[michelle7]

Like Nyle and Jacob said above, it’s best to work with vectors when doing graphic design that involves something that you’ll want to edit/use in a different capacity in the future (e.g. your logo). You can create vectors in Photoshop, if that’s the only software available to you, using the Pen tool. The Pen tool in Photoshop is basically a watered-down version of the one in Illustrator. The big difference between Photoshop and Illustrator is that Illustrator has several functions dedicated to the editing of vectors.

However, if you’re making small buttons that you don’t think you’re going to edit again, you can use the brush tool and other raster tools in Photoshop in order to make the design. For larger designs, it’s preferable to use vector graphics just so you don’t end up with huge files.

Many online button sellers have zip files that you can download which include .ai, .psd, and .jpg templates that guide you through how much space you should leave on the edges, etc. These will also give you a guide on the dimensions of the file.

Optimal export filetype (if you can’t save as a .psd/.ai and send it to the printer/manufacturer in that format): jpeg or pdf
DPI: 300dpi