Most magnet templates you find online are the wrong size, and the error only shows up after you have printed, cut and pressed a batch. This page lists the dimensions we actually use, for flat magnets and for every Tecre button magnet size. The button cut sizes are Tecre's published graphic punch dimensions.
Three terms that matter
- Finished size: the size of the magnet in the customer's hand.
- Bleed: extra image beyond the cut line on flat magnets, so a slightly off cut never leaves a white edge.
- Wrap allowance: on a button magnet, the artwork is larger than the button because its edge wraps around the side of the metal shell. Anything in that outer ring ends up on the side or hidden.
Flat photo magnets
For magnets cut from photo paper mounted on magnetic sheet, add 1/8 inch of bleed on every side and keep text at least 1/8 inch inside the cut line.
| Finished size | With bleed | Pixels at 300 DPI, with bleed |
|---|---|---|
| 2 x 2" | 2.25 x 2.25" | 675 x 675 |
| 2 x 3" | 2.25 x 3.25" | 675 x 975 |
| 2.75 x 2.75" | 3 x 3" | 900 x 900 |
| 2 x 3.5" (business card) | 2.25 x 3.75" | 675 x 1125 |
| 2.75 x 3.5" | 3 x 3.75" | 900 x 1125 |
| 3.25 x 4" | 3.5 x 4.25" | 1050 x 1275 |
| 4 x 5" | 4.25 x 5.25" | 1275 x 1575 |
If you cut without bleed, butting images edge to edge on the sheet, you save paper but every cut has to be exactly on the line.
Round button magnets
| Button | Machine | Punch | Artwork cut size | Pixels at 300 DPI | Wrap per side |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1" | 100 | 1313 | 1.313" | 394 | 0.16" |
| 1-1/4" | 125 | 1629 | 1.629" | 489 | 0.19" |
| 2-1/4" | 225 | 2625 | 2.625" | 788 | 0.19" |
| 3-1/2" | 350 | 4000 | 4.000" | 1200 | 0.25" |
Notice the round punch model numbers: 1313, 1629, 2625 and 4000 are the cut diameters in thousandths of an inch.
Square button magnets
| Button | Machine | Punch | Artwork cut size | Pixels at 300 DPI | Wrap per side |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 x 2" | 2020 | S2020 | 2.717 x 2.717" | 815 x 815 | 0.36" |
| 2-1/2 x 2-1/2" | 2525 | S2525 | 3.204 x 3.204" | 961 x 961 | 0.35" |
| 3 x 3" | 3030 | S3030 | 3.772 x 3.772" | 1132 x 1132 | 0.39" |
Rectangle button magnets
| Button | Machine | Punch | Artwork cut size | Pixels at 300 DPI | Wrap per side |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-3/4 x 2-3/4" | 1727 | R1727 | 2.39 x 3.328" | 717 x 998 | 0.32" |
| 2 x 3" | 2030 | R2030 | 2.774 x 3.772" | 832 x 1132 | 0.39" |
| 2-1/2 x 3-1/2" | 2535 | R2535 | 3.204 x 4.202" | 961 x 1261 | 0.35" |
Wrap per side is the difference between the cut size and the finished size, divided by two. Square and rectangle shells are deeper at the edge than round shells, so their wrap is larger.
Setting up a button template
- Canvas: make it the artwork cut size, at 300 DPI.
- Cut guide: draw the cut outline on a separate layer you hide before printing.
- Face guide: draw the finished button size centred inside it. This is roughly what shows on the front.
- Safe zone: keep text and faces at least 1/8 inch inside the face guide. The shell curves away from the viewer near the edge, so anything close to it looks distorted.
- Background: extend it all the way to the cut line, so the side of the button is not white.
- Layout: nest as many as fit on a letter-size page with a little space between each for the punch to centre.
Printing checklist
- Print at 100 percent scale. “Fit to page” silently shrinks everything by a few percent.
- Print one test page and measure it with a ruler before a full run.
- Use 300 DPI images. Lower resolution looks soft once pressed under mylar.
- Use thinner paper for button magnets than for flat magnets. Very heavy paper can make pressing difficult.
- Let ink dry fully before punching.
Ready-made templates
Our templates pack includes layouts for flexible magnets, retro prints and calendars, together with our supply list. For the full making process, see how to make photo magnets.
Frequently asked questions
What size is a standard fridge magnet?
There is no single standard. 2 x 3 inches is the most common rectangle, 2-1/4 inches the most common round, and 2.75 x 3.5 inches is typical for save the dates.
What size artwork do I need for a 2-1/4 inch button?
2.625 inches round, which is 788 pixels at 300 DPI.
Can I use a 2-1/4 inch template on a different machine?
No. Each machine needs artwork cut to its own size, using its matching punch.
Why do my button edges show white?
The background does not extend to the cut line, or the punch was not centred. Extend the background and use the punch's centring view.