# Making name tags with the Backpack Tag Generator

> personalized name tags with a hanging ring, for printing or cutting

A backpack tag is the perfect personalization project: small, fast, instantly recognized as theirs by the kid (or gym-bag owner) it belongs to. This tool builds the whole tag from the text itself: the name becomes the body, wrapped in a smooth outline with a reinforced hanging ring, so the tag's shape is the name.

It is genuinely dual-format. The 3MF export carries base and text as separate colors for multi-material printers, and the SVG export gives you the same outline-plus-text design as layers for laser cutting in contrasting materials.

## What you need

- **3D printing:** any FDM printer; two filament colors make the name pop
- **Laser:** scraps of [laser-grade plywood](https://yxecreations.com/collections/laser-grade-plywood) or [acrylic](https://yxecreations.com/pages/acrylic-sheets) in two colors
- [Keychain snap clips](https://yxecreations.com/products/keychain-snap-clips-multiple-colours) or split rings to attach the tag to the zipper

## Step 1 - Type the name



Open the tool, set your **Units**, and type **Your Text**. Pick a **Font**; rounded, chunky fonts survive playground life best. Toggle **Connect Text** to merge script letters into one continuous shape, which is what keeps a cursive tag from falling into pieces.

## Step 2 - Symbol, shape, and colors



- Add a **Symbol** (heart, star, dino, and more) **before**, **after**, or on **both** sides of the name, then tune **Symbol Size** and the X and Y offsets to nest it into the lettering.
- **Tag Width** sets the finished size; 70-90 mm reads clearly on a backpack. **Outline Size** controls the border wrapped around the text, and **Thickness** the overall depth.
- The hanging ring has its own **Hole Offset**, **Hole Size**, and **Inner Hole Size** controls; make sure the inner hole clears your snap clip or split ring.
- For printing, set **Background Colour** and **Text Colour** plus **Base Depth** and **Text Raise**, which is how far the letters stand proud of the base.

## Step 3 - Export



Download **3MF** (preferred, carries both colors) or **STL** for printing, or **SVG** for the laser.

## 3D Printing

### Print a two-color tag



1. Open the 3MF in your slicer; base and raised text import as separate parts. Assign each its filament on a multi-material machine.
2. Single-color printer? Pause at the layer where the text starts (Base Depth height) and swap filament for a perfect two-tone tag.
3. Print flat at 0.2 mm layers, no supports; a tag takes 20-40 minutes.
4. PETG handles being slammed in lockers better than PLA.
5. Clip it on with a snap clip through the ring; print a spare, because favorite tags travel.

## Laser Cutting

### Cut a layered tag



1. Export the SVG; the outline body and the text are separate layers.
2. Cut the body from one color and the text layer from a contrasting one, or engrave the text directly into the body for a one-material tag.
3. Glue the text layer onto the body with thin CA or wood glue.
4. On acrylic, two-tone layered tags look store-bought; flame-polish the edges for the full effect.
5. Cut several at once; tags nest efficiently and make great batch gifts.

## Make it yours

- First-day-of-school batch: one tag per kid in their favorite color with a symbol that matches their obsession.
- Team sports set: every player's name with a ball symbol in club colors.
- Luggage version: bump the tag width up and use a high-contrast color pair you can spot on a carousel.
- Dog leash tag with a bone or paw symbol on both sides of the name.
- Glow-in-the-dark text filament makes a tag findable in a dark tent at camp.
- Match a tag to the 3D Print Box Generator lunchbox label for a coordinated school set.
- Teacher gifts: a tag per student on a classroom job board.

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Open the Backpack Tag Generator: https://www.mylasertools.com/3d-backpack-tag
Read online: https://www.mylasertools.com/learn/guides/3d-backpack-tag