Clamshell

A little press.
Your own words.

A thank-you to send. A gift tag to print. A front page with your own headline. Set the type, roll the ink and fold your iPhone Duo to make an impression.

See how Clamshell works

Coming to the App Store. Planned US price: $2.99.
One purchase includes every paper, ink and type style.

Original Clamshell icon: a slate-blue press, a red roller, reversed type and its printed impression.

Something small.
Something personal.

A thank-you. A birthday note. A few words for someone who needs them. Choose cotton or kraft, pick an ink, and make an impression of your own.

Send a high-resolution card, share the lettering as a transparent PNG, or make a printable sheet of gift tags or place cards. Mix different saved cards on A4 or US Letter for a table full of names. The standard iOS sharing sheet lets you choose where it goes.

An illustrated example card. Clamshell makes digital images with the character of ink on paper.

Set the type.

Build two lines one letter at a time in the composing sticks, or choose Quick write and start with a useful note. Pick your type style, paper and ink, then Lock the type.

Roll the ink.

Drag the roller across its rail and watch the reversed type take an even coat of ink. A tap completes the same roll.

Fold to print.

When the locked type is fully inked, gently close your Duo, then reopen. On other supported iPhones, tap Press. If you cannot fold your Duo, choose Can’t fold your Duo?. Then confirm Print without folding.

Make it useful.

Cards are ready to send. Copy their words as text, or paste transparent lettering into an app that supports PNG images. Build a PDF sheet from different saved cards for a dinner table or gifts. iOS handles printing to a compatible printer.

Choose an output

Make the front page.

Choose an edition or write your own headline and story. Align three color plates, lock each one, ink and press. Accurate registration earns up to 30,000 points. Copy a compact result straight into a message, or send the full page as an image or PDF.

For a little competition, post an unguided score to The Registration Room through Apple Game Center. Signing in and posting are optional.

Yours to keep.

Your drafts and finished prints stay on your iPhone. Search your drawer, reuse a design, or export an archive to keep a separate backup. Creating and sharing prints works without a Clamshell account. There are no ads, analytics or subscriptions. The optional Game Center leaderboard needs an internet connection and an Apple Game Center profile.

Read the privacy policy

A simple start.

Clamshell works on iPhone with iOS 17 or later. The physical fold interaction uses iPhone Duo with iOS 27.1 or later. A Press button on other iPhones and a confirmed alternative on Duo provide the complete printing flow.

Get help with your press