How-to: Making Buttons for Your Posts

Several people have asked me to teach them how to make a button or badge that they can use on their blogs for challenges and to add visual interest to their posts. So I'm going to tell you how I make buttons. This is not the only way or the most sophisticated way to make buttons, but it works and is easy. If you have an easier or better way to make buttons, please let me know!

Step 1: Find an Image

I do not create my buttons from scratch; I am not a graphic designer and I do not own graphic designing software. Thus the first step is the hardest for me because it involves searching the Internet for an image that is in the public domain. What do I mean by in the public domain? These are graphics or photos that are free to use without infringing on anyone's rights; they are not copyrighted or otherwise under restrictions.

So where does one find such an image? To find photographs, do an Internet search for photo-sharing sites such as Photobucket, Picasa, and Flickr. You can find both photographs and graphic images on these types of sites. Before downloading a photo to your computer, make sure that the file is indeed available to anyone who wants to use it.

To find graphics and other images, do an Internet search for "images public domain," "clip art public domain," "photos public domain" or some such wording. If you are interested in a particular theme, then add that to your search item, such as "dragonfly image public domain."

Wikipedia has an article on public domain image resources, which is another good place to start your hunt for the perfect graphic. Get creative in your search; for example, try museum sites, government sites, and art sites. Search your own photographs.

Before downloading any file, I make sure to read the terms of use. The site owner may ask that in return for using the image you place a link or a thank you on your blog. Or the terms of use may simply state that all images are freely available. Some sites ask for a small fee. When you're happy with the image and you're sure you have the right to use it, download the file to your computer.

Ok. Let's assume I've done my search and here is the image I found. I like this one because it has a book theme and it has a frame so I can add my words in the space at the bottom left corner. This is not the only option. The button I created for my Weekly Discoveries posts was cropped from a larger image.

Step 2. Find a Program

Now that you've found an image, you have to add the text. There are likely many other methods for adding text to a button, but I started making buttons using software that I already owned and was familiar with. I add text via watermarking software. What is this? It is a program that allows you to put copyright information on your photographs to protect them from misuse and to clearly state that your image is not in the public domain.

Watermarking software is available as shareware and as supported commercial software. The costs are free to about $60. I use a commercial software program because I like the options available for processing my photographs. If you're interested in making only a button or two, then you'll probably want to find a shareware program.

Before searching around for suitable software, check your own computer! Your camera's software or a program such as Photoshop may be able to add text to images. If you want an official watermarking program, do an Internet search. Softsea.com lists some shareware programs and this About.com article has some advice for picking a watermarking program.

Step 3. Add the Text

The process of adding the text will depend on the specific program you are using, and you will have to spend some time practicing and familiarizing yourself with the software of your choice. This will be the hard part for some of you, but if you spend a few hours playing around with a user-friendly and simple program, you'll quickly get the hang of it. This article from About.com is very helpful.

The procedure should be about the same for each program. The first thing I do is to save two or three copies of the image under different names—just in case! The graphic I downloaded for this example is saved as GirlwithBook1, GirlwithBook2, and so on.

Open the software and search for your image. Open the file and, if needed and if the software allows it, crop, rotate, or otherwise tweak the image. The graphic I downloaded in step 1, didn't need any further help.

Next, click on the button or tool that lets you type in your text. Then choose a color and font. Then, depending on the software you're using, you might want to add some effects such as shadows or animation. Or you may want to place the text on a slant or in a swirl.

When you're satisfied, hit save. And you're done. It took just a couple of minutes to make this button with the program Watermark Factory.