Artwork Upload Guide for Custom Engraving

Uploading clear artwork helps create cleaner engraving, sharper details, and a better finished custom product. Use this guide when submitting badges, patches, department logos, business logos, Maltese crosses, military-style emblems, family names, or other artwork for custom wooden flags and personalized gifts.

Best File Types

The best artwork files are clean, high-resolution, and easy to read. Whenever possible, upload one of these:

• Vector files such as SVG, AI, EPS, or PDF
• High-resolution PNG files
• High-resolution JPG files
• Clear scanned images
• Straight-on photos with good lighting

What Makes Artwork Engrave Well?

Good engraving artwork usually has strong contrast, clear lines, sharp edges, and readable details. Simple, clean artwork often engraves better than small, blurry, or overly detailed images.

Best artwork qualities

• Clear and sharp
• High resolution
• Straight-on, not angled
• Good lighting
• No glare or shadows
• Readable text
• Clean edges around badges, logos, or emblems

Badge, Patch, and Logo Upload Tips

If you are uploading a badge, patch, shield, department logo, Maltese cross, or emblem, send the clearest version available. A digital file is usually best. If you only have a physical badge or patch, take a straight-on photo in bright, even lighting.

Avoid these when possible

• Blurry screenshots
• Small social media profile pictures
• Dark photos
• Photos taken at an angle
• Images with glare
• Low-resolution screenshots
• Artwork with tiny unreadable text

Vector Files vs Photos

Vector files are the best option because they can be resized without losing quality. Photos and screenshots can work, but they may need cleanup if the image is blurry, pixelated, or low contrast.

What If I Only Have a Screenshot?

You can still upload it, but the finished engraving depends on the quality of the screenshot. If the screenshot is blurry or small, the engraving may not capture tiny details clearly. If possible, try to find a larger image, original logo file, PDF, or clear photo.

Text and Spelling

Enter names, ranks, badge numbers, dates, years of service, department names, and messages exactly as you want them engraved. Double-check spelling, capitalization, punctuation, and dates before submitting.

Personalization Details to Include

When submitting artwork or a custom order, include helpful details such as:

• Product or design you want
• Name and rank
• Badge number or department name
• Years of service
• Retirement date or event date
• Logo, badge, patch, or emblem placement
• Short message or quote
• Color or thin line preference if applicable

Permission to Use Artwork

Please only upload logos, badges, patches, emblems, or artwork that you have permission to use. This helps avoid production delays and keeps custom orders compliant.

Need a Custom Design?

If you are unsure whether your artwork will work, submit your request through the Custom Order Request page and include the clearest files available. For general questions, visit the Custom Order FAQ.