Mingle & share

There's no need to sign up to anything to look around Ponoko. However, you do need a Ponoko account if you want to:

1. make a product design
2. sell items
3. buy items

You can sign up here.

How do I sign up for a My Ponoko account?

You can sign up here.

How do I become a Ponoko seller?

You can sign up here.

How do I get help?

The best place to start if you've got a question that's not answered here is to visit the Ponoko Forum. You may find your query has already been answered by one of our experts or another Ponoko user. If not, ask your question on the forum and you'll get a speedy reply. Feel free to contact us direct if you're still having problems.

Why can I only upload .eps files?

We have chosen to use .eps files because they have a greater degree of accuracy than other file formats. This means you have greater control over your design. We are currently investigating how to accept other file formats.

Why do I need to transfer my design to the Ponoko templates?

The Ponoko templates are there to help you make Ponoko-ready .eps files. The templates are already formatted so they are the correct size, contain the 'safe' cutting area and have the correct color mode for our laser-cutter.

Do I HAVE to use the Ponoko templates?

No, but we recommend you do. We created them so that you don't have to set up the correct size, safe 'cutting area' and color mode each time you create a design file for Ponoko.

Can I get advice from other users?

Yes. One of the key ideas behind Ponoko is to set up an environment where we are able to learn from one another. You can contact a designer direct from their product page:

or you can ask your questions in the Ponoko forum.

What can I do to minimize the cost of making my design?

Check out the design tips in mingle & share.

It's unlikely you'll create a perfect product straight away. It usually takes a prototype or two to get your design right. After a couple of tries, you'll know the design process and start designing for certain kinds of materials and projects. In the meantime, it's a good plan to look at the making steps we recommend you take to make your design perfect.

How do I add my design to Ponoko?

Make sure you've read the making guide :) Then transfer your design to our templates and export or save your design as .eps file(s). Once you've signed up for a My Ponoko account or logged in, you're ready to upload your .eps files to Ponoko.

What's the difference between an .eps file and a product?

An .eps file is the blueprint of the product part(s) needed to make your finished product. A product - on the other hand - is the physical object that you (or another person) assembles from the cut parts you receive from Ponoko. Your table becomes a product once you've put together or glued all its parts.

Can I design stuff with other people?

Yes. Ponoko doesn't aim to get in the way of your design process. You are able to collaborate with whomever you need to get your design completed.

Can I make my design cheaper to make?

The cost is determined by 3 things:

• The material you've chosen
• The thickness of material
• The complexity of your designs

The laser cuts materials at a range of speeds and as a rule it takes longer to cut thicker materials. The laser is also faster at cutting straight lines than it is at cutting curves. As a general rule of thumb, the more lines your design has, the more it will cost to make.

When you add the materials to your .eps files in My Ponoko, you'll get an instant price for how much it will cost to cut out. If you need to, you can then go back and refine your .eps files and upload them again. Check out the making tips and tricks for tips on how to economize your design.

Can I design an object that is more expensive than I can afford to prototype? And if I could, would I still be able to sell it through Ponoko if I provided a high-quality render or drawing of the object?

Good question! Ponoko offers the facility for you to make money simply by selling designs. You can upload your .eps files and images and sell your designs. You don't need to make the finished product to sell your design files. But if you don't and you skip the prototype step, you run the risk of selling designs that cannot be made successfully.