The Practical Guide to Custom Buttons: Sizes, Uses, and Design Tips
If this is your first time ordering custom buttons, welcome! This quick guide covers sizes, design tips (so your pins print crisp), and creative ways to use buttons for events, schools, non-profits, and brands.
Ready to make buttons? Start your order — we have no minimums and 2–3 business day production.
Why buttons still work (and work fast)
- Tiny billboards: People wear them, pass them on, and keep them.
- Budget-friendly: Start with a handful, scale to thousands.
- Flexible: Great for launches, fundraisers, school spirit, and retail add-ons.
What size should I pick?
Choose size based on how much content you need and how far away you want it to read. For a deeper dive, see our Button Size Guide.
| Size | Great for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1″–1.25″ | Icons, initials, tiny merch | Keep it ultra-short; avoid body text. |
| 1.5″–1.75″ | Short slogans, simple logos | 1–2 short words; bold type helps. |
| 2.25″–2.5″ | Classic promo/campaigns | Logo + tagline fits cleanly. |
| 3″ | Events, name badges, QR | Readable at arm’s length; great all-rounder. |
| 3.5″–4″ | Large events, signage | Longer slogans, bigger names. |
| 6″ | Oversized display | Headline + subhead possible. |
| 2″×3″ rectangle | Name badges | Name + Role + logo in a tidy layout. |
Design tips for crisp prints
- Use high-res files. Aim for 300 DPI at final size. Check our pixel chart in the photo button design guide.
- Mind the rim. Keep critical text/logos inside the live area; the outer edge can crimp/wrap.
- Boost contrast. Dark on light (or vice-versa) reads best. Avoid thin, low-contrast type.
- Fewer words win. Short, bold phrases are easier to read and remember.
- Test a QR code at size. Use 2.25″–3″ for reliable scanning and keep a clear quiet zone around the code. See QR code buttons.
Photo buttons: make faces pop
For memorials, teams, reunions, or grads, photo buttons shine. Keep faces centered with extra headroom and raise exposure/contrast slightly before exporting. Our step-by-step tips live here: How to Design Photo Buttons.
Want to order right away? Visit Photo Buttons.
Smart ways to use buttons
- Conferences & trade shows: staff IDs, conversation starters, swag bag inserts.
- Schools: spirit days, clubs, grad keepsakes.
- Weddings & events: photo pins, wedding party roles, guest book swaps.
- Name badges: friendly, reusable, on-brand.
- Pronoun buttons: simple, respectful clarity at events and workplaces.
- QR buttons: menus, reviews, donation links, or sign-ups.
Ordering & timelines
We print in-house with typical 2–3 business day production and Canada-wide shipping. If you’ve ordered before, you can reorder from your approved setup for fast reprints.
Need a hand with artwork?
We’re happy to help with layout, rim/safe-zone checks, and quick cleanup. Contact our team or start an order and upload JPG/PNG/PDF/AI at checkout. No minimum order required.
Next up: See the Button Size Guide or jump straight to Custom Buttons.