So, why are lanyards popular, and how would you even begin to design custom lanyards with logo details for your event, business or promotion? In this easy-to-read piece on how to design lanyards, we’ll break down the artwork, fittings and safety features available, so you know just what to go for.
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Getting Started with a Custom Lanyard Design
Whether for conferences, staff passes, or promotional giveaways, custom lanyards can make your brand stand out in a simple, professional way. Let’s look at your design options and the features that matter most.
Step-Repeat Design
With step-repeat artwork, you get one long ribbon printed, and it’s cut to length and joined to make your lanyard. This is the most affordable option and includes a single safety break and trigger clip as standard. If you have strict brand guidelines, note that each lanyard will look slightly different, as your logo may be cut or stitched through in places.
Fixed-Position Design
This method ensures your logo is always perfectly positioned front and centre. The ribbon is cut and printed in two precise sections before being stitched together, guaranteeing consistent placement on every lanyard—ideal for premium brand presentations.
Two-Part Vertical Design
This layout keeps your graphics upright on both sides of the ribbon. Each side is printed separately and sewn together, giving a premium, balanced appearance that looks professional from every angle.
Dual-Design (Different Left & Right Sides)
Want both sides to say something different? This dual-design layout prints distinct artwork on the left and right sides—great for pairing a slogan or QR code with your main logo for a dynamic, eye-catching result.
➜ Quick pick: Step-repeat for budget speed; Fixed-position for perfect placement; Two-part for upright clarity; Dual-design for mixed messaging and QR codes.
Clips, Fittings & Safety Options
It’s not just about the artwork—you’ll also want to consider the fittings, clips, and safety features that keep your lanyards functional and comfortable to wear.
Triple Safety Break (High-Safety Environments)
Ideal for healthcare, education, or manufacturing, triple safety break lanyards use three discreet breakaway points that release under pressure to reduce entrapment risk—maximum safety without compromising usability.
Double-Ended Clips (Two Attachment Points)
Two clips keep your badge holder flat and forward-facing, reducing twists and flips. A smart choice for IDs, passes and QR badges where fast scanning and clear visibility matter.
Clip-Lock (Detachable Buckle)
A detachable buckle near the base lets users quickly remove or reattach the lower section—perfect for scanning ID cards or key fobs without taking off the entire lanyard.
Popular Clip & Hook Types
Mix and match any layout with your preferred fitting. Common choices include the bulldog clip (great for notched badges), swivel clip (rotates to prevent tangles), split ring (classic key loop) and trigger snap swivel hook (spring-loaded clasp for versatility).
Need a hand with layout or proofs? Our in-house artwork team can check placements, Pantone matching and provide visual proofs before production.
Get in touch or explore our custom lanyard materials.
Hopefully, that’s answered all your questions about how to design lanyards. We’ve shown you how to choose artwork, safety clips and fittings for your custom lanyards with logo details… now you’ll just need to shop for event cards or branded trolley keys to put on them.
