How to use Aakaar Article Studio: artwork to 16 printable articles

What you can make

Aakaar Article Studio turns logos, silhouettes, outlined artwork and photographs into customizable printable articles. Choose keychains, fridge magnets, badges, luggage tags, wall plaques, bookmarks, ornaments, coasters, desk logo stands, cake toppers, awards, stamps, stencils, cookie cutters with stamp inserts, photo lithophanes or photo relief plaques.

Use Aakaar Article Studio for artwork and photos. Akshar Article Studio is the companion tool for articles based primarily on names and lettering. This guide follows the controls currently shown in Aakaar Article Studio.

Quick start: make an artwork keychain

Open Aakaar Article Studio from the Tools library. You can try the built-in Logo sample before preparing your own file.

1. Choose Keychain in the article tiles. Category filters help you find Gifts, Branding, Décor, Making or Photos.
2. Under Source artwork, select Logo sample or choose your own artwork. Wait for the source to load.
3. Set Artwork width in millimetres. Keep Preserve artwork aspect ratio enabled to avoid stretching the design.
4. Choose a backing shape, margin, backing thickness and raised or engraved finish. Under Attachments, choose an external loop and check its position and hole diameter.
5. Review the 3D preview and dimensions. Wait for Current · mesh checked and read the messages below the preview.
6. Download STL or colour 3MF, or choose 3D printing enquiry to prepare a request with your generated files attached.

Prepare and import your source artwork

Use PNG, JPG or WEBP images up to 20 MB, outlined SVG up to 2 MB, or closed ASCII DXF up to 5 MB. Drop a file in the source area or use Choose artwork. Simple high-contrast shapes usually trace more clearly than detailed, noisy images.

For logos, a clean silhouette or vector outline is a useful starting point. SVG text must be converted to outlines, and open strokes must be expanded into closed shapes before import. DXF artwork must contain supported closed profiles; an open drawing or a binary DXF needs preparation in another application.

The built-in Logo sample is useful for artwork articles. Photo sample provides a grayscale landscape for photo articles. Import an image file for your own lithophane or relief; SVG and DXF profiles do not contain the photograph needed for these products. Source artwork is processed in your browser.

Clean up traced images and position the artwork

For image artwork, use the tracing controls shown under Source artwork to adjust the threshold, foreground/background interpretation, simplification and speck removal. Check that intended holes remain open and that fine features have not disappeared.

Under Artwork size & placement, set the width and height in millimetres. Preserve the aspect ratio unless stretching is intentional. Rotation, Mirror artwork and X/Y offsets change how the artwork sits on its backing. A larger margin or backing can help contain an offset design.

After a change, the old preview is marked as needing an update. Allow the new model to finish, or use Update model. Downloads and the printing enquiry button remain unavailable while the current design is unready or invalid.

Choose a backing, finish and attachment

Most artwork articles offer Artwork outline, Square, Rectangle, Circle and Ellipse backings. Minimum plate dimensions set a lower bound; artwork, margins and attachments can make the finished model larger. Check the final preview dimensions instead of assuming they equal the artwork width.

Raised artwork sits above the backing. Engraved artwork cuts into it. Minimal uses zero outline margin where that finish is offered. Set backing thickness and feature height/depth together so engraved areas retain enough material. Photo products, cutters, stamps and stencils have their own construction controls.

Connect backing islands and Bridge width can join otherwise separated artwork regions. Inspect the bridge locations and fine details. A bridge that makes a mesh connected does not by itself establish physical strength.

Under Attachments, choose No holes, an internal hole, an external loop or two mounting holes where available. Adjust the hole diameter, attachment edge, tab size and offsets. Photo products offer holes in the frame. No holes removes the selected holes; separate product features such as magnet pockets, stems or a supporting foot have their own controls.

Gifts: keychain, luggage tag, bookmark and cake topper

Keychain: choose an internal hole or external loop sized for your separate keyring. Leave enough material around the opening and inspect its connection to the article.

Bag / luggage tag: use a backing large enough for the artwork and optional caption, then position a hole or loop for your separate strap. Check the final tag dimensions and avoid placing the opening through important artwork.

Bookmark: use a thin backing and shallow engraving or low raised artwork. Rotate the artwork for a vertical motif when useful. Add a tassel opening if needed and inspect the edges before placing a printed piece between pages.

Cake topper: choose one or two stems and set their length and width. Check that both the artwork and stems remain connected. Discuss suitable food-contact arrangements, such as protective sleeves, before using printed stems in food.

Display and décor: magnet, plaque, ornament and coaster

Fridge magnet: enable Rear magnet pockets if you want recesses for two separately supplied magnets. Set their diameter and depth from the magnets you actually intend to use. Keep enough backing beneath the pockets and any engraved artwork.

Wall plaque / sign: choose a continuous or outline backing and size it for viewing distance. Add two mounting holes where needed, then inspect the tabs and finished overall dimensions. Mounting hardware is separate.

Hanging ornament: keep delicate artwork joined with suitable backing or bridges. Position the hanging loop to suit the intended orientation and check the shape in Top view.

Coaster: a continuous backing and shallow engraved artwork can provide a more usable surface than tall raised artwork. Set the optional raised border width and height. Check cup stability and discuss heat resistance for the intended use.

Branding: badge, desk logo stand and award

Badge / brooch: enable the safety-pin holder if required. Choose opposing snap hooks or closed loops, then set wire diameter, clearance, hook spacing, insertion angle and holder offset. Closed loops can require a print pause. Use a separate pin and check a physical fit sample.

Desk logo stand: set the supporting foot depth and inspect the model from Back and Front as well as 3D. The design is printed flat and then placed upright on its lower edge; check balance and stability for the chosen size.

Award / keepsake: combine artwork and an optional caption on a backing large enough for both. Adjust the raised border and integrated supporting foot if desired. Inspect their relationship to the artwork and check the final display orientation.

Making tools: stamp, stencil and cookie cutter

Stamp: the tool mirrors the impression artwork once so the printed impression can read correctly. Start with unmirrored source artwork, set the impression depth and optional rear handle dimensions, then inspect the face and handle. Fine detail and ink transfer need a physical trial.

Stencil: adjust sheet thickness and the retaining bridges under Backing & finish. Bridges keep enclosed islands connected to the surrounding sheet. Check that the intended openings and retained centres are visible. The stencil vector exports include its retained geometry.

Cookie cutter + stamp: begin with one connected silhouette. Set cutting wall thickness, wall height and grip rim width. Enable Separate impression insert when wanted and adjust Insert clearance. The insert is laid beside the cutter as a separate print piece. Check the preview for both pieces and plan the material and food-contact use before manufacture.

Photos: lithophane and relief plaque

Choose Photo lithophane or Photo relief plaque, then load Photo sample or your own PNG, JPG or WEBP photograph. Set the panel width and height, brightness, contrast and smoothing. Fit photograph controls whether the image is contained with a white border or cropped to fill.

For a lithophane, darker image regions become thicker for backlit viewing. Set the minimum thickness and thickness range, then check the result with a light filament and appropriate backlighting in mind. Invert photo heights reverses the height interpretation.

For a photo relief plaque, image brightness becomes a height map. It does not reconstruct a fully sculpted 3D scene. Adjust the relief range to make the picture readable at your chosen panel size.

Both photo products offer frame width, mesh resolution, optional supporting foot and frame-hole controls. Start with Draft or Standard resolution while adjusting the image; higher resolution adds mesh detail and can take longer. Photo products export STL and 3MF rather than traced SVG/DXF. Optional captions are not added to photo panels: prepare any text in the photo before importing it.

Add captions, colours and print-bed settings

For supported artwork products, expand Optional caption to add up to three lines. Choose bold sans, bold serif or an uploaded Devanagari font, then set caption height and X/Y position. Upload a suitable TTF, OTF, WOFF or WOFF2 font for Hindi or Marathi captions and review joined characters and vowel marks.

Set Backing colour and Artwork colour under Colours & print bed. These are preview and 3MF part colours; they do not automatically configure a printer or guarantee a particular filament.

Enter the nozzle diameter and print-bed width and height you intend to use. Read any size or fine-feature messages. A digital mesh check does not replace slicer review or a physical fit test.

Review the model before downloading

Use 3D, Top, Back and Front views to inspect artwork, backing, attachments, pockets, stems and supporting feet. Fit restores the view, and Wireframe helps inspect the mesh presentation.

The width, height and depth show the generated model’s overall bounds, including product features. Volume describes the model geometry; it is not a price or a final slicer material estimate.

Read the status and all making notes. If the model needs attention, resolve the reported settings or source problem before exporting. The cutter insert is an intentional separate print piece; other unexpected disconnected or weak features deserve review.

Choose the right download

Download STL provides the generated printable geometry in millimetres without colour information. Import it into your slicer, confirm the size and inspect orientation, walls, supports and separate pieces.

Download colour 3MF preserves named model parts and their colours. Open it in a compatible slicer and assign the actual materials or filaments. Colour parts are not a preconfigured printer job.

Artwork SVG and Artwork DXF provide vector profiles rather than the complete 3D article with every backing and attachment. They are unavailable for photo products. Stencil and cutter profiles follow their product-specific geometry.

Print package ZIP contains STL, 3MF, the saved design, print notes and, for non-photo products, vector files. Save preview PNG provides an image of the preview rather than a manufacturing model.

Request 3D printing from IRIS directly from the tool

Use the 3D printing enquiry button beside Download STL and Download colour 3MF. The checked article’s STL and colour 3MF files are carried into the IRIS enquiry form automatically; there is no need to upload those generated files again. The transfer is prepared locally in the same browser.

1. Wait for the latest model to finish and confirm that 3D printing enquiry is enabled. If you change the design, wait for its updated model first.
2. Choose 3D printing enquiry. Check the article name, dimensions and the two attached filenames on the form.
3. Enter your name, email or phone, quantity and material preference. Include colours, delivery location, required date and any special fit, finish or assembly requirements in the notes.
4. On a device with file sharing, choose Share enquiry with files, select your sharing app and complete sending to IRIS. Availability depends on the device and browser.
5. For email, choose Download email with attachments. Open the downloaded email draft in a compatible email application, review its contents and send it to IRIS.
6. For WhatsApp, choose Open IRIS WhatsApp. The tool downloads the colour 3MF and opens the IRIS chat; attach the downloaded file in that chat and send your message.

Know when your enquiry has actually been sent

Opening the form or preparing a draft does not send an enquiry. Complete the final Send action in your email application, sharing app or WhatsApp. The form explains which files are included and which need to be attached manually.

Keep the enquiry in the same browser while working: the temporary attached-file draft expires after 24 hours and a newer article enquiry replaces it. If the form cannot find the files, return to the studio, generate the article and choose 3D printing enquiry again. Material, price, finishing and delivery arrangements are confirmed with IRIS after reviewing the requirement.

Save, reopen and troubleshoot your design

Use Save design to keep an editable design file, then Open design to load it back into Aakaar Article Studio. The saved design includes the imported source and settings, so store and share it with the same care as your artwork or photograph. A screenshot or STL alone does not preserve the editable studio setup.

If artwork is missing or distorted, check the input format, aspect ratio, tracing settings and artwork offsets. For SVG, outline text and expand strokes. For DXF, prepare supported closed profiles. For photo products, load a photograph rather than a vector outline.

If the model cannot generate, review the message below the preview. Try a larger backing, stronger bridges, less delicate detail or revised holes and dimensions as appropriate. Reset article options returns that article to its starting settings.

If the preview does not load, use a browser and device that support WebGL and module workers. Save your design before refreshing. If email-file opening or file sharing is unavailable, use the WhatsApp route and attach the downloaded 3MF manually.