FAQ

Answers to the questions we hear most often — what’s in the library, how to find and use the right character, avoiding mismatches, pricing, and custom work. For anything else, email support@handmade.ink and we’ll reply within 24 hours.

What is in the library?

18,000+ smoothed Chinese calligraphy vector glyphs drawn from 189 master calligraphers — 4,000+ unique characters covering 99% of everyday text. Each glyph is a clean, editable vector you can drop into design, tattoo, or print work. Browse them in the live Library.

How do I find a specific Chinese character on Handmade.ink?

Head to the Library (handmade.ink/library/). If you can type or paste the character, search by the glyph itself; if not, simply type an English word or meaning. Each result opens a detail page showing the scalable vector SVG, pinyin, tone, and both the classical and modern meaning — so you can confirm it’s the exact character before you buy.

What file format do I receive, and how do I use it in my designs?

Every purchase arrives as a scalable vector SVG. Open and edit it in any vector tool — Illustrator, Figma, Inkscape, or Affinity — embed it in print or web projects, or export to PNG or PDF at any resolution. Because it’s vector, it stays razor-sharp at any size, from a business card to a billboard.

How do I get my files after purchase?

Two ways. Right after payment a receipt email is sent to you from support@handmade.ink with direct download links, and your glyphs are always available later in My Glyphs (/my-purchases/) — just log in. Links are tied to your account and can be refreshed anytime from My Glyphs.

Can I use the glyphs commercially?

Yes. Every purchase includes a perpetual, worldwide, non-transferable commercial license. You may use the glyphs in client and commercial work — prints, packaging, branding, and merchandise — for up to 500 units per design. Print-on-demand (POD), NFT / crypto, and AI / machine-learning training use require an Extended License add-on. Reselling or redistributing the raw SVG files, or transferring the license, is not permitted.

How does pricing work?

Buy a single glyph for $2.99, build a bundle (5 for $9.99, 10 for $17.99, 25 for $45.97), or go unlimited with an annual membership — Silver $99 (100 downloads/yr), Gold $299 (500/yr), Platinum $599 (unlimited). Checkout is powered by Creem.

Do you offer a free option?

The library is commercial; pricing starts at $2.99 per single glyph, with membership plans for high-volume use.

How can I be sure a glyph means what I think before I buy it?

Every glyph detail page shows the pinyin, tone, a brief classical allusion, and a modern-day meaning, along with its tagged usage scenes. Read these on the detail page to confirm both the meaning and the right context before you buy — the surest way to avoid a mismatch. Most importantly, every glyph we sell is vetted and signed off by a native Chinese scholar, so the meaning you see is one you can trust.

What if I’m unsure whether a character fits my context (a tattoo, brand name, or gift)?

If you’re wondering whether a character suits your context — a tattoo, a brand name, a gift — start with the detail page’s classical and modern meanings and its tagged usage scenes. For a second opinion on cultural fit or appropriateness, our team is glad to help: email support@handmade.ink and we’ll reply within 24 hours.

Can you create a custom hand-brushed character or a specific historical style not in the library?

Although the self-serve library centers on our curated 18,000+ glyphs, bespoke brushwork and rare historical styles sit squarely within Handmade.ink’s expertise. Tell us the character you need, the style or dynasty you have in mind, and how you plan to use it — email support@handmade.ink and our specialists will get back to you within 24 hours.

Can I cancel my membership?

Yes. Memberships run for one year from purchase. You can cancel or manage your plan anytime from the My Glyphs page, or email support@handmade.ink — we will stop future renewals and your remaining downloads stay usable until expiry.

What is your refund policy?

Because each glyph is a delivered digital file, all sales are final and we do not offer refunds — except in one case: the supplied meaning of a character is wrong (the explanation or usage note we provide for that character is incorrect). If you believe a purchased glyph is affected, email support@handmade.ink with the glyph ID and we will make it right.