One of the most common delays in custom product manufacturing starts before production even begins: artwork rejection. Buyers send a logo or sketch, the factory responds with "please provide vector file," and a long email exchange begins. Weeks can be wasted just getting the artwork right.
From vector file basics to color specifications and file formats, here is everything you need to know about preparing artwork for custom pins, coins, patches, and keychains—and why it matters for your final product.
Why Factories Need Vector Files
Many buyers ask: "Why can't you just use my PNG or JPEG file?"
The answer comes down to one word: scalability. A vector file contains mathematical paths, not pixels. This means it can be scaled to any size without losing quality—from a tiny 1-inch pin to a 6-inch medal. Bitmap images (JPEG, PNG, GIF) are made of pixels; when you enlarge them, they become blurry and pixelated.
Vector files also provide:
Precise measurements and scaling for mold-making
Clear separation of colors for enamel filling
Accurate placement of text and design elements
Consistency across multiple production batches
How we help: Our design team works directly with your artwork to ensure it meets all production requirements. If your file is not ready, we will guide you through the necessary adjustments—so you do not have to figure it out on your own.
Not all vector files are the same. Different factories and different products may require specific formats. Here is what you need to know:
Format | Best For | Notes |
.AI (Adobe Illustrator) | Pins, coins, keychains | Industry standard |
.EPS | All products | Widely accepted |
.PDF | All products | Best for sharing |
.CDR | Pins, patches | CorelDRAW format |
.SVG | All products | Good for web-based design |
Acceptable Bitmap Formats (for reference only):
.AI / .EPS / .PDF / .CDR / .SVG (preferred)
High-resolution PNG with transparent background (min 300 DPI)
JPEG (only for reference, not for production)
Core Specifications: Minimum Requirements
For all custom products, we require a vector file format (.AI, .EPS, .PDF, .CDR, or .SVG). All text must be converted to outlines so we do not need your fonts, and all colors must be defined using Pantone (PMS) color codes.
Color specifications vary by product type. For enamel pins, challenge coins, and medals, you need to provide Pantone codes for each color and specify the plating finish (gold, nickel, antique, etc.). For PVC patches, provide Pantone codes for each color—there is no color limit. For woven and embroidered patches, limit your design to 1-6 colors and provide Pantone codes for thread matching. For keychains, provide Pantone codes for enamel areas and specify the plating finish.
Minimum line thickness is critical to ensure your design does not break during production. For pins, coins, and medals, the minimum line thickness is 0.3mm (0.012 inches). For woven patches, it is 0.5mm (0.02 inches); for embroidery patches, it is 1mm (0.04 inches). For keychains, the minimum is 0.3mm (0.012 inches). Text size also matters—minimum 6pt for pins and keychains, 8pt for woven patches, and 10pt for embroidery patches.
Design area is another key consideration. Keep all critical design elements at least 2mm from the edge to avoid cutting issues, and always provide the exact size of your product in mm or inches. Include a clear indication of which side is front versus back for double-sided products.
Color count should be specified clearly. For pins, coins, and medals, tell us the exact number of enamel colors. For woven and embroidered patches, limit to 1-6 colors. PVC patches have no color limit. For keychains, specify the exact number of enamel colors.
How we help: When you send your artwork to us, we review every detail before production starts—line thickness, text size, Pantone colors, and file format. We will let you know if anything needs to be fixed, and we will suggest the best approach for your specific product. This is part of our standard service, at no extra charge.
Product-Specific Guidelines
1. Custom Lapel Pins
For custom lapel pins, we require .AI, .EPS, .PDF, or .CDR file formats. Provide Pantone codes for each enamel color in your design, and tell us which is light or dark, matte or glossy. The minimum line thickness is 0.3mm, and text should be at least 6pt. Keep design elements at least 2mm from the edge.
Tips for pin artwork: Use clean, bold outlines for enamel areas. Keep text and fine details away from the edge. For complex logos, simplify lines to ensure clarity at small sizes. If using a double-sided pin, include a front-and-back view.
2. Challenge Coins & Medals
For challenge coins and medals, we require .AI, .EPS, or .PDF file formats. Provide Pantone codes for enamel colors and specify the plating finish (gold, nickel, antique, etc.). The minimum line thickness is 0.3mm, and text should be at least 6pt. Specify whether you want 2D flat enamel or 3D sculpted relief, and indicate edge detail (rope, beveled, or standard edge).
Tips for coin/medal artwork: For 3D designs, provide a clear front and side view if possible. Indicate text orientation for both sides (top/bottom alignment). Mark which details should be raised (metal) versus recessed (enamel).
3. Custom Patches
Patches come in three main types: woven, embroidery, and PVC. Each has different requirements:
Woven patches are best for detailed logos and small text. They require .AI, .EPS, or .PDF files, 1-6 colors with Pantone codes, minimum line thickness 0.5mm, and minimum text size 8pt. Keep design elements 3mm from the edge.
Embroidered patches are best for bold designs with limited colors. They require .AI, .EPS, or .PDF files, 1-6 colors with Pantone codes, minimum line thickness 1mm, and minimum text size 10pt. Keep design elements 4mm from the edge.
PVC patches are best for full-color designs with no color limit. They require .AI, .EPS, or .PDF files, Pantone codes with no color limit, minimum line thickness 0.3mm, minimum text size 6pt, and design elements 2mm from the edge.
For metal keychains, we require .AI, .EPS, .PDF, or .CDR file formats. Provide Pantone codes for enamel colors and specify the plating finish. The minimum line thickness is 0.3mm, and text should be at least 6pt. Keep design elements at least 2mm from the edge, and mark the keyring hole location clearly.
Tips for keychain artwork: Include the keyring hole in your design or mark its position clearly. Keep design elements away from the hole to avoid breakage. For double-sided keychains, provide both sides clearly.
Common Design Mistakes to Avoid
1. Using Bitmap Images
Sending a JPEG or PNG of your logo is the #1 mistake buyers make. Even high-resolution images cannot replace vector files. If you only have a JPEG, ask your designer to trace it as a vector.
2. Missing Pantone Colors
Describing colors in words ("dark blue," "bright red") is not enough. Factory color experts need the exact Pantone number to match your color consistently.
3. Too Many Colors in Patches
For woven and embroidered patches, each color adds cost and complexity. Simplify your design to 1-6 colors to keep production smooth and cost-effective.
4. Text That Is Too Small
Text that looks fine on a computer screen may be too small for production. Always check minimum text size for your product type.
Sending artwork without specifying the product size is like ordering a cake without saying how big you want it. Always include the exact size in millimeters or inches.
6. Not Marking Front vs Back
For double-sided products, clearly mark which side is front and which is back. If the sides are identical, that is also helpful to know.
How we help: Many of these mistakes are easy to fix—if you know what to look for. That is why we review every artwork submission before production. We catch issues early, so you do not have to deal with delays or disappointing samples.
Artwork Checklist for Buyers
Before sending your artwork to the factory, run through this checklist:
☐ File Format
Is your file a vector format (.AI, .EPS, .PDF, .CDR, .SVG)?
Have you converted all text to outlines?
Are all colors defined with Pantone (PMS) codes?
☐ Product Specifications
Have you specified the exact size (mm/inches)?
Have you marked front vs back (for double-sided products)?
Have you indicated which elements are raised vs recessed?
Have you marked the keyring hole (for keychains)?
☐ Design Quality
Are all lines above the minimum thickness?
Is all text above the minimum size?
Are critical elements at least 2mm from the edge?
Is your design clean and clear without overlapping elements?
Pro Tips for Different Products
For Pins / Coins / Medals:
Keep text away from the edge—plating can make edges slightly irregular
Use bold, simple fonts for clarity at small sizes
High-contrast colors show up better in enamel
Specify whether you want glossy or matte enamel
For Patches:
Woven: Best for detailed logos and small text
Embroidery: Best for bold designs with limited colors
PVC: Best for full-color designs with gradients
For patches with a border, specify the border width and style
For Keychains:
Mark the hole location clearly
Keep design elements away from the hole
Consider whether you want single-sided or double-sided
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What if I only have a JPEG or PNG logo?
A: We can work with high-resolution JPEG/PNG images (min 300 DPI) for reference, but a vector file is always preferred. If you do not have a vector file, our design team can help redraw your logo at a reasonable cost. We will recommend the best approach after reviewing your artwork.
Q2: How do I find Pantone colors for my brand logo?
A: If you do not know your Pantone colors, our color lab can help match your logo. You can also use online tools like Pantone Color Finder, or ask your graphic designer for the PMS codes used in your brand guidelines.
Q3: Why do woven and embroidered patches have color limits?
A: Woven and embroidered patches are made with colored threads, and each color requires a separate thread spool. More colors mean more thread changes, higher production complexity, and higher costs. By limiting the design to 1-6 colors, we keep production efficient and affordable.
Q4: Can I use gradients in my design?
A: For pins, coins, and medals, gradients are not possible with enamel—each color is a solid fill. However, gradients can be used in PVC patches and printed products. For enamel products, we recommend using multiple color blocks to create a gradient-like effect.
Send Your Artwork for a Free Review
Not sure if your artwork is ready for production? Let us check it for you.
Our design team has years of experience working with custom pins, coins, patches, and keychains. We know what works and what does not—and we are happy to share that expertise with you.
We offer free artwork review and revision service—simply send your logo or design file to our team. We will respond with a complete review and recommendations—at no charge. We typically reply the same business day, so you can keep your project moving without waiting.
How to get started: Send your artwork to our team. We will respond with a complete review and recommendations—at no charge.
