How to customize a keychain for the first time on the Pikakey independent website
How to customize a keychain for the first time on the Pikakey independent website
How to customize a keychain for the first time on the Pikakey independent website
A beginner-friendly guide to ordering custom keychains with Pikakey
If you’ve never ordered custom keychains before, feeling unsure is completely normal.
Many first-time buyers come to us with a design — or just an idea — and similar questions:
Will this artwork work?
What file do I need?
How does the custom keychain process actually work?
This guide explains how to create custom acrylic keychains step by step, so you know exactly what to expect before placing your first order.💚
You don’t need a finished design to order custom keychains
You don’t need to be a professional designer to order custom keychains online.
If you have:
• An illustration
• A logo
• Fan art
• A PNG or JPG image
That’s more than enough to get started.
High-resolution files are helpful, but not required at the beginning. If adjustments are needed, they’re handled during the proof stage — before your custom keychains go into production.
At Pikakey, every order includes a review process, so nothing moves forward without your approval.💚
Choosing the right material for your custom keychains
If this is your first time, custom acrylic keychains are usually the best option.
Acrylic keychains
• Clear, sharp printing
• Lightweight and durable
• Ideal for artwork, characters, and brand logos
• The most popular choice for custom merch keychains
Other materials like metal or rubber keychains are available, but acrylic offers the most predictable results for beginners.💚
Picking the best size for custom keychains
Size plays a bigger role than most people expect when ordering custom keychains.
A general guideline:
• 5–7 cm (2–3 inches) works for most designs
• Smaller sizes may lose fine details
• Larger keychains feel more premium and stand out more
If you’re unsure, it’s always better to ask before finalizing your order.💚
Upload your design and start customizing
To create your custom keychain, you’ll be asked to:
• Upload your artwork
• Choose material and size
• Select quantity
• Pick optional finishes (double-sided printing, epoxy coating, etc.)
This step doesn’t mean production starts immediately. It simply helps us understand your requirements before creating a proof.💚
Review your custom keychain proof carefully
Before production begins, you’ll receive a digital proof showing:
• Final shape
• Size
• Hole placement
• Artwork positioning
This is the most important step in the custom keychain manufacturing process.
Small adjustments here can significantly improve the final result.
Production only starts after you approve the proof.💚
Custom keychain production & shipping timeline
Once your proof is approved:
• Production typically takes 1–2 weeks
• Shipping time depends on destination and selected shipping method
We’ll keep you informed throughout the process so you know exactly when to expect your order.💚
Common questions about custom keychains
Is there a minimum order quantity for custom keychains?
Many of our custom keychains are available with low or no minimum order quantities.
Is this suitable for first-time buyers?
Yes. Our custom keychain process is designed to be beginner-friendly.
Will the final product match the proof?
The proof closely represents the final product. Minor variations are possible, but it greatly reduces unexpected results.💚
Final thoughts
Ordering custom keychains doesn’t have to be complicated.
Once you understand the process, creating custom merch becomes simple — and even enjoyable.
If you’re ready to begin, start with the basics and refine future orders as you gain experience.
👉 Create your custom keychain with Pikakey
Start Customizing