find whimsical and fun illustrations for your site, but no stock image can replace a relevant illustration or photo so apt that it must have been crafted just for this case. A List Apart has commissioned a unique illustration in a consistent style for each of their articles for decades. You don’t have to be a gifted illustrator. There may be charm in your amateur scribbles. If not, hire a great artist.

Beware, Cheap Gilding

Symbols of decadence are valued because they are precious in some way. This is why we talk about gilding with gold and not brass. This is also why a business card with rounded corners may feel more premium than a simple rectangle. It feels more expensive because it is.

Printing has gotten pretty cheap, though, even with premium touches. Printing flourishes like rounded corners or a smooth finish don’t convey the same value and care as they did before they became quick up-sell options from your local (or budget online) print shop.

A well-worded and thoughtful cover letter used to be a great way to stand out from a pile of similar resumes. Now, it takes a whole different approach to stand out from a wall of AI-LLM-generated cover letters that say everything an employer might want to hear.

On the web, a landing page where new page sections slide and fade in with animation is used to imply that someone spent extra time on the implementation. Now, a page with too much motion feels more like a million other templates enabled by site-building tools like Wix, Squarespace, and Webflow.

Custom fonts have also become so easy and ubiquitous on the web that sticking to system default fonts can be as strong a statement as a stylish typeface.

Does Anyone Care?

Is everyone going to notice that the drop shadows on your website have a hint of color? No. Is anyone going to notice? Maybe not. If you get the details right, though, people will feel it. These levels of polish are cumulative, contributing one percent here and there to the overall experience. They may not notice the hue of your drop shadow, but they may impart some trust from a sense of the care that went into the design.

Most people aren’t web developers or designers. They don’t know the implementation details of CSS animations and box-shadows. Similarly, I’m not a car expert — far from it. I value reliability and affordability more than performance and luxury in a car. Even so, when I close the door on a high-quality vehicle, I can feel the difference.

On that next project, allow yourself to gild just one lily.

Adobe says we'll soon be able to chat with Photoshop

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Original Source: https://www.creativebloq.com/tech/adobe-says-well-soon-be-able-to-chat-with-photoshop

Agentic AI will allow image editing without all the clicks.

Lexus's stunning new display could transform car UI design

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Original Source: https://www.creativebloq.com/design/product-design/lexuss-stunning-new-display-could-transform-in-car-ui-design

Black Butterfly is a thing of beauty.

Guesthoo Rebrand: Smart Branding & Visual Identity

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Original Source: https://abduzeedo.com/guesthoo-rebrand-smart-branding-visual-identity

Guesthoo Rebrand: Smart Branding & Visual Identity

abduzeedo
04/10 — 2025

Rhombus Studio crafts a warm, tech-savvy branding and visual identity for Guesthoo’s short-term let service. See the case study.

Finding the right vibe for a service that blends tech efficiency with a personal touch can be tricky. That’s the challenge Rhombus Studio tackled when rebranding Guesthoo, an end-to-end management service for short-term lets and holiday homes. Guesthoo handles everything from bookings and guest communication to housekeeping and maintenance, aiming for a stress-free experience for property owners. Let’s dive into how Rhombus Studio refreshed their branding and visual identity.

Starting with Strategy

Guesthoo isn’t just another property management company. Founded by former holiday homeowners, they get the nuances of letting out a personal space. Rhombus Studio tapped into this core understanding right from the start.

The goal wasn’t just a facelift; it was about building a brand reflecting Guesthoo’s commitment to clients, smart tech, and a genuinely personal approach. The strategy focused on balancing three key elements: property, people, and technology. This foundation informed everything that followed, including the verbal identity. Rhombus defined a tone of voice that is Direct, Warm, and Reassuring – hitting that sweet spot between professional efficiency and friendly support.

Crafting the Visuals

With a solid strategy, Rhombus moved to the visual elements. The logo needed an update. It evolved from the original mark into a clever combination representing a ‘G’ (for Guesthoo), a house, and a key – neatly summarizing the business. It feels modern yet approachable.

The color palette plays a huge role in setting the mood. Rhombus chose cool, calming colors like ‘King Blue’ and ‘Twin Blue’, balanced with a welcoming ‘Queen Yellow’ and clean ‘Cot White’. This combination feels trustworthy and puts potential clients at ease.

For typography, they selected Area Normal. It’s a clean sans-serif font that feels contemporary and tech-aligned, but it also has enough personality to avoid feeling cold or impersonal. This choice perfectly mirrors Guesthoo’s blend of smart technology and human interaction. The simple type hierarchy keeps things clear and easy to read across all materials.

Building the Digital Experience

A rebrand isn’t complete without translating it to the digital space. Rhombus Studio designed and built a custom website for Guesthoo. The challenge here was integrating a sophisticated booking system while showcasing inspiring case studies and lifestyle imagery that captures the spirit of the South West UK, where Guesthoo operates.

The website aims to build trust and convey reliability and quality. It avoids the generic feel of many competitor sites by balancing technical features with beautiful visuals and clear messaging. To ensure consistency, Rhombus also developed a custom set of icons. These icons share the same visual DNA as the logo, creating a cohesive look and enhancing user experience across the website and other digital touchpoints.

The Result: Ready for Growth

The outcome is a comprehensive branding and visual identity that feels both modern and deeply personal. It successfully communicates Guesthoo’s unique proposition: meticulous management powered by smart tech, delivered with a human touch.

As Guesthoo founder William Asbury noted, the work provided “the foundations it needs to take us into the next phase of our growth.” It’s a great example of how thoughtful strategy and design execution can prepare a brand for the future.

This project highlights the power of aligning brand strategy, verbal identity, and visual design to create a cohesive and compelling narrative. It’s about finding that perfect balance.

Interested in seeing more of their work? Check out the full case study and Rhombus Studio’s portfolio 

Branding and visual identity artifacts

Using Manim For Making UI Animations

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Original Source: https://smashingmagazine.com/2025/04/using-manim-making-ui-animations/

Say you are learning to code for the first time, in Python, for example, which is a great starting point for getting into development. You are likely to come across some information like “a variable stores a value.” That sounds straightforward, but if you are a beginner just starting, then it can also be a bit confusing. How does a variable store or hold something? What happens when we assign a new value to it?

To figure things out, you could read a bunch and watch tutorials, but sometimes, resources like these don’t help the concept fully click. That’s where animation helps. It has the power to take complex programming concepts and turn them into something visual, dynamic, and easy to grasp.

Let’s break it down with an example: Say we have a box labeled X, first empty, then fill with a value 5, for this example, then update to 12, then 8, then 20, then 3.

2. Click “Create App”

You’ll see three options:

“Create With Replit Agent”,
“Choose a Template”,
“Import from GitHub”.

3. Select “Choose a Template”

Then, search for Manim and create your app. At this point, you don’t have to do anything else because this sets up everything for you (including the main.py file, a media folder, and all of the required dependencies).

Voilà! Now you can start coding your animations right away!

Using Manim For Math, Code, And UI/UX Visuals

Okay, you know Manim. Whether it’s for math, programming, physics, or even prototyping UI concepts, it’s all about making complex concepts easier to grasp through animation. But how does that work in practice? Let’s go through some ways Manim makes things clearer and more engaging.

1. Math & Geometry Visuals

Sometimes, math can feel a bit like a puzzle with missing pieces. But with Manim, numbers, shapes, and graphs move, making patterns and relationships easier to grasp. Take graphs, for example. When you tweak a parameter, Manim instantly updates the visualization so you can watch how a function changes over time. And that’s a game-changer for understanding concepts like derivatives or transformations.

(Large preview)

Geometry concepts also come easier and become even more fun when you can see those shapes move, giving you a clear understanding of rotation or reflection. If you’re drawing a triangle with a compass and straightedge, for example, Manim can animate each step, making it easier to follow along and understand the idea.

2. Coding & Algorithms

As you may already know, coding is a process that runs step by step, and Manim makes that easy to see. Whether you are working on the front end or the back end, logic flows in a way that’s not always clear from just reading or writing code. With Manim, you can, for example, watch how a sorting algorithm moves numbers around or simply how a loop runs.

The same goes for data structures like linked lists, trees, and more. A binary tree makes more sense when you can see it grow and balance itself. Even complex algorithms like Dijkstra’s shortest path become clearer when you watch the path being calculated in real time, even if you may not have a background in math.

3. UI/UX Concepts & Motion Design

Although Manim is not a UI/UX design tool, it can be useful for demonstrating designs. Static images can’t always show the full picture, but with Manim, before-and-after comparisons become more dynamic, and of course, it makes it easier to highlight why a new navigation menu, for example, is more intuitive or how a checkout flow reduces friction.

Animated heatmaps can show click patterns over time, helping to spot trends more easily. Conversion funnels become clearer when each stage is animated, revealing exactly where users drop off.

Let’s Manim!

Well, that’s a lot we covered! By now, you should have Manim installed in whatever way works best for you. But before we jump into the coding part, let’s quickly go over Manim’s core building blocks. Manim’s animations are made of three main concepts:

Mobjects,
Animations,
Scenes.

1. Mobjects (Mathematical Objects)

Everything you display in Manim is a Mobject (short for “mathematical object”). There are different types:

Basic shapes like Circle(), Rectangle(), and Arrow(),
Text elements for adding labels, and
Advanced structures like graphs, axes, and bar charts.

A mobject is more like a blueprint, and it won’t show up unless you add it to a scene. Here’s a brief example:

from manim import *

class MobjectExample(Scene):
def construct(self):
circle = Circle() # Create a circle
circle.set_fill(BLUE, opacity=0.5) # Set color and transparency
self.add(circle) # Add to the scene
self.wait(2)

A blue circle will appear for about two seconds when you run this:

2. Animations

Animations in Manim, on the other hand, are all about changing these objects over time. Rather than just displaying a sharp edge, we can make it move, rotate, fade, or transform into something else. Really, we do have this much control through the Animation class.

If we use the same circle example from earlier, we can add animations to see how it works and compare the visual differences:

from manim import *

class AnimationExample(Scene):
def construct(self):
circle = Circle()
circle.set_fill(BLUE, opacity=0.5)

self.play(FadeIn(circle))
self.play(circle.animate.shift(RIGHT * 2))
self.play(circle.animate.scale(1.5))
self.play(Rotate(circle, angle=PI/4))
self.wait(2)

Here, we are making a move, scaling up, and rotating. The play() method is what makes animations run. For example, FadeIn(circle) makes the circle gradually appear, and circle.animate.shift(RIGHT * 2) moves it two units to the right. If you want to slow things down, you can add run_time to control the duration, like the following:

self.play(circle.animate.scale(2), run_time=3),

This makes the scaling take three more seconds instead of the default amount of time:

3. Scenes

Scenes are what hold everything together. A scene defines what appears, how it animates, and in what order. Every Manim script has a class that is inherited from a Scene, and it contains a construct() method. This is where we write our animation logic. For example,

class SimpleScene(Scene):
def construct(self):
text = Text(“Hello, Manim!”)
self.play(Write(text))
self.wait(2)

This creates a simple text animation where the words appear as if being written.

Bringing Manim To Design

As we discussed earlier, Manim is a great tool for UI/UX designers and front-end developers to visualize user interactions or to explain UI concepts. Think about how users navigate through a website or an app: they click buttons, move between pages, and interact with elements. With Manim, we can animate these interactions and see them play out step by step.

With this in mind, let’s create a simple flow where a user clicks a button, leading to a new page:

from manim import *

class UIInteraction(Scene):
def construct(self):
# Create a homepage screen
homepage = Rectangle(width=6, height=3, color=BLUE)
homepage_label = Text(“Home Page”).scale(0.8)
homepage_group = VGroup(homepage, homepage_label)

# Create a button
button = RoundedRectangle(width=1.5, height=0.6, color=RED).shift(DOWN * 1)
button_label = Text(“Click Me”).scale(0.5).move_to(button)
button_group = VGroup(button, button_label)

# Add homepage and button
self.add(homepage_group, button_group)

# Simulating a button click
self.play(button.animate.set_fill(RED, opacity=0.5)) # Button press effect
self.wait(0.5) # Pause to simulate user interaction

# Create a new page (simulating navigation)
new_page = Rectangle(width=6, height=3, color=GREEN)
new_page_label = Text(“New Page”).scale(0.8)
new_page_group = VGroup(new_page, new_page_label)

# Animate transition to new page
self.play(FadeOut(homepage_group, shift=UP), # Move old page up
FadeOut(button_group, shift=UP), # Move button up
FadeIn(new_page_group, shift=DOWN)) # Bring new page from top
self.wait(2)

The code creates a simple UI animation for a homepage displaying a button. When the button is clicked, it fades slightly to simulate pressing, and then the homepage and button fade out while a new page fades in, creating a transition effect.

If you think of it, scrolling is one of the most natural interactions in modern web and app design. Whether moving between sections on a landing page or smoothly revealing content, well-designed scroll animations make the experience feel fluid. Let me show you:

from manim import *

class ScrollEffect(Scene):
def construct(self):
# Create three sections to simulate a webpage
section1 = Rectangle(width=6, height=3, color=BLUE).shift(UP*3)
section2 = Rectangle(width=6, height=3, color=GREEN)
section3 = Rectangle(width=6, height=3, color=RED).shift(DOWN*3)

# Add text to each section
text1 = Text(“Welcome”, font_size=32).move_to(section1)
text2 = Text(“About Us”, font_size=32).move_to(section2)
text3 = Text(“Contact”, font_size=32).move_to(section3)

self.add(section1, section2, section3, text1, text2, text3)
self.wait(1)

# Simulate scrolling down
self.play(
section1.animate.shift(DOWN*6),
section2.animate.shift(DOWN*6),
section3.animate.shift(DOWN*6),
text1.animate.shift(DOWN*6),
text2.animate.shift(DOWN*6),
text3.animate.shift(DOWN*6),
run_time=3
)
self.wait(1)

This animation shows a scrolling effect by moving sections of a webpage upward, simulating how content shifts as a user scrolls. It is a simple way to visualize transitions that make the UI feel smooth and engaging.

Wrapping Up

Manim makes it easier to show how users interact with a design. You can animate navigations, interactions, and user behaviors to understand better how design works in action. Is there more to explore? Definitely! You can take these simple examples and build on them by adding more complex features.

But what I hope you take away from all of this is that subtle animations can help communicate and clarify concepts and that Manim is a library for making those sorts of animations. Traditionally, it’s used to help explain mathematical and scientific concepts, but you can see just how useful it can be to working in front-end development, particularly when it comes to highlighting and visualizing UI changes.

How to Start a Shopify Store in France (Step by Step)

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Original Source: https://ecommerce-platforms.com/articles/how-to-start-a-shopify-store-in-france

Launching a Shopify store in France is 100% doable—but there are a few key steps to make sure everything runs smoothly from day one.

I’ve been helping people build eCommerce businesses for over 10 years—many of them in France—so I’ve seen the mistakes that kill sales and the strategies that actually work.

Let’s get straight to the point.

Step 1: Get the Legal Stuff Sorted

Before you even think about designing your Shopify store, you need to handle the boring (but necessary) legal steps. Skipping this part might seem tempting, but trust me—it’ll come back to bite you.

French tax authorities don’t play around, and not having the right paperwork in place can lead to fines or even getting your store shut down.

Here’s what you’ll need in France:

SIRET Number (Business Registration Number)

If you’re selling products in France, you must register your business and get a SIRET number. This is like your store’s official ID, and it proves that you’re legally allowed to operate.

If you’re just starting, the easiest route is registering as a micro-entrepreneur (self-employed/freelancer). This keeps things simple—less paperwork, fewer taxes, and an easy way to get started.

But if you’re planning to scale or want limited liability, consider creating a SASU (Société par Actions Simplifiée Unipersonnelle) or SARL (Société à Responsabilité Limitée), which are both limited company structures in France.

VAT Number (Numéro de TVA Intracommunautaire)

VAT (Value Added Tax) is mandatory if your annual revenue exceeds €36,800. If you’re below this, you can operate without charging VAT—though some businesses choose to register early to avoid complications later.

If you plan to sell outside France, EU VAT rules come into play, which means you might need to register for OSS (One Stop Shop VAT Scheme) to simplify tax collection across different European countries.

Invoices & Accounting (Don’t Mess This Up)

France has strict invoicing and bookkeeping regulations. Every sale needs a proper invoice, and tax authorities can demand records at any time.

The problem? Shopify doesn’t automatically handle electronic invoicing, which is required in some cases. To stay compliant, use tools like QuickBooks France or Sellsy to manage finances, and apps like VosFactures to generate legally compliant invoices.

Keeping clean records isn’t just about avoiding trouble—it also makes tax season way easier and keeps you from overpaying on business expenses.

Don’t ignore this. It’s easy to get excited about branding and marketing, but if your legal setup isn’t right, it could cost you thousands in fines. Worse? Your store could be forced to shut down. Handle it now, and you’ll save yourself a massive headache later.

Step 2: Set Up Your Shopify Store Correctly

Now for the fun part—actually setting up your store. Shopify makes it easy, but there are a few France-specific tweaks you should know.

Pick the Right Shopify Plan

Start with the Basic Plan (€29/month) unless you already have a big audience.

Shopify gives you 3 days free + €1/month for the first 3 months—use this time to set everything up.

Customize Your Store

Themes: Use a clean Shopify theme like Dawn or Sense—both are free and easy to edit.

Language: Your store must be in French for local buyers. Use the Translate & Adapt app.

Currency: Prices should be in Euros (€).

Set Up Payment Gateways

Shopify Payments works in France, but you should also offer other popular options:

PayPal – One of the most used payment methods in France.
Carte Bancaire – The standard French debit/credit card.
Alma or Klarna – Lets customers pay in installments (super popular).

Step 3: Shipping & Fulfillment in France

French customers expect fast and affordable shipping. If your delivery times are too slow or your shipping costs are too high, many will abandon their cart and go elsewhere.

Getting this right can be the difference between a thriving store and one that struggles to convert visitors into customers.

Best Shipping Options in France

Choosing the right shipping provider is crucial, especially if you want to keep costs low and ensure reliable delivery. Here are the best options:

La Poste (Colissimo) – The most widely used shipping provider in France. It offers affordable rates for domestic orders and is generally reliable. If you’re shipping within France, Colissimo is a solid choice.

Mondial Relay – This service is extremely popular for its drop-off and pickup point system. Many French shoppers prefer picking up their orders at a relay point instead of home delivery. If you’re targeting a local audience, offering this option can significantly improve your conversion rates.

DHL / UPS – If you’re shipping internationally, DHL and UPS are your best options. They offer faster delivery times and better tracking for European and worldwide orders, though their pricing is higher than local carriers.

To keep costs down, compare shipping rates using tools like Sendcloud or Boxtal. These platforms allow you to access discounted rates, automate shipping labels, and track shipments more efficiently.

Offer Free Shipping (Or At Least Make It Feel Free)

French customers hate paying for shipping, and high shipping costs are one of the main reasons people abandon their carts. The best way to increase conversions is to offer free shipping wherever possible.

If your margins allow, build the shipping cost into your product price and advertise “Free Shipping.” This makes customers more likely to complete their purchase.

If you can’t afford to offer free shipping on all orders, set a minimum order threshold (e.g., “Free shipping on orders over €50”). This not only makes customers happier but also encourages larger orders.

Be transparent about delivery times. If a product takes longer than expected to arrive, communicate that clearly on the product page. French buyers appreciate honesty, and this helps reduce refund requests or negative reviews.

Getting your shipping strategy right will boost your conversions, reduce cart abandonment, and keep customers coming back for repeat purchases.

Step 4: Choose Products That Sell in France

Not every product will work in France. Some items sell consistently well, while others struggle due to cultural preferences, quality expectations, and market trends.

If you’re launching a Shopify store in France, picking the right product niche is one of the most important decisions you’ll make.

Best-Selling Product Categories in France

Fashion & Accessories – France is one of the world’s fashion capitals, and French consumers place a high value on style and quality. Whether it’s clothing, shoes, handbags, or accessories, products with elegant designs, premium materials, and a strong brand story tend to perform well. Sustainable and ethical fashion is also on the rise, so offering eco-friendly materials can be a strong selling point.

Gourmet Food & Wine – The French have a deep appreciation for high-quality food and beverages. If you’re selling organic wines, artisan cheeses, premium olive oils, or handcrafted chocolates, there’s a strong market both within France and for international buyers who want authentic French delicacies. Be aware of shipping restrictions on alcohol and food products when selling internationally.

Luxury Goods – France has a long history of luxury craftsmanship, and high-end products continue to sell well. Watches, fine jewelry, designer sunglasses, and leather goods can attract affluent buyers—especially if they are marketed as premium, exclusive, or handmade. To succeed in this space, focus on high-quality product imagery, storytelling, and trust-building elements like reviews and certifications.

Eco-Friendly Products – Sustainability is a growing trend in France, and consumers are becoming increasingly mindful of their purchases. Products such as reusable water bottles, zero-waste household items, sustainable fashion, and vegan cosmetics are seeing strong demand. French buyers appreciate products with eco-certifications, biodegradable packaging, and ethical sourcing.

What Doesn’t Sell Well?

Cheap, low-quality, or mass-produced products tend to perform poorly in the French market. French consumers prioritize craftsmanship, durability, and authenticity, so trying to sell generic, low-cost items with no unique value will likely lead to high return rates and low customer satisfaction.

Choosing the right product isn’t just about what’s trending—it’s about understanding what French customers expect. Offer quality, transparency, and something unique, and your Shopify store will have a strong chance of success.

Step 5: Marketing Your Shopify Store in France

You’ve got your store up and running—now you need traffic and sales. French consumers have their own shopping behaviors, so using the right marketing strategies will make a huge difference in getting customers to trust and buy from you.

Social Media Is Your Best Friend

Social media marketing is one of the most effective ways to reach French buyers, especially if you’re selling products in fashion, beauty, home decor, or tech.

Instagram & TikTok – These are the most powerful platforms for reaching French shoppers, especially younger audiences. Influencer marketing is particularly effective in France, as consumers tend to trust recommendations from creators they follow. Partnering with micro-influencers or running targeted ad campaigns can drive serious traffic.

Facebook Ads – While Instagram and TikTok dominate the younger market, Facebook is still widely used in France, especially among older demographics. If your product appeals to a 35+ audience, running well-targeted Facebook Ads can be highly profitable.

Pinterest & YouTube – Pinterest works exceptionally well for visual-heavy products like home decor, fashion, and beauty, while YouTube is a great platform for in-depth product reviews, tutorials, and brand storytelling. Creating Pinterest-friendly product images or YouTube videos showcasing your products in action can help build brand awareness and drive traffic to your store.

SEO for France

If you want organic traffic, your website needs to be optimized for French search terms. This means using localized keywords that real French buyers are searching for.

Example keywords:

Créer une boutique Shopify en France” (Create a Shopify store in France)

“Vendre en ligne en France” (Sell online in France)

Meilleure plateforme e-commerce France” (Best eCommerce platform France)

Writing blog posts in French using these keywords can help improve your rankings on Google. Also, make sure your meta descriptions, product pages, and alt texts include relevant French search terms.

Build Trust (This Is Non-Negotiable)

French consumers tend to be more cautious buyers, especially when shopping from new or unfamiliar brands. You need to prove your legitimacy if you want them to buy from you.

Show reviews & testimonials – Social proof is everything. Use Shopify apps like Judge.me to display verified customer reviews on your product pages.

Have a clear return policy – A 14-day return policy is standard in France. Make it easy for customers to understand your return process and include it in a visible spot on your website.

Highlight “Made in France” or local certifications – If your products are made in France or meet specific quality certifications (such as organic, eco-friendly, or fair trade labels), showcase these prominently. French buyers trust brands that emphasize quality and authenticity.

A strong marketing strategy combined with SEO, social media, and trust-building elements will set your store apart and give you the best chance of success in the French market.

Common Challenges & How to Overcome Them

Even with the right products and marketing, running a Shopify store in France comes with its own set of challenges. Understanding these issues—and knowing how to solve them—will save you time, money, and frustration.

High Shipping Costs

Shipping costs in France can be expensive, especially if you’re selling large or heavy products. High shipping fees are one of the top reasons customers abandon their carts.

How to fix it:

Use volume discounts with carriers like La Poste. Many shipping providers offer lower rates when you ship in bulk.

Offer free shipping whenever possible. If margins are tight, factor the shipping cost into your product pricing so it feels free to the customer.

Use shipping rate comparison tools like Boxtal or Sendcloud to find the most affordable and reliable option.

VAT & Tax Complications

French tax laws can be complex and overwhelming, especially for new eCommerce sellers. VAT (Value Added Tax) rules depend on your annual revenue and whether you sell internationally.

How to fix it:

If you’re unsure about VAT, consult an accountant who specializes in French eCommerce laws. This is especially important if you’re planning to sell across Europe.

Use accounting software like QuickBooks France or Sellsy to keep your tax records organized and compliant.

Register for VAT early if you expect to exceed the €36,800 annual revenue threshold to avoid legal complications later.

French Buyers Are Skeptical of New Brands

French consumers are careful shoppers and often research a brand before making a purchase. If your store looks untrustworthy or lacks social proof, potential customers will hesitate to buy.

How to fix it:

Invest in high-quality product photos and detailed descriptions. French buyers expect clear, professional imagery and well-written descriptions that explain product features in depth.

Build trust by displaying customer reviews and testimonials using apps like Judge.me. The more real feedback you can show, the better.

Offer secure payment options like Carte Bancaire, PayPal, and Klarna to reassure buyers that their transactions are safe.

Be transparent about your return policy, shipping times, and customer service options to reduce any hesitation.

Overcoming these common obstacles will make your Shopify store more appealing to French buyers and help you scale your business successfully.

Final Thoughts

Starting a Shopify store in France is completely possible—even if you’re a beginner. The key is to set up your business the right way from the start, so you don’t run into legal, financial, or marketing roadblocks down the line.

Here’s a quick recap of what matters most:

Handle the legal setup first. Get your SIRET number, VAT registration, and accounting tools in place before launching. This will save you from unnecessary headaches later.

Optimize your Shopify settings for France. Make sure your store is in French, prices are in euros (€), and your payment options include methods that French customers trust, like Carte Bancaire and PayPal.

Pick products that actually sell. Focus on high-quality, in-demand products like fashion, gourmet food, luxury goods, or eco-friendly items—things that align with French shopping habits.

Use local marketing tactics to get traffic. French buyers spend time on Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest, so build a presence there. Also, invest in SEO with French keywords to bring in organic traffic.

If you take the right approach, you’ll build a profitable Shopify store that French buyers trust and love. Success won’t happen overnight, but with the right strategy, you can create a store that generates consistent sales and scales over time.

The post How to Start a Shopify Store in France (Step by Step) appeared first on Ecommerce Platforms.

Designer Spotlight: Vítor Cardoso

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Original Source: https://tympanus.net/codrops/2025/04/04/designer-spotlight-vitor-cardoso/

Explore the work of Vítor Cardoso, an award-winning Freelance Designer from Portugal, as he shares his design approach, inspiration and selected projects that defined his journey.

The 10+ Best AI & Pro Web Design Tools for 2025

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Original Source: https://www.sitepoint.com/ai-tools-for-web-design/?utm_source=rss

Discover top AI & pro web design tools for 2025. From AI site builders (Brizy, Mobirise) to booking (Trafft, Amelia) & data visualization (wpDataTables, MapSVG).

Continue reading
The 10+ Best AI & Pro Web Design Tools for 2025
on SitePoint.

Gelato vs Prodigi: Which Print-on-Demand Platform is Better?

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Original Source: https://ecommerce-platforms.com/articles/gelato-vs-prodigi

Choosing between Gelato and Prodigi isn’t as simple as picking the cheaper option or the one with more products. Each platform solves different problems, depending on your brand, customer base, and product focus.

I’ve used both extensively, whether for launching scalable POD apparel brands or helping artists sell premium prints globally. Here’s everything you need to know, broken down by the factors that actually matter.

Quick Verdict

Use Gelato if you’re running a general ecommerce brand, need fast global shipping, and want simple integrations with platforms like Shopify, Etsy, or WooCommerce. It’s cost-effective, scalable, and built for volume.

Use Prodigi if you’re an artist, photographer, or selling premium wall art. The quality is unbeatable, the paper options are next-level, and it’s trusted by high-end print sellers worldwide.

If you’re going for speed and scale, Gelato wins.

If you’re selling premium art that needs to impress, Prodigi’s your move.

Product Catalogue and Customisation Options

Both Gelato and Prodigi have wide product ranges, but the types of products and who they’re suited for is where things start to differ.

Gelato focuses heavily on consumer-friendly items. Their catalogue includes over 90 products, most of which are built around volume sales and personalisation.

Think mugs, posters, t-shirts, hoodies, tote bags, stationery — the kind of stuff that sells well on Shopify and Etsy for custom gift shops or viral merch brands.

Prodigi, on the other hand, is built more for creators, artists, and photographers. Their catalogue has over 500 products, including fine art prints, framed photos, museum-grade canvases, and premium paper types.

If you’re trying to sell gallery-worthy work, Prodigi offers more depth, especially with third-party labs and a broader range of print sizes and finishes.

Key differences in product catalogues:

FeatureGelatoProdigiTotal products90+500+Apparel focusStrongLightFine art paper optionsLimitedExtensive (20+ paper types)Framing optionsBasicProfessional gradeCustomisation depthStandardHigh (especially for artists)

Bottom line:

If you’re running a general ecommerce store or selling gifts, Gelato gets you moving faster.

If you’re an artist or selling high-end prints, Prodigi gives you more control and quality.

Pricing: Base Costs, Subscriptions, and Shipping

Pricing is where a lot of sellers make poor decisions. They look at base cost and forget shipping, volume discounts, or subscription benefits.

Gelato uses dynamic pricing depending on fulfilment location. The real power comes from their Gelato+ and Gelato+ Gold memberships. For about $14.99/month, you unlock lower product costs and better shipping rates.

It’s great if you’re scaling — the more you sell, the more you save. Plus, because Gelato prints locally in over 30 countries, you’ll often save a lot on shipping without even realising it.

Prodigi keeps it simple — no monthly fee, just fixed product and shipping rates. That sounds nice upfront, but if you’re selling in volume or globally, the lack of dynamic shipping or discounts can add up.

They do offer wholesale tiers, but it’s less transparent and more based on negotiation.

Pricing comparison (as of 2025):

ProductGelato Price (USD)Prodigi Price (USD)A4 Art Print$5.50 + local ship$7.00 + global shipUnisex T-Shirt$9.95$11.50Poster (30×40 cm)$6.20$7.40Framed Print (A3)$24.00$29.00

Takeaway:

Gelato wins on scalable pricing — especially when combined with local fulfilment.

Prodigi is better for premium pricing models, where product quality justifies a higher cost.

Fulfilment Network and Shipping Speed

Speed and reliability make or break your brand reputation. Customers are used to Amazon Prime — waiting 10 days for a t-shirt doesn’t fly anymore.

This is where Gelato has the edge. Their whole model is built around local production. With over 130 production partners across 30+ countries, your customer’s order is routed to the closest facility.

That means faster delivery, less customs hassle, and often cheaper shipping. Most orders ship within 2–5 business days.

Prodigi has a strong fulfilment setup too, but they lean more on third-party labs. That means some products are fulfilled in-house, others are outsourced — and that inconsistency can impact delivery times.

Orders usually ship within 3–7 business days, but the variability is wider.

Shipping speed overview:

Gelato:

Local production in 30+ countries

Most orders ship in 2–5 days

More predictable delivery

Prodigi:

50+ lab partners globally

3–7 day fulfilment windows

Slower for some niche products

My take: If you’re selling globally and want to avoid angry emails about slow shipping, Gelato’s local-first model is safer. Prodigi can work well if your buyers are in one region or if you’re focused on print quality over speed.

Print Quality and Packaging

Let’s talk about the stuff that lands in your customer’s hands.

Gelato does a solid job with consistency. For standard products — mugs, tees, posters — the quality is absolutely good enough. I’ve tested several apparel pieces, and while it’s not luxury cotton, it’s durable and cleanly printed.

Their packaging is plain but efficient, with eco-friendly materials used by default.

Prodigi is where you go when quality is the brand. Their fine art prints, especially Giclée, are some of the best I’ve seen in POD. They work with premium paper brands like Hahnemühle, and their colour calibration is on point.

Framing and packaging are also professional-grade. This matters a lot when you’re selling £100+ wall pieces — buyers notice those details.

What stands out about each:

Gelato:

Consistent quality across locations

Strong for bulk, everyday products

Limited paper and print options

Prodigi:

Premium fine art quality

Multiple paper stocks and framing options

Best for photographers and galleries

If you’re scaling a lifestyle brand, Gelato is more than good enough. But if your buyer expects gallery-level prints, Prodigi is the safer bet.

Platform Integrations and Ease of Use

Integrations matter a lot if you’re running a multi-channel ecommerce setup.

Gelato integrates easily with Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce, Squarespace, Wix, and more. They also have a robust API for custom setups.

The onboarding is smooth, and their interface is built for sellers — clean, quick to navigate, and backed by solid documentation.

Prodigi supports Shopify and Etsy natively, and offers a well-documented API for more advanced setups. But they don’t support WooCommerce or other platforms out of the box. If you’re not technical, the options might feel a bit limited.

Quick integration comparison:

PlatformGelatoProdigiShopify✅✅Etsy✅✅WooCommerce✅❌BigCommerce✅❌Squarespace✅❌API Access✅✅

If you’re using Shopify or Etsy, both are fine. If you’re running a WooCommerce or multi-store setup, Gelato is easier to scale without a dev team.

Branding Options

Neither platform offers full branded packaging like some niche POD fulfilment services, but they do support white-label deliveries.

Gelato lets you upload logos for packing slips, and they’re continuing to roll out more personalisation features inside their Gelato+ plans. But no branded tape or boxes yet.

Prodigi offers white-label shipments and custom packing slips too. If you’re working with high-end buyers, you might still need to manage branded inserts or packaging yourself.

Summary:

Both offer solid white-labeling

No custom packaging out of the box

Inserts possible but limited without third-party help

It works for most ecommerce brands, but not ideal if you want full branded unboxing.

Support and Documentation

I’ve dealt with both support teams — and there’s a clear winner here.

Gelato has 24/7 live chat and email support. I’ve had issues resolved in under an hour, even on weekends. Their help docs are solid too, and there’s a good onboarding experience when you first link your store.

Prodigi leans more on email, and they’re slower to reply. You’ll get help, but it’s not always quick. This matters if something goes wrong during Q4 or with a big influencer launch.

If you’re scaling and need fast responses, Gelato is more reliable.

Sustainability

Both companies push sustainability hard, and that’s a good thing.

Gelato‘s biggest strength is local production, which cuts down carbon emissions and waste. They also use FSC-certified paper, eco-friendly inks, and reduce overproduction through on-demand workflows.

Prodigi is also a certified carbon neutral company. They offset emissions, use FSC-certified papers, and partner with ethical suppliers. Their messaging is clear and well-documented.

For eco-conscious brands, both platforms tick the right boxes.

Final Verdict: Gelato vs Prodigi

Here’s the straight-up breakdown:

Best ForGelatoProdigiApparel and mugs✅Fine art prints✅Global shipping speed✅Branding and inserts⚠️ Limited⚠️ LimitedShopify + Etsy integrations✅✅WooCommerce support✅❌Premium product quality⚠️ Standard✅Price and shipping savings✅ (with Gelato+)❌Customer service speed✅❌

So who should you go with?

Use Gelato if you’re scaling a general ecommerce store, want faster shipping, or need reliable plug-and-play integrations.

Use Prodigi if you’re a fine artist or photographer selling premium prints and want the highest quality.

FAQs

Is Gelato or Prodigi better for Etsy?

Both work well with Etsy, but Gelato has better speed and broader product support. Prodigi is better if you sell framed or fine art pieces.

Can I brand the packaging with either?

Not fully. Both allow custom packing slips, but branded boxes or tape aren’t available without third-party solutions.

Which one is cheaper Gelato or Prodigi?

Gelato generally comes out cheaper, especially if you’re on a paid plan and using local fulfilment. Prodigi’s pricing is higher, but reflects premium product quality.

Do they handle taxes and customs?

Yes, both platforms handle VAT and international taxes during checkout depending on the integration setup.

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