When you finish, open the editor and try it with your own design.
What it is and how it works
A pin maker (also called a button press or badge machine) is a manual press that joins three things: the metal shell, your design printed on paper and a clear film that protects it. A second part, the back, carries the pin or magnet.
The first press closes the paper and film over the shell; the second locks the back in. The button comes out assembled.
What you need to start
The press alone isn't enough: everything it uses has to match its size.
- Parts in the press size: shells, backs and film.
- A circle cutter in that size, or scissors and patience.
- A regular printer and paper.
- The design at your press's exact size.
Why the paper is printed bigger than the button
When you press, the paper stretches over the shell and the edge folds behind it. That strip is the wrap, which is why the circle you print is bigger than the button: on a 2.25" button the paper is 66.67 mm.
If the design doesn't reach that edge, a white line shows. If the paper is too thick it can jam: for paper over 150 gsm, the editor has a “Heavy paper” mode that trims 0.5 mm off the printed area.
How to use it step by step
Once the design is ready, the press work takes less than a minute per button.
- 1Design the button in PinMaker at your press's exact size: wrap and cut are calculated for you.
- 2Print the Letter or A4 sheet at 100% and cut the circles on the line.
- 3Load the shell, the paper and the film, and press.
- 4Load the back, press again and take the button out.
Which press size to choose
It depends on what you'll make and where you live. In the US, sizes come in inches (1", 1.25", 2.25" and 3" are common); in Spain and Latin America, in millimeters (from 25 to 58 mm).
Before you buy, check which parts you can get nearby: the press is little use without shells and backs in its size.
Common mistakes that ruin buttons
All four can be fixed before you press.
- Background that stops at the visible edge: a white line shows after pressing. The background has to reach the red cut circle.
- Text hugging the edge: it lands on the curve and is hard to read. Keep it inside the blue safe circle.
- A close size instead of the exact one: 58 mm and 2.25 inches don't cut the same. Use your press's size.
- Printing with “fit to page”: the sheet shrinks and the cut no longer matches. Always print at 100%.
FAQ
Do I need a button press to use PinMaker?
Not to design and download the sheet. You need the press to assemble the buttons.
Which press size should I buy first?
It depends on what you'll make: 2.25" for a photo and text, 1" or 1.25" for simple designs and sets. Before buying, make sure you can get parts in that size nearby.
Can I use regular paper?
Yes. If you use paper over 150 gsm, turn on “Heavy paper” when printing so it doesn't jam in the press.