Making custom medals with the Medal Generator

Difficulty: easy. Time: 10 minutes design, 10 minutes on the laser per batch. Best method: laser engraving on plywood or gold-look acrylic.

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.

Open the Medal Generator

What You'll Need

Laser cutting: 3 mm laser-grade plywood, or gold and silver mirror acrylic for the podium look
Finishing: 20-25 mm ribbon or lanyard cord; 3M 467 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.

Choose Your Build Method

Laser cutting

Engrave all text and the pictogram first; on mirror acrylic, engrave the back face mirrored for a glass-trophy effect.
Cut the medal outline and ribbon slot last.
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.
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.

Open the Medal Generator

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