Quick Answer

To create a custom box frame with Kachingo, select your preferred frame size and orientation, choose a background colour or material, upload your items or digital assets, arrange them using the drag-and-drop editor, add optional engraving or text, then proceed to checkout. The entire process takes about 15–20 minutes once you have your materials ready. The platform provides a real-time preview so you can see exactly what your finished frame will look like before you pay.

Before You Start

Before diving into the design process, a little preparation goes a long way. Kachingo’s editor works best on a desktop or tablet, but you can also use a phone in landscape mode. Make sure you have all the items you want to display physically on hand or, if you are uploading images, that those files are saved to your device.

Prerequisites and Requirements

• Device: A computer, tablet, or smartphone with a modern browser (Chrome, Safari, Edge, or Firefox).
• Materials: Physical items such as medals, badges, keys, or small keepsakes — or digital photos/artwork in JPG or PNG format.
• Measurements: A rough idea of the frame size you need (Kachingo offers standard sizes from A5 up to 50×70 cm).
• Time: 15–25 minutes for a first-time order; repeat orders usually take under 10 minutes.
• Account: An email address to create your Kachingo account and receive order updates.

Difficulty level: Beginner-friendly — no design experience required. The editor is intuitive and includes tooltips for every action.

Step-by-Step Guide: Building Your Frame

Step 1: Choose Your Frame Size and Orientation

Start by navigating to the frame builder on the Kachingo platform. You will see a selection of standard sizes and two orientation options — landscape and portrait. Pick the size that best fits the items you intend to display. For example, a single medal fits comfortably in a 20×25 cm frame, while a collection of five badges may require a 40×30 cm frame.

Why this matters: Choosing the right size from the outset saves you from having to redesign later. A frame that is too small will look cluttered; one that is too large can make items feel lost.

Expected result: The editor loads a blank canvas representing your selected frame dimensions.

Practical tip: Use the ruler overlay feature (available in the settings menu) to visualise exact centimetres on your screen.

Common mistake: Selecting a size based on the outer dimensions rather than the visible window. Remember that the frame moulding covers about 1–2 cm of the edge.

Step 2: Select a Background Colour or Material

Once the canvas is ready, browse the background library. Kachingo offers solid colours, metallic finishes, fabric textures (like velvet or linen), and even custom printed backgrounds. Click on any swatch to apply it instantly to your canvas.

Why this matters: The background sets the tone for your entire display. A dark velvet background makes medals pop, while a light linen suit works beautifully for photographs.

Expected result: The canvas updates immediately with your chosen background.

Practical tip: If you are unsure, start with a neutral colour like off-white or charcoal — they complement most items and are less likely to clash.

Common mistake: Using a busy patterned background that competes with the items for attention. Keep it simple.

Step 3: Upload or Add Your Items

Now comes the core part. Upload digital images by clicking the “Add Image” button, or if you are sending physical items to Kachingo for mounting, select the “Physical Items” option and note the quantity and type. For digital uploads, drag and drop files directly into the editor.

Why this matters: This step turns the frame from an empty box into a personal story. Each item you add should hold meaning and be placed with intention.

Expected result: Your uploaded images appear as movable objects on the canvas. Physical items are listed in a sidebar for later placement by the Kachingo team.

Practical tip: Use high-resolution images (at least 300 DPI) to avoid pixelation when the frame is printed or assembled.

Common mistake: Uploading images that include watermarks or copyright marks — these will appear in your final product.

Step 4: Arrange and Layer Your Items

Click and drag each item to its desired position. Use the alignment guides that appear to centre items or distribute them evenly. You can also resize images by dragging corner handles, and adjust the layering order (bring to front / send to back) using the right-click menu.

Why this matters: Good composition makes the difference between a frame that looks professional and one that feels haphazard. Balanced spacing draws the eye naturally.

Expected result: Items snap into alignment guides and stay where you place them.

Practical tip: Use the “Lock” feature on items you are happy with so you do not accidentally move them while adjusting other elements.

Common mistake: Overcrowding the frame. Leave at least 1.5 cm breathing room around each item.

Step 5: Add Text or Engraving (Optional)

If you want to include a name, date, or short message, click the “Text” tool. Choose from a handful of elegant fonts, set the size and colour, then position the text box anywhere on the canvas. For a premium look, consider the engraved metal plaque option.

Why this matters: Text personalises the frame further and can turn it into a commemorative gift. A simple year or name adds context for future generations.

Expected result: Text appears as a live editable layer on your canvas.

Practical tip: Keep text brief — three to five words usually read best. Long sentences can look cramped.

Common mistake: Using a font that is too decorative and hard to read at small sizes. Stick to clean sans-serif or classic serif fonts.

Step 6: Review, Save, and Proceed to Checkout

Before finalising, use the 360-degree preview mode to rotate your frame and inspect it from every angle. Check for any alignment issues, spelling errors, or missing items. Save your design to your account, then click “Add to Cart” and follow the checkout process to enter your shipping details and payment.

Why this matters: The preview is your last chance to catch mistakes. Once production starts, changes may incur additional fees.

Expected result: An order confirmation email with a production timeline and a link to your saved design.

Practical tip: Download a PDF proof of your design from the preview screen — it serves as a solid reference if you need to contact support later.

Common mistake: Skipping the preview and later discovering that text was clipped or an item was misaligned.

Frame Design Options at a Glance

Kachingo provides a range of customisation choices that let you tailor the frame to your style. Below is a breakdown of the most popular design options available in the editor.

Choosing the right combination depends on the items you are displaying and the room where the frame will hang. For example, a walnut moulding with a dark green velvet background creates a classic trophies-and-awards feel, while a white moulding with linen suits a coastal interior. Take your time experimenting with the live preview to see what resonates.

Pricing and Size Comparison

Understanding how size and options affect the final price helps you make an informed decision without overspending. The table below shows indicative pricing for standard frame sizes with a basic set of options (black moulding, standard glass, linen background).

Prices are accurate at the time of writing and may vary with promotions or seasonal sales. The biggest cost drivers are the frame size and the glass upgrade. If you are on a budget, consider sticking with standard glass and a linen background — it still looks premium without the extra expense.

Pre-Order Checklist

Run through this list before hitting the “Place Order” button to catch any oversights.

• All physical items are clean, dry, and ready for mounting
• Uploaded images are at least 300 DPI and free of watermarks
• Text fields have been checked for spelling and punctuation
• Alignment guides have been used to centre or space items
• The preview has been rotated 360° and inspected from all angles
• Frame size has been verified against the intended wall space
• Shipping address is correct and complete
• A PDF proof has been saved for your records

This checklist takes less than two minutes to complete but can save you from costly reorders or delays.

Common Problems and Troubleshooting

Problem: Items appear misaligned in the preview

Cause: Snapping guides were ignored or items were moved after locking.

Solution: Unlock all items, use the “Align Centre” or “Distribute Horizontally” tools under the Arrange menu, then re-lock them.

Prevention: Always use the alignment grid tool before locking items.

Problem: Uploaded image looks blurry or pixelated

Cause: The source image had low resolution (below 150 DPI) or was stretched beyond its original size.

Solution: Replace the image with a higher-resolution version. If you must use the existing one, reduce its display size until the pixelation is no longer visible.

Prevention: Always upload images at the intended display size or larger, and never enlarge an image by more than 20% in the editor.

Problem: Text is cut off at the edge of the frame

Cause: The text box extended into the “safe area” that gets covered by the moulding.

Solution: Move the text box inward by at least 2 cm from the edge, or reduce the font size.

Prevention: Enable the “Show Safe Zone” overlay in the editor — it marks the area that will be visible after framing.

Best Practices from Experienced Users

After dozens of frames, experienced Kachingo users develop habits that consistently yield great results. Here are the most actionable ones.

• Start with the largest item first. Place your biggest focal piece (a medal, a photo, a trophy part) at the centre or slightly above centre, then build the layout around it. This establishes a natural hierarchy.
• Group related items. If you are framing items from the same event (e.g., a race bib, a medal, and a finisher photo), cluster them together with consistent spacing — about 1.5 cm between each. This tells a cohesive story.
• Use odd numbers. Visual composition feels more balanced with 1, 3, or 5 items than with 2 or 4. Odd numbers create a natural focal point.
• Match the frame to the room. Consider the wall colour and existing furniture. A dark walnut frame stands out on a light wall, while a white frame blends in. For maximum contrast, choose a frame that is opposite to the wall colour.
• Order a sample before bulk ordering. If you are planning multiple frames (for a gallery wall or corporate gifts), order one sample first to assess the quality of materials and colour accuracy. It is worth the small investment.

Applying these practices does not cost extra time — they are simply decisions made early in the design process that save frustration later.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to receive my frame after ordering?

Standard production takes 5–7 business days, plus shipping time which varies by destination. Express production (3 business days) is available for an additional fee. You will receive tracking information once your frame ships.

Can I send physical items to Kachingo for mounting?

Yes. During the design process, you can select “Physical Items” and specify what you are sending. Kachingo will provide a prepaid shipping label and instructions. Items are securely mounted and returned inside the finished frame.

What if I make a mistake in my design after placing the order?

Contact Kachingo support within 2 hours of placing your order to request a revision. After that, production may have started, and changes could incur a fee. To be safe, double-check the preview thoroughly before payment.

Do you offer discounts for bulk or corporate orders?

Yes. Kachingo has a dedicated bulk-order programme for schools, clubs, and businesses. Pricing starts at 15% off for orders of 10 or more frames. You can request a quote through the contact page before placing individual orders.

Can I change the frame size after I have started designing?

In most cases, yes. Look for the “Change Size” option in the settings menu. The editor will attempt to rescale your layout proportionally, but you may need to manually reposition items if the aspect ratio changes significantly.

Conclusion

Designing a custom shadow box frame with Kachingo is a straightforward process once you understand the editor’s tools and prepare your materials ahead of time. The key steps — choosing the right size, selecting a complementary background, arranging your items thoughtfully, and thoroughly reviewing the preview — form the backbone of a successful order. By following the workflow outlined in this guide, you avoid the common mistakes that lead to disappointment and instead end up with a frame that genuinely honours the items inside. Before you place your next order, run through the checklist, refer to the troubleshooting section if something feels off, and always trust the 360-degree preview as your final quality check. Now you are ready to create a display piece that tells your story exactly the way you want.