Your Keepsake in Five Simple Steps.
Creating your Handprints
To make handprints or footprints, start with plain white, unlined paper and an ink pad intended for use on skin. We prefer ink because it usually captures fine lines and details most clearly. Apply a thin, even layer of ink to the palm and fingers or the sole and toes, then gently press onto the paper and lift straight up to avoid smudging. For footprints, lower the heel first, followed by the sole and toes. Make a few impressions so you can choose your favorite, and let them dry completely before scanning or photographing. You can also use washable, skin-safe paint or another art medium suitable for skin contact; apply a thin layer to preserve as much detail as possible and follow the product’s directions for use and cleanup. Your prints don’t need to be perfect—we can work with a wide range of impressions and help prepare them for your keepsake.
Scanning your handprints
Scanning your handprints or footprints helps capture the fine details that make them uniquely yours. Allow the ink or paint to dry completely, then place the paper face down on clean scanner glass, keeping it flat and aligned with the corner guide. Scan in color at 300 dpi or higher, and include the entire print without cutting off any fingertips, toes, or edges. Turn off automatic enhancement filters to preserve the original details, and review the scan for clarity before saving it at full size as a PDF, PNG, or TIFF. We accept all file types, so send us what you have. If you don’t have a scanner, a clear photograph taken directly overhead in bright, even lighting works well too.
Photographing your handprints
If you do not have access to a scanner, you can photograph your handprints or footprints with a smartphone, digital camera, or DSLR camera. Place the paper on a flat surface near a window or in another area with bright, even lighting. Hold the camera directly above the paper and keep it parallel to the page to prevent distortion. Make sure the entire sheet and every part of each print—including all fingers, toes, and edges—are visible and sharply focused. Avoid shadows, glare, digital zoom, Portrait Mode, filters, and other automatic enhancements. Submit the original, full-size image whenever possible rather than a screenshot or compressed copy. Do not worry about smudges, uneven ink, or extra marks; our design team will carefully isolate and restore the prints while preserving their original character.
How to Get the Best Handprint Image.
Use plain white, unlined paper.
Scan on high resolution if you have access to a scanner.
Photograph in bright, even light.
Capture the entire print without shadows.
Faded, smudged, or imperfect prints aren't ideal, but they will still work. If you have any questions on a particular sample, please contact us.
Submitting your files
Once you’ve photographed or scanned your handprints or footprints, you can upload your files on the product page or through our File Submission Portal. You can also email them to support@KeepsakeCharm.com or text them to 859-685-5191. We accept all file types—please send the original, full-resolution files whenever possible and include your order number, name, or email address if you’ve already placed an order. You only need to use one submission method. We’ll confirm receipt and add your files to your project for our design team to review. If you’re unsure about the quality of your prints, send them to us for review. You’ll receive a proof of your custom design to approve before production begins.
Approving your proof
Before your handprint keepsake goes into production, you’ll receive a digital proof of your custom design to review. Take a moment to check the handprints or footprints, their arrangement, and any names, dates, or other personalized details. If you’d like something adjusted, let us know so we can make changes for your review. Production begins only after you approve your proof, giving you the opportunity to feel confident in your design. For current proof turnaround times, please visit our Processing Page.
Production and Shipping
Once you approve your proof, your handprint keepsake moves into production, where your custom design is applied to the item you selected. When your order is complete, it is carefully packed and shipped, with tracking information provided when available. Production times vary by product and season, so please visit our Processing Page for current estimates and shipping information. Production time and shipping transit time are separate, so allow for both when planning for a gift or special occasion.
From Paper to Lasting Keepsake.
We carefully isolate and restore the original print while preserving the character that makes it theirs.
Your original handprints
Personalized for you
Carefully prepared artwork
Proof approved before production
Frequently asked questions
Can I ask questions before placing my order?
Yes, of course! We would love to hear from you. Because many of our products are personalized or intended for special events, we understand that a little clarification can be helpful before ordering.
Keepsake Charm is a small business based in Kentucky, which allows us to work closely with our customers. Our typical response time is within one business day, although we often reply the same day. Please email us at support@KeepsakeCharm.com with any questions.
What kind of file should I submit?
The most ideal file formats are vectors or PDF files. However, we accept any type of file extension. You can upload any type of file to our File Submission Portal or on the product page. Or, you can send us the file via email at support@KeepsakeCharm.com or via text message to 859-685-5191.
A clear photograph or high-resolution scan of your handprints or footprints works well. We accept all file types. Whenever possible, capture the entire print in bright, even light, without shadows, and send the original file at its highest resolution.
Where do I upload my files?
You can upload your files through our File Submission Portal or directly from the product page. You may also email them to support@KeepsakeCharm.com or text them to 859-685-5191.
Choose whichever method is most convenient—you only need to submit each file once. If we receive multiple files or copies through different methods, our design team will add all relevant source materials to your project folder. We will send you a confirmation message once your files have been received.
How should I scan my handprints or footprints?
Place the printed side face down on the scanner glass and align the paper with the scanner’s corner guide. Scan the page in color at 300 DPI or higher. Before saving, confirm that the complete sheet—including every finger, toe, and edge of each print—is visible.
Can you use older or imperfect prints?
Yes! We can often work with older, faded, smudged, or imperfect prints, including those on stained or folded paper. Our design team carefully isolates and restores the original prints while preserving their character. Send yours for review, and we’ll let you know if we need a clearer image or additional information.
Can I photograph the prints instead of scanning them?
Yes. Place the paper flat in bright, even light and photograph it from directly above. Keep your phone or camera parallel to the page so the prints do not become distorted. Avoid shadows, glare, filters, Portrait Mode, digital zoom, and other photographic enhancements.
Can I combine prints from different children?
Yes, we can help arrange prints from different children into one design. Please identify which prints belong to each child and include any names or dates you would like added. The arrangement will depend on your chosen product and the space available, and you’ll be able to review it in your proof.
Will I receive a proof?
Yes. Every custom order includes a design proof for you to review before production. You can check the prints, personalization, and layout and request adjustments. We begin production only after you approve your design.
When will I receive a proof?
Please visit our Processing Time page for our current turnaround estimates. Processing times may vary seasonally, but we always work to provide your proof as quickly as possible.
This page includes estimated timelines for receiving your proof, completing production, and shipping your finished order. We update it regularly with the latest information, making it the most accurate source for current turnaround times.
How long will production take?
Visit our Processing Time page for current production estimates and shipping information. Production begins after you approve your proof. We update this page regularly to help you plan ahead.
What if I am unsure whether my photo or source material will work?
Please send your files to us for review. Working with older, faded, stained, folded, or imperfect originals is a familiar part of what we do. Our experienced restoration and design team has worked with a wide range of source materials, and we have never had to turn a customer away because of file quality.
If a high-resolution scan is available, it gives us the best starting point. If we need a clearer image or additional information, we’ll contact you before moving forward with your design.
You’ll receive a proof of your custom design to review and approve before production begins, giving you the opportunity to request adjustments and feel confident in the finished design.
How long will production take?
Please reference our Processing Page to see the most updated information about our current processing time. We keep this page up-to-date so that you can trust its accuracy and plan around it.
Do you recommend paint or ink for handprints and footprints?
Ink generally produces the clearest details and is our preferred method. Use a washable, nontoxic ink that is appropriate for the person or pet making the print. Paint and other art mediums may also be used, although thicker applications can sometimes produce smudges or obscure fine lines. Allow the prints to dry completely before scanning or photographing them.
Do the prints have to be perfect?
No. Small smudges, uneven areas, wrinkles, faded sections, and extra marks are often repairable. Our design team carefully isolates and restores the artwork while preserving the natural character of the original prints.
Can you use older or imperfect prints?
Yes. We understand that an older photograph or document may be the only remaining copy of a meaningful print. Send us the best-quality version you have, and we can evaluate it. If we need a clearer image, we will contact you before beginning the design.
Can you use prints from adults or pets?
Yes. Our handprint and footprint products are not limited to children. We can work with prints from babies, children, teenagers, adults, grandparents, and pets, depending on the product and available space.
Can I combine prints from different people or pets?
Yes. Prints may come from different people, pets, sheets of paper, or periods of time. Please clearly label each file with the correct name and tell us how you would like the prints arranged.
Can you combine newly made prints with older prints?
Yes. We can bring together newly created prints and older keepsake prints in one design. Differences in ink, paper, or image quality may remain slightly visible, but we will carefully prepare the artwork so the finished composition feels cohesive.
Can you separate prints that overlap?
In many cases, yes. Whether overlapping prints can be separated depends on the amount of visible detail in the original image. Send us the file before ordering if you would like us to review it.
Can you remove smudges or unwanted marks?
Yes. We can usually remove stray marks, paper lines, discoloration, and minor smudges. We will preserve meaningful imperfections and natural print details unless you ask us to remove them.
Can you add names, dates, or a message?
Yes. Most designs can include names, dates, a title, a short message, or other personalized wording. Enter your requested text in the personalization section of the product page and carefully check its spelling before submitting your order.
Can you use the person’s actual handwriting for the personalization?
Yes. If you would like the names, date, or message to appear in someone’s handwriting, submit a clear sample containing the required letters or words. We will let you know if additional samples are needed.
Will the prints appear at their original size?
Prints may be resized to fit the selected product and create a balanced design. If maintaining the exact original size is important, tell us when placing your order so we can determine whether the product can accommodate it.
Can I request a particular arrangement?
Yes. You may provide arrangement preferences, such as which print should appear first, whether prints should be side by side, or where names and dates should be placed. Our design team will use those instructions when creating your proof.
Can I request changes to my proof?
Yes. Review your proof carefully and let us know if you would like an adjustment. Production will begin only after you approve the final design. Changes requested after approval may not be possible.
What materials are available?
Materials vary by product. Our collection may include blankets, ornaments, platters, cutting boards, framed prints, slate pieces, mugs, and other keepsakes. Please review the individual listing for the exact material, size, finish, and care instructions.
How should I care for my finished keepsake?
Care instructions depend on the product and its material. Follow the instructions included with your order and those provided on the product listing. Contact us before cleaning or using the item if you are unsure about its care requirements.