Choosing Between a Custom Photo Figurine and a Fridge Magnet

Display vs. Attachment

When you order a custom 01fig product, the first decision is whether you want a piece that stands on its own or one that sticks to a surface.

• Figurines are three‑dimensional models printed on a small base. They are meant to be displayed on a shelf, desk, or any flat surface where they can be viewed from multiple angles. Because they are free‑standing, you’ll need to consider the space you have available and whether the figure’s height and base size will fit the intended spot.
• Fridge magnets, bag charms, and car‑vent decorations are designed to attach directly to metal, fabric, or vent slots. Their primary function is to hold a place on a surface rather than to be viewed from all sides. If you want a subtle, everyday reminder of a memory, a magnet is often the more practical choice.

Both options use the same photo‑to‑model pipeline, but the end‑use influences how you choose a photo and what you can expect from the final product.

Selecting a Suitable Photo

The quality of the final model depends heavily on the source image. Follow these guidelines to maximise fidelity:

• Clear focus and good lighting – A sharp, well‑lit portrait shows facial features and clothing details more accurately. Avoid photos with heavy shadows or strong back‑lighting.
• Single subject limit – The preview system accepts at most two people or characters. Pets are counted separately, so a picture with you and a dog would exceed the limit for a single figurine. Choose a portrait with one or two people only.
• Contrast between subject and background – A simple background helps the algorithm separate the subject from the surroundings, reducing the risk of stray elements appearing on the model.
• Facial orientation – Front‑facing or slightly turned‑away poses work best. Extreme side profiles or extreme upward/downward angles can lead to distorted features in the final print.
• Expression and pose – Neutral or mildly expressive faces translate well into chibi, anime, or realistic styles. Highly exaggerated expressions may look odd when rendered in a small, stylised figure.

If you are unsure whether a photo meets these criteria, you can upload it to the free design preview to see a reference rendering before committing to an order.

Checking Current Product Sizes and Styles

01fig offers several size categories and artistic styles. Knowing the dimensions and visual language of each helps you match the product to the intended display location.

Product	Approx. Height (incl. base)	Base Diameter	Available Styles
Figurine (standard)	8‑10 cm	5‑6 cm	Chibi, Anime, Realistic
Figurine (large)	12‑14 cm	7‑8 cm	Chibi, Anime, Realistic
Fridge Magnet	4‑5 cm tall	6‑7 cm diameter	Chibi, Anime
Bag Charm	2‑3 cm tall	2‑3 cm width	Chibi, Anime
Car‑Vent Decoration	4‑5 cm tall	5‑6 cm width	Chibi, Anime

The exact dimensions can vary slightly depending on the chosen pose and style.

Style considerations

• Chibi – Exaggerated head‑to‑body ratios give a cute, cartoonish look. Details are simplified, which can be forgiving for lower‑resolution photos.
• Anime – Stylised but slightly more proportionate than chibi. Works well for portraits with clear line work or strong colour contrasts.
• Realistic – Attempts to preserve true‑to‑life proportions and textures. Requires a high‑quality photo because fine details are more noticeable.

When choosing a style, think about the personality of the subject and the setting where the item will live. A chibi figure might feel more playful on a desk, while a realistic figurine could suit a shelf dedicated to collectibles.

Preparing the Photo for Upload

Before you head to the product details page, take a moment to optimise your image:

1. Crop tightly – Remove extraneous space around the subject. The preview algorithm focuses on the central figure, so a tighter crop reduces the chance of background artifacts.
2. Resize if needed – While the system accepts a range of resolutions, a file around 1500‑2000 px on the longest side balances detail and upload speed.
3. Colour correction – Adjust brightness and contrast so that skin tones and clothing colours are true to life. Over‑saturated images can result in colour shifts in the printed model.
4. Save in a lossless format – JPEG is acceptable, but PNG preserves more detail, especially for images with fine edges.

After uploading, the preview will show a simplified representation. Use it to confirm that the pose, facial expression, and overall silhouette look correct. If something seems off, try a different photo rather than attempting to edit the preview directly.

Ordering Tips and Practicalities

• Check the style availability for the product you want. Not all styles are offered for magnets or bag charms.
• Consider the base material. Figurines come with a flat plastic base that can be placed on any stable surface. Magnets have a metal backing that adheres to refrigerators and other ferrous surfaces.
• Think about the environment. If the item will be placed near heat sources (e.g., a kitchen countertop), remember that the material is standard PLA‑type plastic and may soften under prolonged high temperatures.
• Review the terms and privacy policy before uploading personal photos. The service retains images only for the purpose of creating the custom model and deletes them according to its stated policy.

When to Choose a Figurine vs. a Magnet

Situation	Best Choice
You want a centerpiece on a shelf or desk	Figurine (standard or large)
You need a subtle reminder on a fridge or locker	Fridge magnet
You want a portable keepsake that can be attached to a bag or keyring	Bag charm
You prefer a decorative element for a car vent	Car‑vent decoration

In each case, match the photo’s clarity and the subject count to the product’s limits, and verify that the chosen style aligns with the intended visual impact.

After Delivery – Simple Care Guidelines

• Keep the item out of direct sunlight for extended periods to avoid colour fading.
• Dust gently with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid liquids or cleaning agents, as they can affect the surface finish.
• For magnets, ensure the metal surface is clean and dry before attaching to maintain a strong hold.

These steps help preserve the appearance of your custom piece without risking damage.

FAQ

How many people can be included in a single figurine?

The preview system accepts at most two people or characters per figurine. Pets count as separate subjects, so a portrait with a pet would exceed the limit.

Can I request a specific pose that isn’t in the original photo?

The service reproduces the pose shown in the uploaded image. If you need a different pose, you’ll need a new photo that captures the desired posture.

Are the colors in the final product exactly the same as in my photo?

Colors are reproduced as closely as possible, but slight variations can occur due to the printing process and material properties.

What if the preview looks different from the final product?

The preview is a design‑reference image, not a photograph of the finished item. Minor differences in shape, detail, or colour are normal.