Images

• Use a large variety of photos and images to make an edible print. Higher-resolution images will produce higher-quality prints. Size, recolor or edit your images using imaging software and then save your images on your computer. Print a photo of friends and family for a family reunion or your child for a birthday. Make edible prints in themes such as animated or cartoon characters. Download royalty-free images of celebrities or scenes from films or television. Obtain an image of a logo for a company, sports team or club and make an edible print to decorate a cake for a party.
  
  

Patterns

• Create a decorative cake covered in patterns of your choice. Decorative patterns include swirls, geometrics, stripes, animal prints and flowers. Make a layered tier cake and print different, coordinating patterns to place along the outer edges of each tier. Create a template on the computer with a wedding couple's name, and decorative patterns to fit the top of a wedding cake. Use simple to complex patterns that you could not replicate by hand painting for an amazing cake design.
  
  

Supplies

• Two different types of imaging systems are available: those that require the use of a personal computer, and systems that require no computer. Using your own personal computer allows you freedom in editing your images. Icing sheets are available plain or with a variety of preprinted border designs. Specialty printers and ink cartridges are necessary for using edible print imaging systems, and are sold in craft stores and online. Purchase additional supplies, if desired, such as a scanner to scan photos onto your computer, and image editing software for editing your images.
  
  

Application

• Prepare your cake by adding the frosting and any other decorating before applying your edible image. Cut out your images from the edible image sheets, if necessary. Place the sheet on a dry tray and place in the freezer for about 20 seconds. Freezing the sheet helps to separate the plastic backing. Then place the sheet on a surface and roll the sheet carefully along the edges to release it from the backing. The edible sheets are delicate, so avoid twisting or pulling them. Place the edible sheet onto the cake, over the frosting, and press the corners very lightly so they stick to the frosting.