Tutorial

How to make tattoo stencil on phone (mobile-first)

Q: Does Decalker PWA have all desktop features?

Yes — 100% feature parity. PWA runs same Next.js code. Only differences are mobile UX (touch interactions, scroll, zoom). Can generate Decalkers, create with AI, mix, try on skin, refine — all from phone.

Q: Works offline?

PWA loads offline partially (UI shell + cache of previous generations), but AI generation needs internet (server). In studio with unstable WiFi, use phone 4G/5G as fallback. In rural area no signal, save refs before to process when back online.

Q: Phone battery lasts whole session?

Modern iPhone/Pixel: 4-6 hours Decalker continuous use (Decalker is lightweight, no GPU). Phomemo: 6-8 hours printing. For 8h session, both last — but bring charger for safety. USB-C charging works parallel (charging + printing).

Q: Can I use Decalker on iPad?

Yes — PWA runs perfectly on iPad. Larger screen helps visualize preview. Ideal workflow: iPad + Bluetooth-paired Phomemo + Apple Pencil for Refinar via touch. iPad Procreate can complement for manual adjustments when needed.

Q: Can client use Decalker on their phone?

Yes — some clients generate idea preview before closing with artist. Free tier 10/mo enough to explore. Artist then receives generated reference via WhatsApp/Insta DM and uses Decalker to refine/Decalkar for production.

Time:2 min workflow + 30 min initial setupDifficulty:Beginner

TL;DR

Decalker is PWA — install as app on phone (iOS Safari or Chrome Android), generate stencil in 5 seconds straight from phone, export PDF, send via Bluetooth to Phomemo M08F ($80), thermal print. No laptop. No Photoshop. Entire workflow <2 minutes.

Materials needed

•iOS 15+ or Android 12+ phone (Bluetooth + camera)
•Decalker PWA installed (Safari/Chrome -> Add to Home Screen)
•Phomemo M08F ($80) or similar Bluetooth thermal
•80mm thermal tattoo paper ($3-5 roll)

Step by step

1. Install Decalker as PWA on phone

iOS Safari: open decalker.com -> Share button -> 'Add to Home Screen'. Android Chrome: three dots -> 'Install app'. After install, Decalker icon appears alongside other apps. Opens as native app (full-screen, no browser bar, future push notifications).

2. Take reference photo from app

Decalker -> Decalkar -> 'Camera' button (beyond upload). Take reference photo directly. Mobile tips: natural light (near window), 30-50cm distance, focus on subject, no flash. Modern phone resolution (12MP+) is enough — Decalker uses 1024px max anyway.

3. Generate stencil + choose style

After photo, choose style (Contour/Anime/Sketch). Tap 'Decalkar'. Wait 5 seconds. Side-by-side preview appears (narrow mobile = vertical stack). Quality score visible for validation.

4. Export 1:1mm PDF for Phomemo

'PDF 1:1' button on result page. PDF generated server-side and auto-downloaded to phone Downloads. Filename: 'decalker-stencil-{timestamp}.pdf'. iOS/Android notification alerts when download completes.

5. Print via Phomemo Print app

Open Phomemo Print (App Store/Play Store, free). Login Phomemo account (create free). 'Print Document' -> choose Decalker PDF from Downloads. CRITICAL: set 'Actual size / 100%' never 'Fit to page'. Phomemo should already be Bluetooth paired (1x setup). Tap Print, comes out in 30 seconds.

6. Apply stencil + tattoo

Thermal stencil comes ready (no stencil fluid). Position on prepared skin, press 30-60 seconds, remove. Wait 5-10 min to dry. Tattoo. Complete workflow from Decalker upload to stencil applied: <2 minutes.

Common mistakes

!Forgetting to install Decalker as PWA (open browser loses state between uses)
!Phomemo Bluetooth misconfigured (keeps disconnecting — use USB-C charger for stability)
!Shaky-handed photo (phone gets blurry — use iPhone/Pixel auto stabilization)
!Trying to print via generic AirPrint (doesn't work — Phomemo is proprietary, use its app)
!Phomemo battery dying mid-print (charge 100% before session)

Decalker shortcut

Decalker is built mobile-first (PWA, responsive, native camera). Initial setup = 30 min (install PWA + pair Phomemo). After that, entire workflow happens in <2 minutes without laptop. Frees artist from design desk — can work anywhere.

Try Decalker free

FAQs

Does Decalker PWA have all desktop features?+

Yes — 100% feature parity. PWA runs same Next.js code. Only differences are mobile UX (touch interactions, scroll, zoom). Can generate Decalkers, create with AI, mix, try on skin, refine — all from phone.

Works offline?+