How to make a customized pen

By Ross Bielema

Branded pens are one of the easiest, most effective ways to put your name in people’s hands—literally. But if you’re wondering how to make a customized pen, this guide can walk you through the process!

Creating customized pens is simple, fast and surprisingly affordable—especially when you work with a provider like 4imprint that offers design help, fast turnarounds and real customer support every step of the way. Whether you’re preparing for an event, stocking office supplies or sending gifts to loyal clients, here’s how to bring your vision to life.

How can you make your own pen?

The process of making customized pens for business starts with just a few easy steps:

1. Choose your style: Ballpoint, gel, metal or stylus? With more than 1,000 models available—including value pens, novelty, stylus and premium metal designs—find the right fit fast.
2. Pick your colors: Many pens offer multiple barrel or trim color options, with ink options from standard black or blue to vibrant, attention-grabbing hues.
3. Decide on quantity: Unit pricing improves as quantities increase. Many models have minimum quantities as low as 75 or 150 units—Bic^® Intensity^® Gel pens start as low as 75 units, while many click pens begin at 250.
4. Upload your logo or message: Imprint areas vary by style, and 4imprint offers free digital e-proofs so you can preview everything before production begins.
5. Review and approve: Once you approve the proof, production begins and your custom pens are shipped on time, backed by 4imprint’s 360° Guarantee_® to complete your order right and on schedule or remade for free.

This entire experience is managed online—from selection through checkout—with dedicated customer support available at each stage. Many customers praise the ease of ordering, even for first-time users. Thanks to complimentary art assistance, no set-up charge for reorders with exact art and clear price breaks, you’ll find customization is intuitive and cost-effective.

“I was pleased to get blue ink, which is not always available. The pens have some individuality and they write well. Thank you!”
— Mardi Gras Pen product review provided by customer

When it comes to custom pens, performance matters. A great design gets your brand noticed, but a smooth-writing pen keeps it in rotation.

How to print onto a pen?

Printing your design onto a pen involves selecting from one of several imprinting methods:

• Screen printing: Standard for plastic models, ideal for single-color logos on click or stick pens.
• Laser engraving: Commonly used on metal barrels for a crisp, long-lasting design.
• Full-color digital printing: Perfect for colorful, vivid graphics on select pen models or novelty styles.

When ordering a customized pen, you can upload your artwork directly (vector formats are recommended) or rely on 4imprint’s design team to enhance or format your logo for clarity and imprint precision. You’ll receive an e-proof before production begins, all at no cost.

Pen styles that support personalization—like name imprints—are ideal for awards, VIP kits or onboarding gifts. Clients love the level of detail and quality.

“I love a [Bic] pen! They are reliable writing tools -- and our customization looks great.”
— Bic^® Clic Stic^® Pen product review provided by customer

High print quality and responsive service are consistently noted in customer reviews, along with rapid turnaround times—even for rush orders.

Are high quality pens worth it?

Absolutely—especially when you’re making a professional impression. Budget-friendly pens are great for giveaways or mass events, but premium pens elevate your brand in a tangible way. If you’re thanking donors, celebrating milestones or meeting with prospects, the extra polish of a metal barrel or soft-touch grip can make a real difference.

The best fancy custom pens with logo often include:

• Extra weight and quality finishes
• Full-color or laser imprinting
• Stylus or soft-touch grips
• Packaging options, like velvet pouches or gift boxes

These higher-end models are ideal for executive gifts, conference speakers or client appreciation giveaways—and they’re still available at competitive pricing when ordered in quantity. For upscale yet budget-conscious branding, they’re worth the investment.

To explore additional upscale-but-affordable options, see our guide to the best promotional items to give away.

How to make a custom stylus pen?

Hybrid stylus pens are increasingly popular in tech, healthcare and retail settings for their dual functionality—writing and touch=screen control.

To create a custom stylus pen:

1. Use the site filter to narrow results to stylus models.
2. Choose a model based on features like finish, grip or corporate appeal.
3. Upload your logo, select pen and ink color, and go through the standard proofing and approval process.

Stylus pens offer practical, modern appeal—and are especially memorable because they combine branding with digital utility. With 4imprint, it's easy to compare and customize quickly across dozens of stylus options online.

Start designing your custom pens today

Whether you're running a nonprofit event or launching a brand campaign, creating customized pens for business is easier than ever. Thousands of organizations trust 4imprint for fast, dependable service, standout results and pens that actually get used.

Begin your project by browsing our wide selection of custom pens, or check out more options in our conference swag items blog to craft a complete promotional kit. With budget-friendly pricing, expert imprint support, free e-proofs and our 360° Guarantee^®, there’s no reason to wait.

Let us help you make something worth writing home about.

Ross Bielema

Ross Bielema is a seasoned SEO marketing specialist at 4imprint, based in Oshkosh, WI, a title he’s held for the past 16 years. He previously was a copywriter here, crafting everything from headlines and company letters to e-mails and faxes. Boosting web presence and organic ranking creatively for one of North America’s top promotional merchandise distributors comes easily because of his combined 38 years of journalism experience. This includes freelance writing for local media outlets such as the Shawano (WI) Leader newspaper, expanding his experience beyond digital marketing into broader content creation. Ross brings a unique blend of marketing acumen, content creation talent and community engagement to his work at 4imprint.