Design guide
Keycap artwork: what to send a factory.
The faster your artwork is production-ready, the faster we can quote and sample. Here is exactly what we need — file formats, vector vs raster, color and fonts — so nothing gets lost between your screen and the moulded cap.
We accept PDF, AI, STP / STEP, PNG and JPG / JPEG. Use vector (AI/PDF) for legends and line art, high-res raster (PNG/JPG) for full-surface designs, and STEP (STP) when a new custom profile has to be tooled. Specify colors in Pantone (PMS) and outline all fonts before sending.
Accepted file formats
| Format | Type | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| AI | Vector | Legends, icons, logos, line art — fully editable |
| Vector / mixed | Vector artwork and layouts; universal to open | |
| STP / STEP | 3D CAD | Tooling a new custom keycap profile |
| PNG | Raster | Full-surface art with transparency, high resolution |
| JPG / JPEG | Raster | Photographic or painterly full-surface designs |
Vector vs raster — which to use
Vector (AI, PDF) is resolution-independent: a legend stays razor-sharp whether it's on a 1u alpha or a big spacebar, and colors can be specified exactly. Use it for all legends, icons and logos. Raster (PNG, JPG) is pixel-based: perfect for photographic or painted full-surface artwork, as long as it's supplied at high resolution. Many sets combine both — vector legends sitting over a raster background.
Color: use Pantone, not your monitor
Screens show RGB; plastic and print are matched to physical Pantone (PMS) standards. Sending a PMS reference — rather than "this blue on my screen" — is the difference between the color you expect and a surprise. If a color has to match an existing product, tell us and send a sample if you can.
Fonts and legends
Outline all fonts before exporting vector files. If fonts aren't outlined, they can shift or substitute on our systems and your legends won't match your design. For legends going to double-shot, very thin strokes can be hard to mold — we'll flag anything at risk during review.
A production-ready checklist
- Vector legends in AI or PDF, fonts outlined.
- Full-surface art as high-resolution PNG or JPG.
- Colors called out in Pantone (PMS).
- STEP (STP) file if a new profile must be tooled.
- Your layout coverage (sizes + ANSI/ISO/JIS) noted.
- Any must-match reference product or sample mentioned.
Send all of it with your quote request and an engineer reviews feasibility before quoting — we'll tell you if anything needs adjusting for manufacturing.
FAQ
What file formats do you accept?
PDF, AI, STP/STEP, PNG and JPG/JPEG. Vector (AI/PDF) for legends, raster (PNG/JPG) for full-surface art, STEP for tooling a new profile.
Vector or raster?
Vector for legends and line art (stays sharp at any size); high-resolution raster for photographic or painted full-surface designs.
How do I specify colors?
Use Pantone (PMS) references, not screen RGB, and outline all fonts. Note any color that must match an existing product.