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How to use Edible Images in your Cake Decorating!
• Lynsey Macdonald
Edible Images are a fantastic addition to any celebration cake. They are a simple way of personalising a cake with photos, graphics and text. And the best part is, we print them for you - so all you have to do is attach them to your cake!
From milestone birthdays (a baby picture on a 21st cake is a popular choice!) to wedding anniversaries (throwback to the big day!) and everything in between, design your edible prints in our personalisation hub.
In this post we'll explore how to order and apply your images to your bakes, and answer a few frequently asked questions too.

Contents:
How do I order edible images from The Cake Decorating Company? What type of image file is required? How do I apply edible images to my cake? Edible Images FAQs
How do I order edible images from The Cake Decorating Company?
Ordering our edible images couldn’t be simpler.
- Click on your chosen product and select “customise”.
- Upload your photo(s).*
- Position with the frame(s) (depending on whether you’re buying a cake or cupcakes!).
- Add any desired text.*
- Preview your images.
- Hit add to bag.
*Please note: We aim to keep our products suitable for all occasions, so we reserve the right to decline any text/images that we feel are inappropriate or offensive.

How do I apply edible images to my cake?
It’s really easy to apply your printed images to your bakes. Just follow these three simple steps: 1. Lightly brush your sugarpaste with water or a little edible glue.
2. Remove the icing sheet or toppers from the plastic backing sheet and lay it over the sugarpaste, pressing down gently to ensure it sticks.
3. DO NOT place the icing sheet directly onto chocolate or buttercream as it may leave marks. Use the same process for chocolate or buttercream - first back your icing sheet with a layer of sugarpaste and then attach that to the cake.
Edible Images FAQs
Can I buy edible images for both cakes and cupcakes?
Absolutely. Our collection of edible images includes options for both cakes and cupcakes, as well as different cake shapes. You’ll find templates for round cakes, square cakes and oblong/rectangular sheet cakes.
What type of image file is required?
We accept a range of file types, but the ideal options are .jpg, .png, .pdf or a Microsoft Publisher file. Please note that if you send in any other type of file, there may be slight differences when printed.

What are edible images made of?
An edible image is a thin layer of icing on an acetate baking sheet. We print your design on this icing using completely edible inks.
Can I print my own at home?
Edible images must be printed using edible ink. Therefore, you must have a suitable printer (like Eddie the Edible Ink Printer) to safely print anything you are putting on a cake.
How long do edible images last?
Ideally, you want to use any edible images you have ordered within 2 to 3 weeks of printing. This is because the colour can begin to fade over time. However, when stored in an airtight container, out of direct light, they can last up to 12 months. We recommend applying the edible image to the cake the day of or the day before the event.
Can I apply edible images to buttercream?
You can apply edible images to buttercream but not directly. First you need to attach the edible print to a layer of sugarpaste. To do this, brush your sugarpaste with a little water or edible glue. Press your image down onto it gently, and then apply this to your buttercream.

We hope this post has shown you how easy it is to order and apply our edible images to your cakes. Whether you're planning an engagement or birthday cake, Mother's Day or Father's Day treats or baby shower cupcakes, we've got the design for you.
Don't forget to tag us in any pictures of your cakes, it never fails to brighten our day! We're at @the_cake_decorating_co on Instagram, and you can use the hashtag #CakeDecFamous.
And to follow along for more inspo and baking ideas, you can find us on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Pinterest and YouTube.
Looking for more inspo?
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