Custom Medals Guide
Custom Medals Guide
Create custom medals for sports events, school awards, corporate recognition, competitions and milestones.
Custom medals are more than just pieces of metal. They are symbols of achievement, recognition and celebration. Whether you are honoring sports victories, academic achievements or corporate milestones, a well-crafted medal creates a lasting reminder of success.
Use this guide to compare medal types, thickness, sizes, ribbons, lanyards, artwork setup and ordering tips before starting your custom medal quote.
Why Choose Custom Medals?
Custom medals are timeless, meaningful and flexible. They can be made for small local tournaments, school events, corporate milestones, large conferences, races, competitions and community programs.
Why Ethical Medal Production Matters
At Pinlord, we believe awards should be made with care. We support ethical production, thoughtful material choices, flexible order options and small business-friendly manufacturing.
Learn more about B Corp certification.
Popular Uses for Custom Medals
Custom medals are ideal for events that need meaningful, memorable recognition.
Custom Medal Types
Choose the medal type based on your design style, event purpose, budget and preferred finish.
1. Hard Enamel Medals ❤️
Hard enamel medals have a smooth, polished and highly durable finish.
Best for: prestigious awards, premium events, corporate recognition and elite competitions.
2. Soft Enamel Medals ❤️
Soft enamel medals have a textured finish with raised metal lines and recessed colour areas.
Best for: colourful artwork, school awards, sports events and detailed medal designs.
3. Die-Struck Medals
Die-struck medals use raised and recessed metal details without enamel colour fill.
Best for: minimalist awards, classic medal designs, premium branding and elegant recognition pieces.
Not sure which medal type fits your idea? Our team can guide you based on your design, event and budget.
Medal Thickness Options
The thickness adds weight and perceived value to your custom medal.
Medal Size Options
Medals can range from compact 50mm designs to large 70mm+ statement pieces. Larger medals are better for detailed artwork, while smaller medals feel subtle and elegant.
Ribbon & Lanyard Options
The ribbon or lanyard is the finishing touch. Choose a colour or pattern that matches your brand identity or event theme.
🎗 Satin Ribbons ❤️
Satin ribbons are smooth, luxurious and classic.
Best for: formal ceremonies, award events, school medals and premium presentations.
🎗 Grosgrain Ribbons
Grosgrain ribbons are textured and durable.
Best for: sports medals, outdoor events and practical award programs.
🎗 Woven Ribbons
Woven ribbons can include branding, colours, text or custom patterns.
Best for: corporate events, branded awards, sponsor logos and premium medal sets.
🏷 Lanyard Medals
Lanyards are ideal for wearable medals at large events.
Best for: races, tournaments, conferences, school events and branded award programs.
Best Artwork Tips for Medals
Medal Order Options
Use these common options to brief your quote. Popular choices are marked with ❤️. You can also use the free medal design template to plan your artwork, size, colours and production notes before ordering.
🏅 Medal Type
- Hard enamel medal ❤️
- Soft enamel medal ❤️
- Die-struck medal
- Custom medal style
📏 Thickness
- 1.5–2mm medal
- 3mm+ medal ❤️
- Custom thickness
🔍 Size
- 50mm medal
- 60mm medal ❤️
- 70mm+ medal
- Custom size
🎗 Ribbon or Lanyard
- Satin ribbon ❤️
- Grosgrain ribbon
- Woven ribbon
- Lanyard
- Custom ribbon colour or pattern
📦 Packaging
- Bulk packaging
- Individual polybag
- Velvet pouch ❤️
- Presentation box ❤️
- Backing card
- Custom branded packaging
🎨 Artwork & File Setup
- Vector files like .AI, .EPS or editable .PDF are preferred.
- High-resolution PNG files should be at least 300 DPI.
- Clearly outline colours and provide PMS or CMYK colours where possible.
- Keep small text readable and avoid overly thin details.
- Use the free medal template to set up your artwork, size, colours and production notes.
- Need help? Learn more about vector artwork.
Packaging Ideas for Custom Medals
Packaging helps custom medals feel more meaningful, premium and ready for presentation.
Need ideas? Browse award packaging inspiration.
How to Order Custom Medals
Related Custom Products
Explore more resources, inspiration and products to help bring your custom merch ideas to life.
FAQs
What are custom medals used for?
Custom medals are used for sports competitions, school awards, corporate recognition, races, tournaments, conferences, ceremonies, milestones and special events.
Can I get a free medal design template?
Yes. You can download the free medal design template to plan your artwork, size, colours and production notes before ordering.
What medal type is best?
Hard enamel medals are best for polished premium awards, soft enamel medals are great for colourful detailed designs, and die-struck medals are best for classic metal-only designs.
What medal size should I choose?
50mm medals are compact, 60mm medals are versatile, and 70mm or larger medals are best for bold statement awards and detailed artwork.
Can I customise the ribbon?
Yes. You can choose satin ribbons, grosgrain ribbons, woven ribbons, lanyards, custom colours, patterns and branded text.
What file type should I send?
Vector files such as .AI, .EPS or editable .PDF are preferred. High-resolution PNG files can also work for many medal designs.
Can I add custom packaging?
Yes. You can add presentation boxes, velvet pouches, backing cards, award sets, bulk packs or custom branded packaging.
Ready to Make Custom Medals?
Create custom medals for your sports event, school, company, tournament, conference, community program or award ceremony with Pinlord’s ethical manufacturing support and worldwide shipping.
Send your artwork, logo, award idea or event concept. We can help recommend the right medal type, size, thickness, ribbon and packaging for your project.