How to Use a Button Maker

Before you buy a button maker, you should know how to use it properly. Before purchasing one, you should know some important facts about it, including the features, maintenance, and size. Keep reading to learn how to use it effectively. After that, you can begin making your own buttons. The basic process to use a button maker is as follows:

Features

When deciding on which button maker to purchase, make sure to know the dimensions of your project and your intended usage. While some makers only handle 2.25-inch buttons, others can handle smaller diameters. For smaller projects, you can use a button maker that fits a similar size of paper. Generally, button makers come with ten sets of pin-back buttons and assembly rings, as well as ready-made designs. If you are not sure how to design your own buttons, you can hire a graphic designer. They won’t charge you a fortune for their services, either.

Material

You may want to consider an inkjet printer for your button maker. These printers offer high resolution, but they only work well with a certain type of paper. Most button makers cannot handle photo paper or graphics paper. Inkjet printers are also inexpensive up front, but they are slower than laser printers. If you plan on making a lot of buttons, an inkjet printer will work for you. But you will need to invest in an ink cartridge for your button maker.

Maintenance

One of the best ways to maintain a button maker is by regularly wiping it down with a soft cloth. To get rid of paper and fabric dust that accumulates between the outer ring of the pickup die and the center plug, you can use a can of silicone spray lubricant. Then, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the exact spot to spray the lubricant. You should only spray it where the arrow indicates. Otherwise, the silicone will get on your button designs.

Size of buttons

When you’re using a button maker, you should always scale your digital image to fit the size of the button. If you want to make a 1.5-inch button, for example, you should make the image 1.6 inches wide. To make a 2.25-inch button, scale it to 2.4 inches. Using a printer on a PC can cost about $0.25 per color or black-and-white page. You can use standard printer paper or even thinner cardstock, but avoid textured papers and embellishments as these can damage the machine.

Graphic template files

If you want to make your own buttons, you should learn how to use graphic template files in button maker. These files are provided in PDF format, so you need to download Adobe Acrobat Reader to view them. These files are available in the Chi Buttons template section. Once you’ve selected a template, you can customize the elements within it by changing the colors and images. You can also use the “Background” tab to add an image or color to your button. This layer is placed underneath all other objects on your button, including the buttons themselves.