# Making custom medals with the Medal Generator

> award medals with curved text, center text, and pictograms

Real medals for real kids (and adults) without a trophy-shop minimum order. The layout is classic medallion: **Curved Text (Top)** arcs over the design, **Curved Text (Bottom)** arcs under it, **Center Text** carries the name or the year, and a **Symbol** pictogram - trophies, stars, sports - fills the middle. **Frame Width** and **Border Thickness** shape the rim, and the **Hole Type** control switches between a round hole and a **Slot**, which is what actual ribbon lanyards want.

## What you need

- **Laser cutting:** 3 mm [laser-grade plywood](https://yxecreations.com/collections/laser-grade-plywood), or gold and silver mirror [acrylic](https://yxecreations.com/pages/acrylic-sheets) for the podium look
- **Finishing:** 20-25 mm ribbon or lanyard cord; [3M 467 tape](https://yxecreations.com/collections/3m-tape) if you stack a two-layer medal

## Step 1 - Write the three rings of text



Top curve takes the event (PINEWOOD DERBY 2026), bottom curve the achievement (FIRST PLACE), center the name. Keep curved text short and uppercase - it tracks around the arc better. Pick a pictogram in **Symbol** and balance it with **Symbol Size**.

## Step 2 - Frame and ribbon hole



- Set **Frame Width** and **Border Thickness** - a generous rim reads trophy-like and stiffens the part.
- Choose **Hole Type**: Circle for a cord or jump ring, **Slot** for flat ribbon - set **Hole Size** to your ribbon width plus 2 mm.
- A 70-90 mm medal has real heft around a neck; 50 mm suits keychain-size awards.

## Step 3 - Export the SVG



Download the **SVG** with engraving (text + pictogram) and cutting (outline + hole) on separate layers.

## Laser Cutting & Engraving

### Laser cutting



1. Engrave all text and the pictogram first; on mirror acrylic, engrave the back face mirrored for a glass-trophy effect.
2. Cut the medal outline and ribbon slot last.
3. For a two-layer medal, cut the same design twice - solid backer in one color, engraved face in gold acrylic - and laminate with 3M tape.
4. Thread the ribbon through the slot and heat-seal the ribbon ends with a lighter so they never fray.

## Make it yours

- End-of-season team set: same design, every player's name in the center, one sheet of plywood.
- Participation medals for a kids' fun run cost pennies each and get kept for years.
- Funny office awards - SPREADSHEET CHAMPION - land better as a physical gold medal.
- Gold, silver, and bronze acrylic for genuine 1-2-3 podium sets.
- Pet show medals with the paw pictogram and the dog's name.
- Make a giant 150 mm wall version as a milestone plaque (first marathon, 100th sale).
- Pair with the Gift Tag Generator for a matching tag on the gift box.

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Open the Medal Generator: https://www.mylasertools.com/medal-generator
Read online: https://www.mylasertools.com/learn/guides/medal-generator