Designing and Printing a Star-Shaped Advent Calendar – Step by Step

By Stefan Riedl Last updated on November 15, 2026 Shown in: Adobe InDesign CC

A star-shaped Advent calendar stands out even before anyone has opened the doors. It is suitable as a gift for customers, business partners and employees, and that is exactly what it is made for in this tutorial. You will learn where to get the right template, how to set it up in Adobe InDesign, and how to achieve a harmonious design with snow effects, logo, hand lettering and gold stars. At the end, you will find the print data, the 3D preview in the online configurator and a look at the finished product being unpacked.

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The tutorial was created with the kind support of viaprinto. The steps are easy to follow even if you have no experience with the star format yet.

Key Takeaways

• The viaprinto template is available as an InDesign file in the current format (INDD) or as an IDML file for older program versions. The front and back are provided as separate templates.
• The die-cut contour is in a spot color on its own layer. Magenta lines mark areas that are lost during cutting. You only delete this layer shortly before export.
• Work with a reduced opacity on the background layer so that you keep contours and printable areas in view.
• Design the numbering of the doors once and then insert it into all fields via "Edit > Paste in Place".
• The 3D preview in the configurator shows you the result before you order. The Pro Data Check automatically checks the files for printability.

Step 1: Download the Right Template

Before you design, you need the right foundation. In the configurator for the star-shaped Advent calendar, you will find an area with a data sheet and file templates at the bottom. The InDesign template is available for download there. The data sheet PDF contains additional information about the setup, which helps you with the product details.

The download contains four files. The INDD file is intended for the current InDesign version. If you are working with an older version, use the IDML file. Also note that there is a separate template for the front and the back, because the product outlines are different in size.

Step 2: Open the Template and Understand the Document

Open the front template in InDesign. At first the image often looks pixelated; this is the default setting of the program interface. Right-click on the page and set the display performance to "High Quality." After that, the edges are displayed sharply.

Now you can see the structure: the tabs, the invisible areas, the position of the doors and the overall contour of the finished star. Move the document around to get an overview. In the Pages panel, you will see that only one page has been created. This is due to the different outlines, which is why the front and back are separate documents.

Step 3: Create the Background Color

Your design needs its own background color. To do this, open the Swatches panel and create a color via "New Swatch." For the black of the video design, a matte black with the CMYK values 68, 60, 59 and 68 is chosen. Make sure you choose a process color in CMYK mode, because only that is suitable for printing.

Then use the Rectangle tool to draw a rectangle from the top left corner of the bleed to the bottom right corner and fill it with your new color. The rectangle forms the later background.

Step 4: Clean Up the Swatches and Secure the Background Layer

After opening the template, the swatches contain many colors that are not needed and can be confusing. In the Swatches panel, use the context menu to select "Select All Unused" and remove them with the trash can icon. That way, only what you actually need remains.

So that you can always see where the contours run and where the printable area ends while designing, reduce the opacity of the background rectangle to about 90 percent. This is only a working value, which you will adjust again later during fine-tuning. Then lock the layer so that you do not move it accidentally. You set the lock via the Layers panel.

Step 5: Draw the Snow Effect with the Path Tool

For the snow effect at the top edge, you use the Pen tool. Set the fill to Paper white and leave the stroke empty. Place a first anchor point on the left and a second point further to the right. When you drag, curves are created. While holding down the spacebar, you can move an anchor point that has already been placed.

Set as many points as needed until a slight wave emerges, and close the path at the end. A small irregularity is not a problem; what matters is the visible wave in the upper area. It creates a graphic contrast and at the same time makes room for the logo.

Step 6: Create depth with a copy

To make the wave look three-dimensional, you copy it. Drag the object onto an empty area while holding down the Alt key to create an identical copy. Create a new color for the copy, a slightly grayish glacier-white tone. Compared to pure paper white, this looks somewhat darker.

Then move the rear wave down a bit. The offset creates three-dimensional depth. You can also rotate both paths slightly, depending on what you like. You don't have to make the top right corner perfect, since it won't be visible later.

Step 7: Design the snow mountain at the bottom edge

The lower area gets the same structure with a snow mountain. Place the path on the left and draw a strong wave that fills the field in the left corner. Toward the right corner, you let the wave only protrude slightly so that the transition looks natural. Close the path and duplicate it for the depth effect. Use the glacier-white tone here as well and move the copy slightly upward.

Take your time with the wave shape, because it determines the character of the design. If you don't like the shape, you can readjust it at any time using the anchor points.

Step 8: Place your own logo

The logo belongs in the upper area, ideally in the middle of the star tip. Place the logo from your library and position it centered in the area of the upper wave. So that you can place the logo cleanly, temporarily reduce the opacity of the two snow layers. Afterwards, set them back to 100 percent.

Make sure the logo remains easy to read and does not get too close to the outline. Precision is important here, because the logo is the distinguishing feature of your calendar.

Step 9: Refine the hand lettering with a drop shadow

In the middle of the star, hand lettering provides a personal accent. You can use a drawn element, an illustration, or a lettering such as "Merry Christmas" or "Fr??hliche Weihnachten". It is important that it has space in the center and that there is still room for numbers on the doors later.

To give the hand lettering more depth, you activate a drop shadow in the Effects panel. In the video, an opacity of 35 percent, a distance of 10 mm, and a size of 1.76 mm are set. The large distance seems unusual, but in this case it fits the design very well and creates a three-dimensional effect.

Step 10: Create the numbering of the doors

You create the numbering on its own layer, which you call "Numbering", for example. Select the Type tool, draw a text frame, and choose a font with a flowing character; in the video it is Alfresco in Bold. A font size of 20 pt is too small, your text should be significantly larger. Set the color to white and the alignment to centered.

First write one digit into the field and adjust the width of the frame by reducing the frame to the necessary size by double-clicking on the handle. For the calculation, it is best to use the largest digit that occurs. Then copy the text field next to the original position while holding down the Alt key.

Step 11: Distribute the numbers across all doors

There is a simple basic rule for positioning: The numbers belong in the bottom right corner of each door. That is where the perforation is, and the finger finds the opening point on the upper flap. This way the door can be opened easily without the number being covered.

You can enter the digits directly in the document. However, they can also be taken from a prepared template via "Edit" and "Paste in Place". The digit then appears in the right place in each door. This saves a lot of time and avoids positioning errors.

Step 12: Small stars with the Polygon tool

If you want to embellish the calendar further, you can scatter small stars across the surface. To do this, create a new layer named "Stars". Select the Polygon tool in the toolbar. A click on the surface opens a dialog in which you set the number of sides to 5 and the star shape to 35 percent. The height and width are irrelevant at first.

A tip from the video: Place the stars subtly and not too many of them. A calendar overloaded with little stars quickly looks restless.

Step 13: Apply gold, adjust the size, and distribute the stars

A gold with the CMYK values 18, 33, 63, and 6 is suitable as a spot color. The plastic insert of the calendar, which you will see later in the unboxing, also harmonizes with this gold tone. The stars should be about 4 to 6 mm in size. To do this, activate the chain icon to lock the aspect ratio and set the width to 6 mm.

Holding down the Alt key, you duplicate the stars and distribute them across the design. Rotate individual stars slightly so they don't stand in line like tin soldiers. A special effect is created if you design some stars only as a gold outline with a stroke weight of 1 point. To do this, you remove the fill color and keep only the outline.

Step 14: Designing the back

The back follows the same principle as the front. Draw a rectangle in the background color and place a copy of the snow flurry in the upper area. Reduce the opacity so you can see the outline of the star, and then set it back to 100 percent afterward.

For brand presence, you can display your name or the company name in large letters. To do this, choose a very large text box with your corporate font, which in the video is Ubuntu Light. Write the text, copy it multiple times with Ctrl+V, and use it to fill the entire back. The exact arrangement is initially unimportant when pasting.

Step 15: Rotating and adjusting the text box background

The text area gains dynamism when you rotate it. Color the text in a soft black tone, in the video with the values 0, 0, 5, and 80. Then set the line spacing from 21.6 to about 40 points. Rotate the text area around its own axis until you like it, and enlarge it so that it extends across the entire design.

Move the text box below the snow layer in the Layers panel. Then check whether the text is still easy to read. If the text looks too precise, change the width of the text box. The lines will then wrap differently, which creates an interesting structure.

Step 16: Removing the die-cut contour and saving the design

Before you export, delete the die-cut contour, because it serves only as a guideline. Select the layer in the Layers panel, click the trash can icon, and confirm the dialog. Beforehand, set the opacity of the bottom rectangle back to 100 percent so that the background appears fully solid.

Don't forget this step. If the contour layer is kept, it will appear in the print.

Step 17: Exporting the print data as PDF

Export the design as a PDF via "File" and "Export". In the dialog, follow the specifications of the print shop. The video recommends reading the help pages of viaprinto, because the binding print specifications are listed there. Export the front and back as two separate, print-ready files.

Step 18: Choosing format, chocolate, and packaging in the configurator

In the configurator, you cannot change the format and paper; they are predefined. However, you decide on the chocolate and the packaging. In the video, Lindt chocolate is chosen; alternatively, Sarotti is available.

There are three variants for the individual boxes. Without a selection, the calendar is delivered without its own box. "Enclosed" means that the box is included with the calendar and you can pack it yourself. "Assembled" delivers the calendar already in the individual box, which is particularly suitable for shipping to customers and business partners. The video chooses this variant.

Step 19: Set the quantity and choose the data check

Set the quantity. In the video, 25 copies are ordered. For the data check, you choose the professional data check. It checks your print data for printability and immediately reports whether everything is fine. This is a clear advantage because you spot errors before ordering.

Step 20: Upload PDFs and use the 3D preview

Drag and drop the PDF files into the browser window. You can upload both files at the same time or one after the other. The preview then shows you the front and back in a three-dimensional view. Click through the view to see the calendar from all sides. If you have swapped the pages, simply switch them in the sorting bar at the bottom.

The preview gives you a realistic feel for the final product before you order. You can spot areas you don't like and still correct them.

Step 21: Confirm the data check and add to the cart

The professional data check examines the files in a few seconds. A green checkmark shows you that all parameters are fine. After that, you can add your document to the cart and complete the order.

Step 22: Inspect the result during unboxing

After delivery, the unboxing shows the finished product. The individual box is fully packaged all around and protects the calendar from transport damage. You can pass it on to customers as is. Inside, the calendar fits snugly in a cardboard packaging with holders so that it doesn't slip.

The drop shadow on the little doors looks high-quality with its depth, and the matte paper feels pleasant. The gold color of the lettering matches the golden plastic trim. The stand on the back can be unfolded effortlessly and inserted into the tabs. After that, the calendar stands stably on a table.

Summary ??? Designing, printing and ordering an Advent calendar in star format

You now know all the steps to design and order an Advent calendar in star format. You start with the InDesign template from viaprinto, set up colors and layers cleanly, and work with snow effects, logo, hand lettering and gold stars. The back gets a dynamic text area before you export everything as a PDF. In the configurator, you choose chocolate and packaging, check the files with the professional data check, and review the result in the 3D preview. During unboxing, you see how the finished product looks.

Trainer About Stefan Riedl Stefan Riedl, once a trained banker, later studied graphic design and is a trainer for all topics related to desktop publishing with over 250 tutorials to his name. For five years, he was editor-in-chief of "Commag" - the online magazine for image editing and web design on PSD-Tutorials.de. All courses by Stefan Riedl →