Edible Image Size for Macarons
Print 1.25 inch (32 mm) circles. A standard macaron shell is about 1.5 inches (35–40 mm) across, and 1.25 inches keeps the image on the flat of the shell, clear of the curved edge.
Print at1.25 in (32 mm)
Free to design, no account needed. Print files come with a CakeyTops membership — 7 days free, then £4.99 a month.
Sizes at a glance
| Use | Print size | Per A4 | Per US Letter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard macarons Sits on the flat of the shell | 1.25 in (32 mm) | 35 | 35 |
Why this size
The top of a macaron shell is only flat in the middle — it curves down towards the foot. An image that reaches the curve lifts at the edge, so it is printed about a quarter inch smaller than the shell.
Macaron shells are also sensitive to moisture, which is why the method differs from cookies and cupcakes: as little liquid as possible, on a fully dry shell.
How to put an edible image on macarons
- 1
Start with a dry shell
Apply only to shells that have cooled and dried completely — any stickiness and the sheet will wrinkle. - 2
Use the smallest dab
Touch a tiny dab of water or piping gel to the centre of the shell, not the whole top. - 3
Ease the edge down
Lay the circle on and ease its edge down with a dry fingertip. - 4
Keep them dry
Store in an airtight box. Humid air is what makes an image on a macaron warp.
Tips that save a sheet
- In a humid kitchen, apply the images last, just before boxing.
- Decorate the top shell only — one circle per macaron.
- Pale shells show a printed image best.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size edible image for macarons?
1.25 inches (32 mm) for a standard 1.5 inch shell.
How do you stick an edible image to a macaron?
Use a tiny dab of water or piping gel in the centre of a fully dry shell, then ease the edge of the image down with a dry fingertip.
Why is my edible image wrinkling on macarons?
Too much moisture — the shell was not fully dry, too much water was used, or the room is humid.
How many macaron toppers fit on a sheet?
At 1.25 inches with a 6 mm cutting gap, 35 per A4 sheet and 35 per US Letter sheet.
Sizes checked against: Schaffer Printworks — macarons. Sheet counts come from the CakeyTops editor itself.