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1. Shape it like the thing it represents

A surfboard for a surf shop, a camera for a photographer, a record player for a music venue. When the outline itself tells the story, the keychain needs very little text. Tip: keep the silhouette recognizable from a distance; add detail inside, not on the edges.

2. Give your mascot a moment

A character doing something — skating, peeking out of a box, spreading its wings — is far more appealing than a mascot standing still. Tip: a small dangling charm below the main piece adds movement and a second chance to show your brand.

3. Split designs for pairs and friends

Couples, best friends, teammates, parent and child. Split designs are made as two pieces that fit together, each on its own ring. Tip: order them as two designs so each half carries its own detail, and plan the join line early so it cuts cleanly through the artwork.

4. Places, trips and hometowns

Resorts, parks, tourist shops and local businesses sell place-themed keychains year round. A state or country outline, a landmark or a local scene works well. Tip: glitter enamel on a sky or sunset area turns a simple souvenir into something people pick up twice.

5. Finishes that catch the light

Translucent, glitter, pearlescent and glow-in-the-dark enamel are available on metal keychains, and holographic finishes on acrylic. Tip: use an effect on one area — water, sky, a background — rather than the whole design, so it has something to contrast with.

6. Stained glass and layered color

Like the butterfly at the top of this page, designs with many small color panels separated by metal lines have a stained-glass look that suits enamel perfectly. Tip: this style needs room, so plan for 2.5 inches or larger. The keychain size guide explains why.

7. Animals with personality

Pet shops, rescues, zoos and nature brands all lean on animal designs. Tip: pair the animal with a short word or phrase that fits its character, and keep the text on a solid color area so it stays readable.

8. Events, seasons and milestones

Races, reunions, graduations, holidays and company anniversaries. A year or date turns a keychain into a keepsake. Tip: if you want to reuse the design next year, keep the date on a separate panel or on the back so only that part changes.

9. Soft, chunky PVC characters

PVC turns bold, cartoon-style art into a soft, bendable keychain that kids love and that survives anything. Tip: thick outlines and a limited palette of about three to six colors mold best. See custom rubber and PVC keychains.

10. Words, quotes and typography

A short phrase in a bold font, cut to the shape of the letters, is one of the simplest designs to get right — and one of the easiest to sell to teams and clubs. Tip: stack the words so the keychain is compact rather than long and thin.

11. Full-color illustrations

If your art uses gradients, shading or lots of colors, acrylic prints it exactly as drawn. That is why illustrators and fan artists use it for their merch. See how acrylic keychains are made and the custom acrylic keychain page.

12. Useful keychains

A built-in bottle opener, a phone loop or a lobster clasp for bags makes a keychain something people use rather than keep in a drawer. Bottle openers are available on metal keychains and suit breweries, bars and summer events.

Choosing a keychain type for your idea

Before you send your design

Frequently asked questions

Ordering for a business? See promotional and logo keychains. Planning to sell your designs? Start with how to start a keychain business. For themed ranges, see travel and souvenir keychains, or sports, school and graduation keychains.