Whether you’re ordering a wedding monogram, a company logo gobo or any other custom design, this guide walks you through every step of the process: From picking the right gobo size to submitting your design. We’ve also included a full video tutorial so you can follow along visually.
Machine Artist gobos are precision laser-cut from stainless steel and made in Oregon. Most orders ship within 24–48 hours, and every order includes free USPS shipping and design assistance if you need it.
Let’s go over Step-by-Step on how to use our website:
Step 1: Go to the Custom Gobo Page
Start by visiting our custom gobo page. From here, you’ll be able to either design your gobo online using our built-in creator, or upload your own artwork file.
Step 2: Select the Correct Gobo Size
Choosing the correct gobo size is one of the most important steps. Your gobo size depends on your projector model or lighting fixture. If you order the wrong size the gobo won’t fit the holder.
If you’re not sure which size you need, you can:
- Check your projector’s specifications or owner’s manual
- Refer to our gobo size guide
- Select “Other” and enter your projector’s brand and model. We’ll make sure to use the correct gobo size
Step 3: Understand How Metal Gobos Work
All Machine Artist custom gobos are precision-cut from stainless steel, which means they work like stencils. Before you design, it helps to understand how this affects your artwork:
- Designs are black and white only since the light passes through the cut-out areas and is blocked by the steel
- Enclosed shapes (like the inside of the letter O, or a filled circle) need structural bridges to hold them in place
- If your design doesn’t include bridges, our team will add them automatically during production. This is standard and doesn’t significantly affect how the projection looks from a distance
Step 4: Design Your Gobo or Upload Your File
You have two options:
Option 1: Use the Gobo Creator
Our built-in gobo creator lets you design your gobo directly on the website, no design experience needed. You can:
- Add text (names, dates, custom phrases)
- Choose from multiple fonts and border styles
- Insert decorative elements
- Adjust sizing and layout in real time
This is the best option if you’re starting from scratch or want a quick, clean result. However if you are creating a wedding gobo, remember to check out the pre made templates on the wedding gobos page which might be a faster option as well.
Option 2: Upload Your Own Artwork
If you already have a logo, illustration, or design file, you can upload it directly. We accept vector files (AI, EPS, SVG) and high-resolution PDFs, JPGs or PNGs
Note: When you upload your own file, the preview circle on screen is just the gobo creator working area, not a preview of your final design. Our team will review your uploaded artwork and reach out if any adjustments are needed before we cut.
Step 5: Add to Cart and Checkout
Once your design is ready:
- Add your gobo to the cart
- Proceed to checkout
- Enter your shipping and payment details
- If you’d like to review your design before production, add a note in the order comments requesting a proof
After your order is placed, our team reviews your design and may reach out if any adjustments are needed. Once approved, most metal gobos ship within 24–48 hours. We recommend ordering at least 1–3 weeks before your event to leave time for a test projection.
Ordering a custom gobo doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re creating a wedding monogram, a corporate logo projection, or a custom event design, Machine Artist makes the process simple with the fastest turnaround, free shipping, and real support from our team if you need it.
Ready to create your custom gobo?
https://www.machineartist.com/gobos/custom-gobos
Have a question before you order? Contact our team
