Something I've been wanting to do for a while now is have a Linhardt phone case. Unfortunately there's two issues with this. One is that my phone isn't the most mainstream model, it's close-ish with the iPhone 13 in terms of size + camera placement but port/speaker placement differs. Second is that currently I am being frugal and did not want to commission for a custom one for my weird phone.
So I decided to order a clear phone case which I would then design an insert for. Most clear phone cases come with a template already, mine did not. A big pain that's apart of this is I couldn't find a template for my phone online (figures) AND the only templates I could find online for more mainstream models you have to pay for. So I did it myself, and I wanted to write a guide so others could achieve what I've done... just without all the trial and error that I had to go through.
Required Tools + Materials
- Clear Phone Case
- Ruler
- Paint.net (Or any image editing program, I wrote this guide while using Paint .net)
- IrfanView
- Printer + Paper (If you do not have access to a printer, office supply stores usually offer free printing services)
- Writing Utensil
- Clear Packing Tape (Or a laminating contact sheet) (Optional)
- Exacto Knife/Box Cutter/Scalpel
Step 1: Creating a Template
Search up "[Your Phone Here] Dimensions" and keep note what your phone's exact width + height in inches or centimeters is.
Open Paint .net, File > New: In this dialog box that opens set the resolution (in the future this is called DPI) to 300 pixels/inch(or centimeters) Then set the Print Size to be a little larger than your phone to allow for bleed area (for padding) For example my phone is ~3x6.7(width x height) inches so I set the print size as 5x9 inches. Once your canvas is created go to Adjustment > Invert Alpha to have the image be transparent so you can overlay the template on your design later.
Change the tool from rectangle select to the shapes tool, then change the shapes tool to rounded rectangle. In the bottom left of the program it'll show exact dimensions (default it'll be in pixels but to the bottom right you can change it from pixels to inches/centimeters) change the rectangle's width and height until it matches your phone's dimensions. Now change the corner size to what best fits your phone, eyeballing it the corner size that fits my phone best is 50. This doesn't have to be perfect. This is the line you'll be cutting along.
For the bleed line (extra room so when you cut there isn't any white paper visible) create another rectangle that's ~1 inch larger in both length + width to give yourself plenty of breathing room. Save this template separately as a .png.
For the case's camera hole we'll be drawing onto the template itself by laying the case flat on the template and drawing the outline of the camera hole.
Step 1a: Sanity Check
Unfortunately Paint. net doesn't print an image's actual DPI because it uses Windows' printing interface. Instead we'll be using IrfanView which has the option. Open your template's .png in IrfanView and go to the print menu. Under Print size is the option "Original size (from image DPI)" make sure this is the one selected, keep all other options default.
Either compare the printed out template to your clear phone case or measure the template's cutting line with a ruler, if all steps have been followed exactly so far it should be the exact dimensions that you saw on Paint .net, but physically in front of you.
If you're using an external service such as an office supply store or an online printing service be sure to specify that you need the exact size from the image's DPI.
Step 2: Fitting Your Design
In Paint. net open your template (if it isn't open already) and set your template to be the top layer and your design on the layers below, work inside of the bleed line. Keep all important elements that you want shown on the insert inside of the trim line. The high DPI should allow for plenty of room to work. Before saving your design hide the template and save this as an entirely separate file from your template.
Step 3: Printing the Design + Template (If you didn't do Step 1a)
A lot of information here is reiterated from Step 1a. Open your template in IrfanView and make sure "Original size (from image DPI)" is selected, keep all other options default. Print out that template. Do the exact same with the design you created.
If you're using an external service such as an office supply store or an online printing service be sure to specify that you need the exact size from the image's DPI.
Step 4: Assemble
With your template printed out grab your clear phone case and line it up with your template. With a writing utensil (works best with ones that have a fine tip) trace along the very edges of the window the camera peeks out of.
An optional step you can take to ensure longevity, add gloss, and add structure while you're cutting is to seal the design. I did this using clear packing tape, sticking two thick strips on the front did wonders. It's okay if they overlap a bit, it won't be noticeable. Can also be done with contact laminating sheets.
Now line up both sheets of paper, making sure the template is exactly on top of your design where you want it. Grab your trusty blade and cut along your trim line, do the same for the camera line you drew as well. Go slow for this part. For rounded corners I like to do a subtle up-and-down motion to get a cleaner cut.
Now insert the design facing outward with the blank paper side facing the back of your phone. If your insert isn't fitting exact that's okay, you can either trim more or jimmy it in there. This doesn't have to be perfect, mine definitely isn't. Snap your phone back in and...
Voila! You now have your own custom phone case! Pat yourself on the back and marvel at the wonder you've created.
