PRO TIP: Vector file formats (AI, PDF with vector objects) are always preferred for magnet artwork because they’re resolution-independent. This means they scale infinitely without quality loss, making them ideal for die-cut magnets of any size. If you only have raster files (PNG, JPG), ensure they’re at least 300 DPI at final print size.

IMPORTANT: 72 DPI (web resolution) or 96 DPI (screen resolution) will result in fuzzy, low-quality prints. Always check your file properties and ensure minimum 300 DPI. If you’re unsure how to check DPI, you can verify in your design software’s file properties or export settings.

QUICK FIX: Most design software (Photoshop, Illustrator, Canva Pro) lets you convert to CMYK via Image → Mode → CMYK (Photoshop) or Document → Colour Mode → CMYK (Illustrator). Do this before exporting your final artwork.

SAFE ZONE: Always keep important elements (text, logos, faces) at least 5mm away from the magnet edge. This ensures nothing gets accidentally cut off, even with a 3mm bleed allowance.

Soft PVC Magnets

Soft PVC magnets feature a raised 3D texture created by a custom mould. Because the design is moulded into the material itself, design considerations differ from flat-print magnets.

• Design with bold lines and distinct shapes—fine details may not transfer well to the mould.
• Limit colour count: Soft PVC magnets use mould-based printing, so fewer colours work best (typically 2-4 colours).
• Avoid gradients: Gradual colour transitions don’t translate well to moulded designs. Use solid colour blocks instead.
• Submit your artwork as colour-blocked vector art so our production team can assign Pantone colours to each section.

Metal Magnets

Metal magnets feature hard enamel printing, which creates a high-end, jewel-like finish. The production process involves hand-pouring coloured enamel into recessed areas of the design.

• Submit Pantone colour specs: For enamel magnets, specify exact Pantone colours for each design element so colours match your brand perfectly.
• Design for enamel filling: Each colour area should be large enough to be filled with enamel (avoid tiny slivers or intricate details).
• Use colour blocking: Like soft PVC, metal magnets work best with distinct colour blocks rather than gradients.
• Provide artwork as colour-separated layers if possible, so production can prepare each colour layer individually.

Resin Magnets

Resin magnets feature hand-painted details under a clear resin dome, creating a 3D, jewel-like appearance. These magnets allow for more detailed, photorealistic artwork since the painting happens after resin casting.

• Provide reference images: Submit high-quality reference photos or artwork that our painters can work from. The more detail you provide, the better the final result.
• Include paint colour guides: If you have specific colour requirements (e.g., skin tones, fabric colours), provide Pantone references or colour swatches.
• Embrace detail: Unlike moulded magnets, resin magnets can include fine details, textures, and realistic shading.
• Specify any 3D sculpting preferences (e.g., raised nose, recessed eyes) if applicable.

Letterpress Magnets

Letterpress creates embossed and debossed designs with a classic, premium feel. The design is pressed into the magnet material, creating depth and tactile appeal.

• Design with bold lines: Fine details disappear in letterpress. Use thick strokes, bold fonts, and simple geometric shapes.
• Avoid thin serifs: Thin letterforms can break during the pressing process. Sans-serif fonts or thick serif fonts work better.
• Limited detail: Letterpress works best for text, logos, and simple illustrations. Complex scenes won’t translate well.
• Submit artwork as clean vector art with consistent line weights.

Acrylic & Car Magnets

These magnets use full-bleed digital printing, which means they can accommodate complex, photorealistic designs with unlimited colours. This is the most forgiving magnet type for artwork.

• High-resolution photos work great: Since these use digital printing, you can submit detailed photographs and artwork with gradients and complex colour transitions.
• Full bleed is encouraged: Design extends to all edges—no need to worry as much about safe zones (but still maintain 2-3mm bleed).
• Unlimited colours: No colour restrictions. Submit artwork in CMYK at 300 DPI and we’ll handle the rest.
• These magnets work perfectly for custom photos, landscape artwork, and complex brand designs.

1. Submitting Low-Resolution Files

Files under 300 DPI result in pixelated, blurry prints. Always export at final size at 300 DPI minimum. If you’re unsure, err on the side of higher resolution—we can always downsize, but we can’t add detail that isn’t there.

2. Forgetting to Convert to CMYK

RGB artwork submitted to a print shop will either be rejected or converted by us—which may shift colours. Do the conversion yourself in your design software to ensure accurate colour matching.

3. Missing Bleed Area

Files without proper bleed can result in thin white lines at the magnet edges after cutting. Add 2-3mm bleed on all sides of your final design and mark the safe zone clearly.

4. Too Much Fine Detail

Thin lines, small text, and intricate illustrations may not print clearly, especially on moulded or letterpress magnets. Test your design at actual size and ensure all elements are legible and visible.

5. Wrong File Format for the Job

Submitting a JPG of a logo (raster) instead of vector art makes it impossible to scale without quality loss. When in doubt about which format to use, ask us—we’re happy to guide you.

Can I submit artwork in PSD format?

While we can work with PSD files, we strongly recommend converting to a more universal format like PDF, AI, or PNG before submission. PSD files can have compatibility issues across different software versions, and they’re larger files. Convert to CMYK, flatten layers if not needed, and export as PDF or AI for best results.

What happens if I don’t include a bleed area?

If there’s no bleed, there’s risk of white or coloured edges showing after die-cutting due to minor cutting variances. We’ll often add a bleed ourselves if we notice it’s missing, but this can slightly alter your design composition. It’s always better to include it from the start to maintain design integrity.

Do I need to provide separate files for front and back printing?

If your magnets are printed on both sides, yes—submit separate artwork files for the front and back. Label them clearly (e.g., “Front.pdf” and “Back.pdf”) and ensure both files are the same size and properly registered so the front and back align perfectly after production.

Can I use Canva to design my magnet artwork?

Absolutely! Canva is a great tool for beginners. Just make sure you use Canva Pro (which offers CMYK export), set your canvas to the correct magnet dimensions, export at 300 DPI minimum in PNG or PDF format, and convert to CMYK if needed. Canva’s templates can be a great starting point too.

How much will adding more details or colours cost?

This depends on the magnet type. For digital-printed magnets (acrylic, car magnets), unlimited colours are included in the base price. For moulded, metal, or resin magnets, colour and complexity do affect pricing. Visit our custom magnet pricing guide for detailed cost information.

Can you recreate my design from a photo or sketch?

Yes! Our design team can vectorise sketches, recreate designs from photos, or adapt existing designs for magnet production. Send us your photo or sketch along with any brand guidelines, and we’ll create a vector-ready file. There may be a design fee depending on the complexity, but we offer free consultations to discuss your project.