How to Make a Button
Whether you are planning a button making business or simply curious about what is involved, you are in the right place. This page gathers every American Button Machines (ABM) getting-started guide, tutorial, and tool in one spot — the six-step process, the video, free templates, design software, and answers to the most common questions.
Making buttons requires no special skills. Most first-time users press finished buttons within minutes of unboxing their machine. Start with the six steps below, then browse the guides to go deeper.
How to Make a Button — Video
How to Make a Button in 6 Steps
The whole process is two pulls of the handle. Each step below is photographed on an actual ABM machine — the full illustrated tutorial has larger photos and more detail.
See the Full Illustrated Tutorial
Learn the Basics
Buttons come in many shapes and sizes, and choosing the right one at the start of your button making journey can be a challenge. This guide covers the most popular choices and the unique options available at each size.
Read the Guide →
Making buttons is easy — really. This guide compiles the things you might not think to ask before you start. A few minutes of reading here will save you time and start you on the right track.
Read the Guide →
Do's and Don'ts of Button Making
Quick, practical tips for getting started — the habits that produce clean, professional buttons and the common mistakes to avoid on your first runs.
Read the Tips →
Button making is easy to learn, but there are many choices and options along the way. Here are quick answers to the questions we hear most often from people just getting started.
Get Answers →
A structured course in the world of buttons. Follow the links, read the material, then take the final exam to earn your button making degree.
Enroll Free →
Paper choice affects how crisp your graphics look and how smoothly they press. Three steps for picking the right paper for your button maker.
Read the Article →
Contemplating a foray into fabric buttons? This comprehensive guide covers fabric choices, embroidery, and why calibration matters so much for a fabric button machine.
Read the Guide →
ABM Button Maker Kits are complete button making systems in a box. The main distinctions between kits are the type of circle cutter, the quantity of pinback button sets, and the design software included. This guide helps you match a kit to your project and budget.
Compare Kits →
Why Not to Buy a Multi-Size Button Maker
If you have been researching before a purchase, you have likely seen inexpensive multi-size button makers online. Read an in-depth analysis of how their design differs from a dedicated single-size press and the problems you may encounter using one.
Read the Analysis →Design Your Buttons
Button designs can be made in programs like Photoshop or Corel Draw, but those carry a long learning curve. ABM's exclusive Build-a-Button online design center makes designing any button easy while keeping the powerful features you need.
Try the Design Center →
Free button making templates for the most popular programs in the graphic design industry, sized to every ABM button diameter.
Download Templates →
The story of button making, told in video — from how to make a button, to Build-a-Button software tutorials, to circle cutters and interchangeable magnetic button jewelry.
Watch the Videos →Shop & Save
All-inclusive Button Making Kits designed to get you making buttons quickly and easily with minimal investment. There is a kit to fit any budget, each with everything you need and backed by our Best Price Guarantee.
Shop Kits →
We guarantee to meet or beat any competitor's advertised price on the same button equipment or supplies — and every purchase is backed by our lifetime warranty against defects on all our pinback button machines.
See the Guarantee →
Shopping at American Button Machines pays you back. Earn rewards on every order completed on the website — our way of saying thank you to our customers.
Learn About Rewards →
Current ABM coupon codes and promotional offers, gathered on one page so you never miss a saving.
Get the Codes →
Shells, pin backs, mylar, magnets, and every other component you need to keep pressing — in every ABM size and shape.
Shop Supplies →Community & Our Story
The Pinback Button Making Community is a fun, supportive, family-friendly group where everyone can share ideas, ask questions, and enjoy amazingly creative projects from fellow button makers.
Join on Facebook →
New product announcements, how-to information, promo codes, button making tips, and news on our Buttons For Change™ program — all in one place.
Read the Blog →
We are on a mission to help as many people as possible reach their audience and spread their unique message — to Change the World, One Button at a Time. Spreading buttons = spreading joy.
Read Our Story →
Our Buttons for Change™ mission helps schools and nonprofit organizations raise awareness and much-needed funds for their causes — so they can reach their goals more quickly, easily, and with a bit of style.
Learn About the Campaign →Getting Started Questions
Is button making hard to learn?
No. The full process is six steps and two pulls of the handle per button, and there is no calibration or assembly skill required. Most first-time users press finished buttons within minutes of unboxing their machine. The guides on this page cover everything beyond the basics, from paper choice to design software.
What is the best button size for a beginner?
The 2.25" round button is ABM's most popular size — large enough to read at a distance, small enough to wear comfortably, and it supports the widest range of back types. If you plan to make jewelry or very small wearables, look at the 1" and 1.25" sizes. The How to Pick a Button Size guide above walks through every option.
Do I need design software to make buttons?
No. You can design by hand, cut graphics from printed material, or use the free printable templates linked above. If you prefer to design on a computer without learning Photoshop, ABM's Build-a-Button online design center handles sizing automatically for every ABM button diameter.
Where can I get help from other button makers?
Join the Pinback Button Making Community on Facebook — a family-friendly group of button makers who share projects and answer questions. You can also call ABM directly at (972) 985-5074 — we are a family-run business and take every call personally.
Ready To Make Your Buttons? Shop Supplies By Size
Every template on this page is built to match a standard button size. Pick the size you are printing and we will show you the pinback buttons, magnets, key chains and other supplies that fit it. All orders ship from our Plano, Texas warehouse, and purchase orders from schools, libraries and government agencies are always welcome.
Not sure which size you need?
Our button size guide
walks through what each size is commonly used for, from 1" classroom reward buttons up to 3.5" campaign
and photo buttons. If you would rather talk it through, call us at
(972) 985-5074.