What File Format Should You Send for Custom Medals, Coins, and Pins?

Sending the right file format is one of the easiest ways to ensure your custom medals, coins, or pins come out looking sharp. This guide explains which formats manufacturers prefer and why.

Vector Files Are Best

Vector files use mathematical paths instead of pixels, so they can be scaled to any size without losing quality. This is important because your artwork may be enlarged for a large medal or reduced for a small pin.

Preferred Vector Formats

• AI (Adobe Illustrator): The industry standard for logo and product design
• PDF: Widely accepted when exported with fonts outlined
• EPS: Compatible with most vector design programs
• CDR (CorelDRAW): Common in overseas design workflows

Raster Files Are Acceptable With Limitations

Raster files are made of pixels. They can be used for custom medals and pins, but they must be high resolution. Low-resolution images will look blurry or pixelated when engraved or printed.

Accepted Raster Formats

• PSD (Photoshop): Best if layers are preserved
• PNG: Acceptable if resolution is 300 DPI or higher
• JPG: Acceptable if high quality and not heavily compressed
• TIFF: High-quality format suitable for tracing

How to Prepare Your Artwork

• Convert all text to outlines or curves
• Use solid colors instead of gradients
• Keep metal lines at least 0.3 mm thick
• Provide Pantone codes for color matching
• Include both front and back designs if needed

What If You Only Have a Logo Image?

Most manufacturers, including Sino Awards, offer free design assistance. If your logo is only available as a PNG or JPG, the design team can often recreate it as a vector file at no extra cost.

Conclusion

Vector files give the best results for custom metal products. If you are unsure whether your file is suitable, send it to your manufacturer for review. Read more about our artwork requirements.