At one time, you could use only iTunes for your iPhone ringtones. This was okay but not very creative. Now, you can use a software program, such as Garage, to create and customize your own iPhone ringtones. When you are able to use your own audio files to create iPhone ringtones, this gives you a chance to have more fun while you customize your ringtones.

When you first think of iPhone ringtones, songs may be the first thing that come to mind. You should realize that with a little tinkering, you can produce iPhone ringtones from many types of audio files besides music. You can use your own recordings made of voices, real life sounds, recordings from movies and television shows. When you consider the entire array of sounds and music that can be used, you will be able to customize your ringtones to each of your callers perfectly.

If you already make your own audio files, you may already have a few audio files in mind. You just have to match the audio with the caller. You can use MP3s with Garage or other audio ringtone software to create iPhone ringtones. This ability means that you could record your child or someone else telling you to answer the phone and use that audio file as your ringtone for that person.

You will have a few main categories of callers for whom you can develop themes. You have family, friends and work related caller, for starters. If you want to go further than that; you could develop iPhone ringtones to identify each individual caller. But, if you are going to create a ringtone for each of these main groups instead, you would choose a song or sound that you thinks represents that group's personality best.

When it comes to family callers, there are many sit-coms that feature family members including "The Simpsons" or "Arrested Development from which you could record voices or music. You may want to choose a theme from an afternoon soap opera if you think that represents your family better.

For children, consider using the theme song from the child's favorite television program. You could use the sound such as a squeaky rubber duck or the sound of a ball bouncing. If your child admires nature, he or she may like it if you have a bird call or duck quack as their ringtone.

When it comes to friends, it can be easy to pick your friends' favorite songs. You can get their help when it comes to picking your friend's favorite song. This will help you to remember whose ringtone is calling you. Perhaps, your friend has a movie or television character that they really like and whom you think would be a good match for your friend.

When your boss or work colleagues call you, you should use music or sound that is more serious, especially if your boss might hear it someday. If fact, your boss might like it if you picked an adventure themed audio for his or her calls as it makes it look as if you think that they lead an exciting life. You are the best judge of what would work best for this category.