Button Size Guide — What Fits on 1″–6″
Clear, quick tips for text, logos, and QR codes so your buttons read beautifully at arm’s length.
Quick Guide: What Fits Each Size
Use this at-a-glance chart to pick the right size for names, slogans, detailed logos, and QR codes.
| Size | Best For | Text Guidance | Logo Guidance | QR Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1″–1.25″ | Short icons, initials, tiny merch | Max ~6–10 bold characters; avoid lines under 10pt | Simple mark only; no fine taglines | Not recommended |
| 1.5″–1.75″ | Pins for staff, small slogans | 1–2 short words; bold sans/serif ≥ 10–12pt | Logo + very short tagline if high contrast | Not recommended |
| 2.25″–2.5″ | Classic promo, campaigns | 2–4 short words; keep edges clear | Logo + tagline fits well | Works (close range) |
| 3″ | Bold slogans, events, name badges | 3–6 short words or Name + Role | Most marks render cleanly | Good (arm’s length) |
| 3.5″–4″ | Large events, readable from a distance | Longer slogans; bigger names | Detailed logos OK with contrast | Great (counter/booth) |
| 6″ | Oversized display/signage | Headline + subhead possible | Complex artwork acceptable | Best (scan from farther) |
Tip: Fewer, bigger words = better readability. Keep critical content away from the crimped rim.
Live Area, Rim & Safe-Zone
Keep Key Elements Inside
Logos and text should sit well inside the live area. Background colours/patterns should bleed past the cut line for clean edges.
- Rim (crimp): Outer ~2–3 mm can wrap; avoid tiny details here.
- Safe-zone: Keep essential text/logos ~3–4 mm away from edge.
- Contrast wins: Dark-on-light or light-on-dark reads best.
QR Codes: What Size Works?
Recommended Sizes
- 2.25″–2.5″: Scannable at close range (hand-to-hand).
- 3″: Reliable at arm’s length (booths, counters).
- 3.5–4″ or 6″: Best for scanning from a few steps away.
Keep a quiet zone: Leave a clear margin around the QR (no graphics/text touching the code). Test by printing one sample and scanning at the intended distance.
Size-by-Size Tips
1″
Icon or single initial. Avoid body text.
1.25″
Short word (≤ 8–10 chars) or simple mark.
1.5″
Two short words or logo + tiny subtext.
1.75″
Short slogan; keep edges clear.
2.25″
Classic campaign size; logo + tagline.
2.5″
More breathing room for type.
3″
Name + role or bold slogan; QR friendly.
3.5″
Readable from farther away.
4″
Headline + small subhead possible.
6″
Signage and oversized display pieces.
Square 1.5″/2″
Badge-style logos; short names.
Rectangle 2″×3″
Name badges; Name + Role + logo.
File Prep & Readability Tips
Fonts & Contrast
Use bold/semibold weights and high contrast colour pairs. Avoid long sentences on small sizes.
Artwork
AI/PDF (vector) preferred; high-res PNG/JPG also fine. Extend backgrounds to bleed.
Proofing
We check rim/safe-zone and contrast on every order. You’ll see a digital proof on request.
Ready to Pick a Size?
Order today for fast 2–3 business day production. No minimum order — start small, scale for events.
Button Size Guide — FAQ
Which size is best for a short slogan?
2.25″–3″ handle 2–6 short words cleanly. Keep words short and increase line spacing for readability.
What size should I pick for name badges?
3″ round or 2″×3″ rectangle give room for Name + Role and stay legible at arm’s length.
Can I print a QR code on a 1.5″ button?
We don’t recommend it. Use 2.25–3″ for reliable scanning and leave a clear quiet zone around the code.
Do you colour-match brand colours?
We print CMYK and aim for consistent results. Provide CMYK or Pantone references; exact Pantone matches aren’t guaranteed.
What files do you accept?
Preferred: AI/PDF (vector). Also OK: high-res PNG/JPG. We’ll review layout, safe-zone, and contrast before printing.
