Build-a-Button FAQ
Build-a-Button Design Center is American Button Machines' web-based button design software, compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. The questions below address account access, printing, file formats, and common technical issues.
For step-by-step guidance, visit our free video tutorial library. You can also post real-time design questions on the Pinback Button Making Community on Facebook.
Frequently Asked Questions
I am receiving a message: "This content is protected. Please log in with your customer account to continue."
Make sure you are signed into your account. If you are signed in and still receive this message, your membership has expired. Follow this link to renew your membership.
Why did I receive a verification code in my email when signing in?
If you sign in with Google, the verification is handled by Google. You will receive a prompt through your Gmail app or Google account to confirm it is you before being granted access.
Does Build-a-Button work with Windows, Mac, or any other device?
Build-a-Button works with Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. For best viewing results, use a tablet-sized or larger screen with Google Chrome or Firefox. Microsoft browsers, Chromebooks, and similar devices are not recommended or supported.
Do you offer training or technical support?
Yes. We have posted free in-depth how-to video tutorials and these FAQs, which cover all functionality of the Build-a-Button Online Design Center. For those who prefer a more personal learning experience, we offer training and technical support by phone for a fee. You can also post real-time design questions and search for answers on the Pinback Button Making Community on Facebook.
Can Build-a-Button edit photos, such as changing brightness, cropping, and erasing?
Yes. Build-a-Button includes those editing functions and more. The program was developed to provide a capable button design application that is straightforward to use.
Can I print different designs on one page?
Yes. See the File Formats and Functions section below for more information.
I cannot open my saved image.
Windows' default settings do not auto-populate file extensions such as .jpg, .png, or .pdf. You can manually add the extension to the end of your file name when saving (for example: photo.jpg or photo.pdf), or follow this link to change your default computer settings to allow auto-population of file extensions.
Why does it take so long to save an image?
There are several possible causes. As with any graphics design program, complex designs take longer to process. Standard internet traffic slowdowns, saving large images, and connections slower than DSL can all affect save times. Speed issues may also occur if your computer is behind a firewall at a school or place of business.
Why do my printed button designs look grainy and pixelated?
The most common cause is using a low-quality photo. Images downloaded from the internet are typically low resolution, such as 72 dpi or 96 dpi. You need at least a 300 dpi photo for it to print clearly. Build-a-Button includes a built-in image analyzer that will alert you with a low-resolution warning if you attempt to upload a low-quality image. If you are using a high-resolution photo and designs are still printing poorly, make sure your printer is set to its best photo resolution and that you are printing on 24 lb paper or better.
My images are not printing to the correct size.
We recommend saving designs in PDF format. Make sure your printer settings are set to print at 100% and that options such as "reduce margins," "scaling," or "fit to size" are disabled.
I work at a school and Build-a-Button does not work for me there.
Your school may be behind a firewall that does not allow access to our servers. Contact your school's IT department to request access.
Why is there a red or blue circle on the screen? They do not print on my button designs.
The red dotted circle indicates the image area of the button and is automatically removed when you save a design to your computer. The solid blue lines are taglines and are also not included in the saved file.
I make onsite buttons at craft fairs and trade shows. Can I download the Build-a-Button application?
Build-a-Button cannot be downloaded to your hard drive, but you can use it on desktops, laptops, and tablets anywhere you have an internet connection.
I cannot open a PDF file.
You need Adobe Reader installed on your computer to open a PDF file. Download Adobe Reader for free from Adobe's website.
How do I clear my cache and manage cookies?
Click the links below for step-by-step instructions:
File Formats and Functions
Save to Print
Saves your button design to your computer, tablet, or mobile device. File options are JPG, PDF, or transparent PNG. Choose the quantity of designs saved per page. Options include Die Cutting Press, which fills the entire page, and Punch Cutter layout, which lets you choose how many images of the same design are printed per page.
Save to Edit
This option saves your complete design in a special text format that preserves all images, text layers, and layout exactly as arranged. Upload it at a later date to continue editing without any loss of content or image quality.
Upload to Edit
Upload your previously saved designs for editing. Note: you must have originally saved the design using the Save to Edit option to use this feature.
Load and Print
Upload multiple images and save them to print on a single page. First, upload your previously saved designs that were saved using the Save to Edit text file format. Then select JPG, PDF, or transparent PNG. Your images will be arranged in a punch cutter layout for the button size you selected. For example, the 2.25" punch cutter layout fits 6 images per page, while the 1" layout fits 24 images per page.
File Types Explained
PDF (Portable Document Format)
Most customers prefer to save designs in PDF format because images are saved at high resolution with no loss in quality and print to the correct button size reliably. Adobe Reader, which is free to download and available on most computers, is the only software required to view and print PDF files.
JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group)
A JPG file (pronounced "Jay Peg") is a common image format used in email, on websites, and in digital photography. It is a compressed, lossy format, meaning it loses quality each time it is saved. Software is required to view or print a JPG image, and printing to the correct button size can be challenging depending on the software used. For this reason, most ABM customers prefer saving designs in PDF format.
Transparent PNG (Portable Network Graphics)
A PNG file allows images to be saved with a transparent background, so there is no white square surrounding the image. Printing a PNG to the correct button size presents the same software challenges as printing a JPG. For this reason, most ABM customers prefer saving designs in PDF format.
CSV (Comma-Separated Values)
CSV files store numbers and text in plain, unformatted text. Build-a-Button 5.0 can process CSV-formatted lists.
Text
Build-a-Button 5.0 saves complex designs in a special text file format that allows the design to be uploaded and edited at a later date without losing any content or image quality.