File formats
- AI, EPS, PDF or SVG (vector) are ideal.
- High-resolution PNG (300 dpi at actual size or larger) works; we vectorize it.
- JPG and phone photos of sketches are fine as a starting point.
Set up the artboard at actual size
Draw the pin at the size you will order, for example 1 inch (25.4 mm) on the longest side. Designing at actual size shows you immediately whether lines and text will hold up.
Outline all text
Convert text to outlines (shapes) so fonts do not change when the file is opened elsewhere. Keep a separate unoutlined copy for edits.
Use closed shapes for every color
Each enamel color must be a closed, filled shape. Avoid strokes that only look like fills; expand strokes into shapes. Colors that touch must be separated by a metal line.
Separate the metal
Put metal lines (the outlines that will be plated) on their own layer or in a single color such as black. Put each enamel color on its own swatch, named with its Pantone number.
Mind minimum sizes
| Element | Minimum |
|---|---|
| Metal line | 0.2 to 0.3 mm |
| Text height | 1.5 mm |
| Enamel area | about 0.5 mm across |
These are covered in our artwork guidelines.
Mark special areas
Note anything special directly on the file: glitter areas, glow areas, cut-outs, screen-printed details, epoxy. Use a separate layer called "notes" so it is not mistaken for art.
Checklist before you send
- Artboard at actual pin size
- Text outlined
- Every color area closed and filled
- Metal lines on their own layer
- Pantone numbers labeled
- Special effects marked
- Back design (backstamp) on a separate artboard if you want one
When the file is ready, send it on the quote form. For design tips, see how to design an enamel pin and choosing Pantone colors.
Common file problems we fix
- Open paths. A color area that is not fully enclosed cannot be filled; we close it.
- Strokes instead of shapes. Lines drawn as strokes change thickness when scaled; we expand them.
- Overlapping shapes. Stacked shapes hide areas that still exist in the file; we merge them.
- Hairline details. Lines thinner than 0.2 mm disappear in metal; we thicken them.
- Too many colors. Similar shades are merged so each color is distinct in enamel.
- Live text. Unoutlined fonts are replaced if missing; we ask you to confirm spelling.
If you are working from a raster image
A PNG or JPG is fine to send. Our artists redraw it as vector art. To help, send the largest version you have, tell us which colors matter, and point out any details you want to keep. If the artwork was drawn by a designer, ask them for the original vector file; it saves a round of revisions.
Naming your files
Use simple names that describe the design and version, for example "teamname_tradingpin_v3.ai". If you send several files, include a short note about which is the final.
Written by the Enamelore team, who proof every order. Questions about this guide? Email hello@enamelore.com.
