Designing for soft PVC
Soft PVC is molded in layers, with each color filled into its own section. That's what gives our keychains, charms and patches their bold, raised, touchable look. A few simple guidelines will help your design translate beautifully. And remember: if your file isn't perfect, our designers will help adjust it and show you a free mockup before anything is made.
Resolution and file quality
- Vector is best: SVG, AI, EPS or vector PDF files keep every edge crisp.
- Raster files: for PNG or JPG, aim for at least 300 DPI at the final size, or simply send the largest version you have.
- Transparent backgrounds help us see the exact shape you want.
- Avoid screenshots and heavily compressed images when possible, as they lose detail.
Colors
- Solid colors work best. Each color becomes its own molded area.
- Gradients and shading are usually simplified into solid color blocks. Our designers will show you how this looks in your mockup.
- Brand colors: share Pantone codes or HEX values in your order notes and we'll match as closely as possible.
- Screen vs. real life: colors on screens vary by device, so finished PVC may look slightly different from what you see on your monitor.
Lines and fine details
Because PVC is molded, extremely thin lines and tiny details can be difficult to reproduce. As a general guide:
- Keep lines at least 0.5 mm (about 0.02") thick at the final size.
- Leave a little space between small shapes so colors don't blend together.
- Very intricate areas, such as fur texture or tiny patterns, may be simplified for a clean result.
- Smaller items like 2" charms have less room for detail than larger keychains or patches, so bolder designs shine at small sizes.
Text size
- Aim for text that is at least 2 mm (about 0.08") tall at the final size.
- Bold, simple fonts read better than thin script or decorative fonts.
- Keep text short. A name, a word or a short phrase is easiest to read in PVC.
- If text is too small, our designers may suggest enlarging it or simplifying the wording.
Outlines and shape
- A solid outline around your design gives it a clean, finished edge and helps define the overall shape.
- Simple silhouettes are sturdier. Long, thin parts sticking out may be thickened or connected for durability.
- Keychains need a spot for the ring hole, and our designers will place it where it looks best unless you tell us otherwise.
- Shoe charms and bag charms have a fitting on the back, so the design should have enough solid area to support it.
How mockups work
Every custom order includes a free digital mockup:
- After you check out, our designers review your artwork and prepare a mockup showing shape, colors and layout.
- We email it to you, typically within 24-48 hours.
- Reply with any changes you'd like. Revisions are free.
- Once you approve, your order moves into production, which takes about 5-7 business days.
Your approved mockup is the blueprint for your order, so please check spelling, colors and details carefully before approving.
Need a hand?
Not sure if your artwork will work? Send it anyway, or email support@getcharmcraft.com with questions. You can also visit our Upload Your Artwork page for accepted formats and step-by-step instructions.