The starting point for any badge is the badge graphic and within openbadges.me you can choose to design your own badge graphic.
The built-in badge graphic designer can create a wide range of colourful and exciting badges, with each badge being built up with a number of different layers. Each of the layers allows you to add a different element to your badge, for example, shapes, banners, text and images.
Begin by choosing to 'create a graphic'. Once you have provided a title and a brief description for your graphic, you can begin using the designer to visualise your badge.
At any point you can save your draft design and return at a later date to continue its creation.
Once happy with your design, you mark the graphic as complete, which allows the graphic to be used within the badge definition process.
Background
Not all badges will need a background, however for some having a background colour or image works well.
Shapes
Selecting the shape of your badge can be one of the hardest decisions to make and openbadges.me has a number of different shapes that we have selected that we know will make great badges.
Inner shapes
As well as the main badges shape you can also have a complimentary inner shape.
Text
You can add text to your badge. This could be to highlight what the badge was for, the name of the organisation issuing the badges or even the year the badge was issued.
Curved Text
With curved text you can wrap your text around a circle or semi-circle.
Banners
Banners are perfect if you add supporting text to your badges. They frame your text and make badges look cool.
Icon
Adding an icon or image to your badges will make your badge more unique and standout.