Custom Printed Badges Guide: Shapes, Sizes & Artwork Tips
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Scout Store now offers custom printed badges and patches for everyone - not just for Scouts! They’re a great way to commemorate events, milestones, camps, weddings, and more and can be sewn onto any material of your choice. As a trusted retailer who knows a lot about badges (ask our Scouts!), we guarantee quality and care with every custom badge order.
Custom Badge Shapes and Options
There are 5 badge shapes to choose which come in multiple sizes, including:
Not sure which shape to pick? Larger sizes are ideal for detailed designs, while smaller sizes and circles also suit logos. If your design is text-heavy, a rectangle will work well.
How to Order Custom Badges – Step by Step
Follow these simple steps to create your perfect badge:
- Prepare your artwork – Save your badge design as a vector file (PDF, AI or EPS). If you’re unsure how, get in contact with Customer Services.
- Select your badge options – Choose your shape, size and quantity, and add them to your basket.
- Place your order – Proceed to checkout and make your payment.
- Send your design file – Our Customer Services team will contact you for your artwork - please remember to check your design for spelling mistakes or errors!
- Production begins – Your design will then go into production.
- Delivery – Badges are dispatched and delivered within 4-5 weeks of receipt of your artwork.
Artwork and Printing Guidelines
Colour Accuracy - We will try to match the colours from your original design as closely as possible. If you require a specific colour match, please include a Pantone colour reference in your artwork.
Text Legibility - For best results, we recommend leaving a space between text and the border. Please also ensure there is sufficient contrast in the text colour to make sure it is legible. A dark green text on a dark blue badge background is probably not the best choice!
Borders - The border can't be printed, however if you would like to include a border in your design, the printer will choose a thread to closely match the colour chosen. If no border is included in your design, the border thread will be matched as closely as possible to the background colour of the badge.
Photos - Please be advised that reproduction of a photo on a badge will not be as detailed as a regular printed photograph.
Limitations - There are no limitations when choosing colours for your design, you can also add any text or owned logos and emblems.
Text Legibility - For best results, we recommend leaving a space between text and the border. Please also ensure there is sufficient contrast in the text colour to make sure it is legible. A dark green text on a dark blue badge background is probably not the best choice!
Borders - The border can't be printed, however if you would like to include a border in your design, the printer will choose a thread to closely match the colour chosen. If no border is included in your design, the border thread will be matched as closely as possible to the background colour of the badge.
Photos - Please be advised that reproduction of a photo on a badge will not be as detailed as a regular printed photograph.
Limitations - There are no limitations when choosing colours for your design, you can also add any text or owned logos and emblems.
Artwork Checklist – Avoid Common Mistakes
Before submitting your artwork, run through this quick checklist:
- Spelling – Have you checked for typos and errors?
- Contrast – Is your text easy to read against the background?
- Image Quality – Is your photo sharp and detailed enough?
- Permissions – Do you own or have rights to use all images and logos?
- Spacing – Is there enough space between text, design elements, and the badge border?
An example of some common design errors
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I miss a spelling mistake or error in my submitted design?
Please check your designs for errors and spelling mistakes before submitting your artwork. Once your artwork has been submitted, you won’t be able to make any further changes.
Can I use any images or logos in my badge design?
Please do not use any imagery or licensed logos that do not belong to you. For example, Disney, Hello Kitty, or imagery taken from search engines can’t be used without permission from the owner.
What if the colour of my badge isn’t an exact match?
We will colour-match as closely as possible; however, some colours may vary slightly from your design files. The best way to ensure a colour match is to provide a Pantone colour with your artwork.
What type of printing is used?
We use heat transfer printing, where the design is printed directly onto the fabric of the badge. This reduces the potential for loss of clarity that you may get with woven or embroidered badges.
I have ordered additional items alongside my custom badge order. When can I expect these?
Any non-personalised items will be dispatched separately and will not appear on the delivery note.
Can I return my custom badge order?
Bespoke and custom items cannot be returned unless they are faulty.
Why has my design been rejected?
Inappropriate designs of any type will not be accepted. This includes bad language, racism, nudity, sexism, political views or prejudices of any kind. Please read our Terms and Conditions (Section 13) to find out more information.
What is a Vector PDF, AI or EPS file?
A Vector file usually consists of shapes, lines and text. It is a format that can be resized without significantly impacting the quality of your image. We accept vector files in PDF, AI and EPS formats.
Do you offer a design service?
Unfortunately, Scout Store is currently unable to offer an artwork service to turn your ideas into print-ready files.
If you have any other questions or need assistance with ordering your custom badges, please do not hesitate to contact us.
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