Frequently asked questions

About Slab Marks

What is Slab Marks?

Slab Marks is a free online tool that makes custom, printable templates for slab-built pottery. You type the finished size you want, pick your clay, and it draws a to-scale pattern with clay shrinkage already worked in, ready to print and cut.

Is there a free pottery template generator?

Yes. Slab Marks is a free online pottery template generator for slab-built mugs, tumblers, tapered cups, cones, boxes and flat shapes. Enter the finished size you want and your clay type, and it prints a to-scale template with shrinkage already applied. Try it here.

Is it free? Do I need an account?

Yes, it's free, and there's no account or sign-up. Open the template maker and start. If you'd like to hear about new forms and templates, you can join the email list, but you never need to.

What forms can it make templates for?

Mugs (with a flat handle strap or a bending guide for round, squared or wedge handles), tumblers (with an optional half lid with a pour hole), tapered cups, cones, boxes (with a lid) and flat shapes: circles, rectangles, ovals, half circles, triangles, rainbow arches and stars.

Can I make templates for plates or bowls?

For plates and slab bases, yes: cut a circle or oval in the size you want, then drape the slab over or into a form. Deep bowls and dishes aren't available yet, because their curved sides don't unroll into a flat shape.

Can it make vases?

Not at the moment. A vase's curved profile doesn't unroll into a flat shape the way straight and tapered forms do, so it needs a different approach.

Who makes Slab Marks?

Slab Marks is a small pottery studio project making templates and tools for beginner hand-builders. The template maker is free for everyone. You can reach us at hello@slabmarks.com.

Using the template maker

Do I need to download anything or install software?

No. It runs in your web browser on a computer, tablet or phone. There's nothing to install, and printing goes through your normal print window.

Can I work in centimetres?

Yes. Choose inches, centimetres or millimetres under Unit of measurement. Capacity can be shown in fl oz or mL.

Which sizes do I enter: before or after firing?

After firing. Enter the size you want the finished piece to be, and the template maker scales the pattern up for shrinkage. Every label shows both: wet, the size you cut, and fired, the size you'll get.

What clay shrinkage does it use?

You choose: low-fire earthenware (~7%), mid-fire stoneware (~12%, the default), high-fire stoneware (~13%) or porcelain (~15%), or Custom to type your clay's exact rate. The shrinkage guide shows how to test your own clay.

Can I make a mug that holds a set amount, like 12 oz?

Yes. Type the capacity you want and the mug resizes to hold it. While the capacity is held, change a diameter and the height adjusts, or change the height and the diameters adjust. See how big to cut a slab for a 12 oz mug.

Does it work on a phone?

It works, but it's easiest on a computer or tablet, where you can see the template and the measurements side by side, and print straight away.

Can I save my design?

Not inside the tool yet. To keep a template, print it, or choose Save as PDF in your browser's print window.

Printing and accuracy

How do I print a template at the right size?

Click Print template, then Print directly, and print at 100% or Actual size, never "Fit to page". Every page has a 1-inch bar: measure it with a ruler before you cut. If it isn't exactly 1 inch, the scale setting is off.

Letter or A4? What if my template is bigger than a page?

Both Letter and A4 are supported. Big pieces are split across several pages with matching marks, so you can line them up and tape them together. You can drag the pieces around before printing.

How accurate are the templates?

The geometry and shrinkage math are exact. In practice, the result depends on how close your clay's real shrinkage is to the number you entered, on printing at 100%, and on how evenly you roll and join the slab. Test-tile your clay for the best match, and always check measurements before cutting.

What should I cut the template from?

Card stock or poster board is fine for testing a size. For a template you'll reuse on damp clay, use thin plastic: it wipes clean and keeps a crisp edge. More in how to make your own pottery templates.

Selling and sharing

Can I sell pottery I make with these templates?

Yes. The mugs, cups, boxes and other pieces you make are yours to sell.

Can I sell or share the templates?

No. Please don't sell or share the templates themselves, and don't use the template maker to create templates to sell as your own. Point friends to the free tool instead.

Can I share photos of what I made?

Please do. Tag @slabmarkspottery on Instagram or Pinterest. We love seeing what you build.

Do you collect my data?

Very little. There are no accounts and no cookies; visits are counted anonymously. If you join the email list or send a message, that's used only to reply or send the updates you asked for. The privacy page has the details.