# 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.

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tCcMyM2AyeI

## 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

## 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**.

## 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.

## 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