Custom Gobos – Materials & Sizes

1 Overview2 Materials & FAQ3 Get started

Materials & sizes

Matched to your design and your fixture

The right material and size depend on your artwork, your colours and the projector you are running. Here is how to choose — and we are always happy to recommend.

Materials

Steel, glass or plastic

Custom steel gobo
Most economical

Steel

Crisp single-colour projection in any profile fixture. Ideal for logos and text. Closed shapes and fine loops use small “bridges” to hold the design together.

Custom glass gobo
Finest detail

Glass

Photographic detail, greyscale shading and full colour, with no bridging. Perfect for complex artwork, halftones and multi-colour branding.

Plastic gobo
Temporary · LED

Plastic

A budget option for LED fixtures and short-term use. Great for one-off events where the gobo will not run hot for long periods.

Any size, any fixture

From 10 mm to 300 mm image area

Gobos are sized by their image area (IA) — the part that actually projects. We make them as small as 10 mm IA for compact and moving fixtures, right up to 300 mm IA for large architectural and outdoor projectors. Tell us your fixture and we match the size and holder for you.

  • Works in profile / ellipsoidal-style fixtures and gobo projectors
  • We match the gobo and holder to your exact fixture
  • With proper use, steel and glass gobos last for years
10 mm
~150 mm
300 mm
Compact & moving lightsArchitectural & outdoor

How it works

From artwork to finished gobo

Send your artwork

Email your logo or design, or ask us for a template. Vector (ai/eps/pdf) or a clean image at 400 px or larger.

We advise material & size

We recommend steel, glass or plastic, match the size to your fixture, and flag anything that needs bridging.

We make it

Your gobo is produced to spec, typically within 1–2 weeks depending on material and design.

Project with confidence

Drop it into your fixture and project your brand or design, crisp and clear.

Supplying your own artwork? Please make it at least 400 × 400 px, in jpg, png, tif, pdf, eps or ai — and convert text to outlines for vector files. Not sure if your file will work? Send it over and we will check it for you before anything is made.

Questions, answered

Everything you need to order with confidence

What kinds of designs can you make?
Corporate logos, wedding monograms and names, full-colour artwork, textures, patterns, QR codes and bespoke one-off designs. If you can supply clean artwork, we can usually make it — and we will tell you upfront if anything needs adjusting.
Which fixtures do gobos work in?
Custom gobos work in profile / ellipsoidal-style fixtures and dedicated gobo projectors — the ones designed to project a sharp image. Tell us your exact fixture and we will match the gobo size and holder to it.
What size will I need?
It depends on your fixture. Gobos are measured by image area (IA), and we make them from 10 mm up to 300 mm. Send us your fixture make and model and we will confirm the correct size — you do not need to work it out yourself.
Steel or glass — which should I choose?
Steel is the most economical and perfect for single-colour logos and text; closed shapes use small bridges for support. Glass gives the finest detail, shading and full colour with no bridging. Not sure? Send your artwork and we will recommend the best option.
What artwork do you need from me?
Vector files (ai, eps, pdf) are ideal, or a clean image at least 400 x 400 px (jpg, png, tif). Convert text to outlines for vector files. No artwork yet? We can work from what you have or point you in the right direction.
How long does it take?
Most custom gobos are produced within 1–2 weeks, depending on material and complexity. On a tight deadline? Tell us your date and we will let you know what is achievable before you commit.
How much does a custom gobo cost?
Price depends on material, size and colours. Send us your artwork and fixture through the enquiry form and we will give you a clear quote.
Can I reuse it, and how long does it last?
Yes. With proper use, steel and glass gobos last for years and can be used again and again — keep them clean and handle by the edges. Plastic is best kept for temporary, LED-only use.
Need a gobo rotator or holder?
Find the exact holder for your projector with our fixture finder, and compare the Rosco SimpleSpin, RevoPRO and Film/FX rotators — what they do, what they fit, and how to choose.
Rotators & holders — find yours →

Ready to get started?

Send us your design, fixture and deadline — we reply with advice and a quote.

Start your custom gobo → ← Back to the overview

Prefer to talk it through?

We are the exclusive Rosco distributor for Australia and New Zealand. Tell us your project — artwork, fixture and deadline — and we will sort the right gobo for you.

Email usCall 02 9906 6262