Presented is an apparatus for generating a transfer pattern to be used in a transfer printing process. The pattern is generated in a substrate that could be a web substrate and that bears one or more trenches. A filler to be transferred is made to fill the trenches within the web substrate. Upon completion of the trench by filler filling, the substrate, the scraper and the squeegee are translated from the working zone in a synchronized movement, such that in course of the translation movement at least the scraper remains in full contact with the substrate.