Can I download Build-a-Button or use it offline?

Build-a-Button cannot be downloaded. There is no app to install because it runs in your web browser, so you can use it on a desktop, laptop, or tablet anywhere you have an internet connection.

Build-a-Button

Q: Is there a free version of Build-a-Button?

Yes, two ways. Build-a-Button Lite is completely free (it just requires joining the ABM email list): upload a photo or image, pick your button size, and print a ready-to-cut sheet. Lite also includes a name tag generator that places each name from a list onto its own button automatically. The full Design Center also offers a free demo so you can explore every tool before choosing a membership, and complete Button Making Kits include a free 3-month full membership.

Q: Do I need to buy a button machine to use Build-a-Button?

No. Build-a-Button is standalone online button design software. With a membership you can design and print your artwork on any printer. You only need a button maker and matching supplies when you are ready to press your printed designs into finished buttons.

Q: Do you offer training and support for Build-a-Button?

Yes. ABM offers a free library of in-depth video tutorials plus FAQs covering every tool. Personal training and technical support are available by phone for a fee, and the Pinback Button Making Community on Facebook is available for peer help.

The Online Design Center

Build-a-Button

Design your own buttons online — no design skills needed.

Build-a-Button is an online button maker and design studio made for people who aren't graphic designers. Add text like a word processor, drop in your own images, and let the software size every button correctly for you. Every size and shape is built in, so you can focus on the design instead of fighting with templates.

Members

Already a Member?

Sign in and go straight to the full design studio. If you are already logged in to your account, the software opens right up — your membership is recognized for you automatically.

Launch Build-a-Button

Free Demo

New Here?

Take the complete design studio for a test drive. The free demo lets you explore every tool with no account and no purchase required.

Try the Free Demo

Memberships

Want Full Access?

A membership lets you save, edit, and print unlimited designs and unlocks every size, shape, and font we offer. Longer plans save you up to 69% compared to paying month by month.

See Plans & Savings

Access is automatic for members. Once you sign in, the studio recognizes your active membership and lets you straight in — there are no codes to enter.

Choose Your Plan

Membership Options

Every plan unlocks the full Build-a-Button 6.0 design studio. Choose the membership that matches how often you make buttons and who will be using it.

Individual

For hobbyists, crafters, charities, and small businesses designing buttons for their own use.

1 Week$12.95
1 Month$27.44
3 MonthsSave 55%$37.44
6 MonthsSave 55%$73.69
12 MonthsSave 69%$103.69
LifetimeBest Value$299.95

Savings compared to paying month by month at the 1-month rate. Lifetime pays for itself in under 11 months — then it's yours forever.

Choose a Plan

Schools & Libraries

One shared account for an entire school or library campus. Teachers, staff, and students can all design buttons. Campus-wide, not district-wide.

$197.95 / year

12-month membership

Get the School Plan

Just Need One Button? Try Build-a-Button Lite — Free

Build-a-Button Lite is our free online button maker for quick, one-off projects: upload a photo or image, pick your button size, and print a ready-to-cut sheet — sizing and bleed handled automatically, no app to download. Making name tags? Type or paste a list of names and Lite puts each name on its own button in your print-out — fifty names becomes fifty buttons, no retyping. It's free to use; all we ask is that you join our email list. For curved text, layers, 600+ fonts, and saved designs, you'll want the full Design Center above.

Try Lite Free

Why It's the Best in Button Making

Button Design Software That Does the Hard Parts

Text in a Circle

Curve text neatly around the edge of any button with no guesswork.

600+ Fonts

Use our library or upload your own .TTF and .OTF font files.

Layers Tool

Stack, lock, and arrange every element on its own layer, Photoshop-style.

20+ Sizes & Shapes

Round, square, rectangle, and oval, all perfectly sized for you.

Ready-Made Templates

Start from loaded templates, including ones built for campaign buttons.

Upload Your Images

Add images up to 5MB, then resize, rotate, crop, and apply filters.

Save & Edit Later

Save a working file and pick up exactly where you left off.

Tablet Friendly

Design in full screen on a computer or tablet, with auto-centering guides.

See It In Action

Watch how quickly you can go from a blank template to a finished, print-ready button design. Then explore the video training library to master every tool in the studio.

Video Training Library Open the Demo

Build-a-Button online button maker overview video

Getting In & Getting Started

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a free version of Build-a-Button?

Yes — two ways. Build-a-Button Lite is completely free (all it takes is joining our email list): upload a photo or image, pick your button size, and print a ready-to-cut sheet. Lite also includes a name tag generator — enter a list of names and each name automatically gets its own button on your print-out. And the full Design Center offers a free demo so you can explore every tool before choosing a membership. Complete Button Making Kits also include a free 3-month full membership.

How do I get into the software after I become a member?

Sign in to your American Button Machines account, then click Launch Build-a-Button on this page (or Use Build-a-Button in the menu). Your active membership is recognized automatically, so the studio opens right up — there are no codes to enter.

I'm seeing a message that the content is protected and asks me to log in. What do I do?

First, make sure you're signed in to your account. If you're already signed in and still see that message, your membership has expired — just renew your membership and you'll be right back in.

Do I need to buy a button machine to use Build-a-Button?

No. Build-a-Button is standalone design software — with a membership you can design and print your artwork on any printer. You'll only need a button maker and matching supplies when you're ready to press your printed designs into finished buttons.

What devices and browsers does it work on?

Build-a-Button works on Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. For the best experience, use a tablet-sized or larger screen with Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. Microsoft browsers, Chromebooks, and similar devices aren't supported.

Can I download the software or use it offline?

Build-a-Button can't be downloaded — there's no app to install, because it runs right in your web browser. The upside is that you can use it on a desktop, laptop, or tablet anywhere you have an internet connection, which makes it handy for craft fairs and on-site events.

I'm at a school and Build-a-Button won't load. What's wrong?

Many schools sit behind a firewall that blocks outside servers. Ask your school's IT department to allow access to our servers, and the design center will load normally.

Do you offer training and support?

Yes. We have a free library of in-depth video tutorials plus these FAQs that cover every tool. Personal training and technical support are available by phone for a fee, and you can ask other button makers in our Pinback Button Making Community on Facebook.

Have a more technical question about printing, file formats, or saving? See the full Build-a-Button FAQ →

Ready to Start Designing?

Launch Build-a-Button Try the Free Demo Become a Member

Questions about Build-a-Button? Call us at (972) 985-5074