Creating your own custom acrylic keychains is an exciting way to bring your art to life, but getting the technical details right is the difference between a "good" product and a "professional" one.
At Doc Creatives, we want to ensure your finished charms look exactly as you envisioned. Here is everything you need to know about preparing your artwork.
1. Choosing Your Shape: Regular vs. Irregular
The background of your file determines the final shape of your keychain.
Regular Shapes (Square/Rectangular): If your artwork has a full-color, non-single color background (like a complete painting or landscape), we will produce a regular geometric shape.
Irregular Shapes (Die-Cut): If you want the keychain to follow the outline of your character or logo, you must provide a file with a transparent background or a single solid color.
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The 2.5mm Bleed Rule: To ensure your design isn't cut off during the manufacturing process, please include a 2.5mm bleed. The "Actual Effect" includes a small transparent acrylic border and the hole for the hardware, which protects the ink from chipping.
2. The Golden Rule for Text: Avoid the "Mirror Effect"
One of the most common mistakes in keychain design is forgetting that acrylic is transparent.
Standard Printing: If you submit one file with text, the back side will appear mirrored (backward), making the text unreadable.
The Solution: If your design contains text, you must provide two separate drawings—one for the front and one for the back. Ensure the back design is aligned so that when the charm is flipped, the text remains legible.
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Pro Tip: Always double-check that your front and back layers line up perfectly in your design software!
3. File Quality & Submission
To get the crispest print possible, your files should meet these standards:
Resolution: At least 300dpi for the best results.
File Size: Ensure the artwork is at least the physical size of the requested charm.
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Professional Help: Don't worry if you aren't a tech expert! We offer FREE artwork setup. Simply email your designs to [email protected]. We will prepare a digital proof for your approval before we begin production.
Ready to Order? Use our Size Comparison Guide below!
Choosing the right size depends on your detail level and how you plan to use the charm. Use the chart below to compare our standard sizes (1" to 4") against a standard 5.4" smartphone.
Note: The charm size is determined by the longest edge, including the hole and the transparent border.
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