Custom Shape Ornaments - Design Guide
Fuel’s Custom Shape Acrylic Ornament lets you bring unique, custom-shaped designs to life. Use this guide to set up your files, apply design tips, and create high-quality ornaments that your customers will love.
1. Getting Started: Download the Template
To ensure accurate file setup, download our PSD template, which includes the correct aspect ratio and a clearly marked safe area.
2. Design Overview
Aspect Ratio: Use a 1:1 (square) aspect ratio to avoid distortion while printing.
Alignment: Make sure the Cut Layer and Artwork File align precisely to match the intended shape.
Resolution: Export both the Cut Layer and Artwork File at 300 PPI for sharp, high-quality printing and precise cutting.
3. File Requirements and Design Tips
To create your custom shape acrylic ornament, prepare these two essential files:
File 1: Cut Layer File
Defines the ornament’s physical shape, including any cutouts like string holes. The Cut Layer guides laser cutting and is not printed.
Cut Layer Design Tips
1. Solid Shape - Use a solid black shape on a transparent background; black areas will be cut, and transparent areas removed. Avoid small or intricate details for clean edges.
2. String Hole - If your design includes a string hole, make it at least 2mm in diameter for durability.
3. Line Thickness: Keep edges smooth with a minimum line thickness of 2mm to ensure precision
File 2: Artwork File
Contains the design, logo, or text that will appear within the shape defined by the Cut Layer.
1. Safe Area: Keep essential elements (text, logos, images) within the safe area (0.1 - 0.2 inches from the edge) to prevent cropping.
2. Colors and Effects: Avoid gradients, transparency, or complex color effects; use 100% opacity for color accuracy.
3. Text and Typography: Ensure fonts are large enough to be readable; we recommend a minimum font size of 8pt. Avoid overly thin or complex fonts, which can be difficult to read on small ornaments.
4. Detail Management: Avoid overly small details; keep lines and small elements at a minimum thickness of 0.03 inches for clarity.
5. Double-Sided Designs: For double-sided ornaments, prepare separate artwork files for each side. Flip the back artwork horizontally for correct alignment.
Steps to Create Your Custom Shape Ornament
1. Upload and Manage Cut Layer
Click Upload File in the Cut Layer section to upload your file. It will automatically save to the Cut Layer Gallery for future use. To reuse an existing cut layer, simply go to the Cut Layer Gallery (separate from the Artwork Gallery).
2. Generate the Base Layer
After uploading, the system generates a base layer in the mock-up tool, showing the ornament’s shape to guide artwork placement.
3. Add and Preview Artwork
Upload your Artwork File, then use the mock-up tool to scale, position, and preview it within the shape. Ensure all elements fit within the safe area and align with the cut layer.
4. Create the Product
After confirming alignment and previewing, you’re ready to publish your custom shape acrylic ornament!
Notes for creating a Custom Shape Ornament order via CSV:
Color: enter "Transparent".
Size: enter "One".
Quick Ship: leave blank.
Fill in all required information, including Cut Layer.
With these guidelines, you’re all set to create stunning, custom shape acrylic ornaments that stand out. Happy designing and happy selling! 🎉