Prepare your photo for custom buttons

Tired of your custom buttons looking dull and unprofessional? With just a few simple steps, you can transform any photo into an eye-catching design that will make your custom photo buttons stand out.

Whether you’re creating promotional material for a business or making something special for yourself, these six steps are key to getting the most out of your photos when preparing them for custom buttons. Following these tips will ensure your button designs look professional and attractive. So let's get started!

Step 1: Choose a high-res image

No matter where you get your photo buttons, high-resolution images are essential for producing professional buttons. A low-resolution image can print pixelated or blurry, especially when scaled. But what makes an image high-res?

Images, also called bitmaps, are made of thousands of tiny dots, pixels. You’ve probably noticed them when zooming into a photo. The more pixels an image has, the higher its resolution. Photo resolution is measured in dots per inch (DPI). The higher the DPI, the easier it is to resize the image and the better it will print. We recommend aiming for at least 300 DPI.

Step 2: Opt for a simple subject

When designing custom buttons, choose a photo that doesn’t have too many small details. Here's why:

• Limited space: You’re working with a small canvas, about 2 inches (5 cm), so too many details can clutter the design and distract from the main subject.
  
• Visual clarity: A clear focal point gives viewers something to latch onto, making the design feel more balanced and effective.
  

Step 3: Adjust brightness and contrast

To make sure your image looks its best when printed, adjust its brightness and contrast. This ensures that every part of the photo stays legible and visually clear — both on-screen and in print. If your photo is too dark or too bright, you risk losing important details.

You don’t need expensive software to do this. There are plenty of free, easy-to-use photo editing tools and apps that let you adjust brightness, contrast, warmth, and more. If you're unsure how it will print, try a test print before placing your final order.

Step 4: Set colors to CMYK

Did you know your screen and printer use different color systems? Screens display color in RGB (red, green, blue), while printers use CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black).

RGB supports a wider range of colors than CMYK. That means your screen might show colors that a printer simply can't reproduce. To avoid unexpected results, set your design to CMYK mode, this gives you a more accurate preview of how your printed colors will look.

Step 5: Resize the photo

Depending on the button size you choose, you may need to resize the photo. Custom buttons come in standard sizes from 1 inch (2.5 cm) to 2 inches (5 cm).

Not sure what size you want? Try previewing your design at different sizes on your screen. Be sure the image doesn’t appear stretched or squished. It’s also helpful to zoom out so your design on screen matches the actual button size. If everything still looks sharp and clear, you’ve found the right fit.

Step 6: Add a bleed

A bleed is extra space around the edge of your design. It’s not part of the final button, but it helps prevent white borders from appearing if the cut isn’t perfectly aligned. It also ensures your design reaches the edges for a clean, professional look.

A standard bleed is about 2 mm wide. If you’re ordering your buttons online, you don’t have to worry, our design team can handle the bleed for you. But if you're DIY-ing your photo buttons or just want to prep it yourself, you’ll find plenty of tutorials (like the one below) to help you get it right.

By following these simple steps, you’ll make sure your custom buttons look polished and professional. With just a little effort and creativity, you can turn any photo into a standout design, perfect for giveaways, marketing, or personalized gifts. So why not give it a shot? You’ll be surprised at what you can create.