Badge Guides & News
How to Prepare Artwork for Custom Badges
Oct
Great badges start with good artwork, but you don’t need to be a designer. Our free design service can turn a logo, sketch or rough idea into a proof. If you’re supplying your own files, these tips will help your design look crisp and readable at badge size.
What can I send?
Your logo or artwork
Send it in the best quality you have, and we’ll advise if anything else is needed.
A PDF or document
A PDF of your logo, or a brief in Word or another document, is fine.
A sketch or drawing
Hand-drawn ideas are welcome. Our designers turn them into a visual.
Just a brief
Tell us your idea, colours and wording, and we’ll design it for free.
Which files can I upload?
The quote forms on our product pages accept files up to 20 MB in these formats:
| File | Can I upload it? | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ Yes | Ideal for a logo exported from design software | |
| Images PNG, JPG, GIF or WEBP | ✅ Yes | The larger and sharper the better, ideally on a plain or transparent background |
| Office files Word, Excel or similar (DOCX, ODT, RTF, XLSX, ODS) | ✅ Yes | Handy for a written brief or a list of names |
| Screenshot or photo of a sketch | ✅ Yes, as a JPG or PNG | Fine as a starting point; our designers work it up into your proof |
| Other file types | Ask us | Tell us what you have when you ask for a quote, and we’ll advise the best way to send it |
Send your logo in the best quality you have and we’ll advise if we need anything else.
Designing for badge size
A badge is small, so a design that looks great on screen can lose detail at 25mm. Keep these points in mind:
Keep text short and bold
Fewer words at a bigger size are easier to read at a glance.
Avoid hairline details
Very thin lines and tiny gaps can fill in or disappear at badge size.
Limit your colours
Enamel works best with a handful of solid colours. Gradients and photos need a printed badge.
Think about the outline
A simple outer shape keeps the design clear. Contact us about unusual shapes or sizes.
Getting your colours right
Enamel colours are matched to Pantone solid coated shades, so if your brand has Pantone references, include them with your artwork. Remember that colours look different from screen to screen, so a Pantone reference is the most reliable guide. Browse our essential Pantone colours.
Match the badge type to your artwork
| Your artwork has… | Consider |
|---|---|
| A few solid colours and bold shapes | Enamel or premium enamel |
| Gradients, shading or a photo | Printed metal |
| Bold colours plus fine detail | Printed enamel |
| Raised, sculpted detail | 3D badges |
Read our enamel vs printed badges guide for a full comparison.
From sketch to badge
1. Send your drawing
A sketch, logo or brief is a fine starting point.
2. We show you a visual
Our designers turn it into a digital proof for you to check.
3. Your badge is made
Production starts once you approve the proof.
Checking your proof
Before anything is made, we send you a digital proof to approve. Production only starts once you approve it, and an approved order can’t be changed, so check it carefully:
- Spelling of every name and word
- Colours and Pantone references
- Size and shape
- Plating, and epoxy or not
- Fitting and packaging
- Quantity
Before you send: quick checklist
- Your logo or artwork, in the best quality you have
- Pantone references, if you know them
- The exact wording, checked for spelling
- Badge size and quantity
- Badge type, or ask us to recommend one
- Your deadline
- Confirmation that you own or have permission to use the logo
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be a designer?
No. Send us a logo, sketch or brief and our free design service will prepare a proof for you.
What file types can I send?
The quote forms on our product pages accept PDF, PNG, JPG, GIF, WEBP and Office files up to 20 MB. Send your logo in the best quality you have and we’ll advise if we need anything else. If all you have is a screenshot or sketch, send it anyway and we’ll use it as a starting point.
Does design cost extra?
No. Our design service is free, from first concepts to final proof.
How many changes can I ask for?
We’ll make the changes you need until you’re happy to go ahead.
Can you match my brand colours?
Yes. Enamel colours are matched to Pantone solid coated shades. Include your Pantone references if you have them.
Can I put a photo on a badge?
Yes, with a printed metal or printed enamel badge.
Can I change my design after approving the proof?
No. Production starts once you approve your proof, so please check all the details carefully first.
Can I use someone else’s logo?
Only if you own it or have permission to use it.
Have your artwork ready?
Upload it in the best quality you have with a quote request on any product page, and we’ll create a free design proof and quote. No minimum order.
Upload artwork and get a quoteor call 01922 285 582