Can I design a sign without signing in?

Yes. The manual sign designer is available to guests. You only need an account for AI Designer, saved drafts, order tracking, and reorders.

Which parts of the designer affect price?

Material, size, cut mode, border radius, and engraving layers affect the live quote. The price updates while you work.

What is the difference between cut-out and cut-in?

Cut-out creates individual letters or shapes. Cut-in makes a stencil plate where the artwork is removed from a backing sheet.

Can I use the designer on mobile?

Yes. Mobile uses tabs for edit controls, settings, and AI Designer so the canvas remains visible while you work.

Made in Niagara Park, NSW · Est. 2024Free shipping over $150 · Tracked Australia-wide deliveryhello@metalmarvel.com.au

GUIDE

How to Use the Sign Designer

A practical walkthrough for building a custom laser-cut metal sign from first words to checkout.

Choose words, fonts, metal, size, mounting, and proofing in one workspace. The designer keeps the canvas, quote, layer list, and manufacturing options connected while you build.

Open the designer First design workflow Laser-ready checklist Upload artwork AI Designer guide

The Main Areas

The canvas is your live sign preview. It shows the current text, shape layers, cut guides, material treatment, mounting holes, and background mockup. The sidebar holds the main editing controls and layer list. The bottom settings area handles material, size, cut mode, backing, corners, and mounting.

The instant quote in the toolbar updates as you change the sign. It is designed to keep the important manufacturing decisions visible without making you leave the designer.

Build a Sign

1. Enter the wording. Start with the main text. Keep street numbers and business names short enough to read from distance.
2. Choose a font. Stencil-safe fonts appear when cut-in mode needs bridges. Decorative fonts work best for cut-out lettering.
3. Pick the cut mode. Use individual letters for a clean floating look, stencil plate for a backed sign, or full-sheet options where available.
4. Select material and size. Mild steel gives rustic patina, stainless stays polished near the coast, and aluminium keeps the sign lightweight.
5. Add objects or layers. Use the object library for simple symbols and the layer list to control position, visibility, order, and operations.
6. Set mounting. Choose direct mounting, hanging holes, or corner holes based on the surface where the sign will go.
7. Proof before checkout. Confirm spelling, material, size, cut mode, and mounting before adding the design to cart.

Designer mobile tabs for edit settings and AI Designer

Mobile Layout

On mobile, the designer uses tabs so the canvas does not disappear behind a long form. Use Edit for text and layers, Settings for material and manufacturing options, and AI for account-enabled design help.

Where AI Designer Fits

AI Designer is useful when you know what you want changed but do not want to hunt through every control. Ask it to make the current sign bolder, add a simple symbol, switch material, or create a cleaner layout.

It does not replace the manual designer. AI changes remain editable, and the normal undo, layer, material, and proofing controls still decide what goes to the laser cutter.

Try AI Designer

Prompt examples

Ordering Checklist

Check every word and number at full zoom.
Confirm the material suits the location, especially coastal exposure.
Confirm the size is readable from the intended viewing distance.
Check mounting holes match the wall, gate, post, or display surface.
Use proofing before adding the item to cart.