How to make die cut photo magnets
Are you looking for a creative way to display your favourite photos? Look no further! Die cut photo magnets are the perfect way to show off your memories and add a unique flair to any space.
With just a few simple steps, you can make your own die cut magnets that will brighten up any room in no time. Whether you’re going for a DIY approach or enlisting the help of professionals, we’ll walk you through each step so you can easily create beautiful custom magnets. So let’s get started!
Prepare your photo
Getting the perfect photo for your die cut magnets starts with preparing it properly. There are specific steps to ensure your magnet looks its best. Photos are also referred to as bitmaps. Other than vector files, bitmaps consist of thousands of little dots, so-called pixels. The more pixels your image has, the better the quality will be.
As a rule of thumb, we recommend aiming for a minimum DPI (dots per inch) of 300. This will allow us to scale your design and ensure it will print crisply. Once you’ve prepared your photo according to these guidelines, it will be ready for printing!
Add a bleed (optional)
Adding a bleed to your photo can help you achieve the best possible results. Bleeds are an extra margin added around the edges of the image that allow for any slight shifts in cropping that may occur during printing.
You do not have to add your own bleed. This is something we can do for you. But if that sounds like something you'd rather do yourself,
Select a material
The next step is selecting the right material for your die cut magnets. Many options are available, but the most popular option is white vinyl, which provides optimal results and can be used for indoor and outdoor applications. Professional printing services offer a whole range of these vinyl materials to create the perfect look for your photo.
When you order your own material, make sure it is fit for purpose. That means it has to be
- compatible with your printer
- durable enough for your intended purpose
- machine-cutable
Choose a material with an adhesive back to make life a little easier. This makes transferring the material onto the magnetic sheet easier. If you want to DIY your magnets, you also need to order magnetic sheets. Select a permanent, flexible option that you can cut manually.
Choose a shape
Now it’s time to have some fun! Choose the shape that you would like for your die cut magnets. Die cut means that you magnets are custom-shaped, allowing you to create any shape you can think of.
One of the most popular option is to cut your magnet in the shape of your logo to add visual interest and boost brand awareness (think Apple's apple!). Have a look at an amazing example below.
Pick your size
The size of your die cut magnets should be determined by the type of photo you’re using and the surface you want to apply it to. Magnets are typically available in various sizes, so select one that fits the photo's overall look and feel.
If you want to create a die cut photo magnet to stick to your fridge, we recommend opting for a size around 4cm to 8cm. Your magnets will be large enough to be seen, but will not take over your entire fridge, leaving room for more!
Once you are at this point, it is time to think about how you want to create your die cut magnets. There are two options: the DIY approach and the professional approach.
DIY approach
If you’re feeling crafty, you can create die cut magnets from the comfort of your own home! You'll need:
- Printable material
- A printer
- Thing, flexible magnetic sheets
- A laminator (optional)
- A cutting machine or a Xacto knife
The first step is super easy. Print your design on your chosen material. For extra durability, you can laminate your printed design. Then, transfer your design onto the magnetic sheet (this is where a self-adhesive backing comes in handy). Once you are happy with the position, it is time to die cut!
You can use a cutting machine like Cricut or manually cut your magnets. Die cut shapes can be tricky to cut the more intricate they are. That's why cutting machine can really streamline this process and create a fantastic result. You can find more tips in our article how to die cut a magnet.
Professional approach
When you choose a specialised printing business to create your die cut magnets, all the effort is taken out of the process. You don't have to worry about finding the right material or printer, or figuring out how to cut your magnets. All you need to do is provide your design and the printing service will handle everything else.
When choosing a vendor, look for one with experience in printing die cut magnets. That way, you can be sure that your magnets will look great and fit perfectly into your space.
To sum it up, creating die cut photo magnets is a simple process that can yield amazing results. Whether you’re taking the DIY or professional approach, we hope these tips have helped you get started on creating beautiful custom magnets. Happy crafting!