How to Make Custom ID Cards

Having high-quality business ID cards is important for any organization. ID cards serve many purposes, from simply 

identifying employees and guests to promoting safety and security. In addition, a well-designed card helps to shape your business’s professional image. While you can choose to hire someone to make your ID cards, designing and manufacturing them yourself will save you money and give you more control over the creative process.

Follow the following tips to create your own high-quality, professional ID cards:

Generating the ID cards

ID software can be expensive, but several downloadable options exist that are available for free trial periods. Some options for this type of software are Advanced ID Creator, SmartCode Studio Professional and Flow ID Badge Maker. All of these programs offer extensive editing options, and some give you the ability to add shapes or artwork. Most importantly, each program includes the option to integrate security features such as fingerprints, signatures, custom barcodes, chips and magnetic strips.

When designing your ID cards, be sure to include all essential elements, including the company name, logo, address and contact details, the employee’s name, position and photograph and anything else you need. Choose the layout and card orientation (landscape or portrait). Be sure the photo is not blurry and that the design isn’t crowded — that way, anyone will be able to take one look at the ID card and discern the essential information right away.

Make sure you have proofread your ID card design several times before going to print. Since the information on each card will be unique to each employee, you’ll want to double-check the spelling of names and other information.

Print the cards

You can print your ID cards at home or your place of business using high-quality card stock. Make sure your printer is set to color and at the highest-quality photo setting. However, if you need to print chips or magnetic strips, you will need to use a more advanced printer. An advanced ID card printer is also important to have if you are concerned about making cards that will be difficult to forge.

There are various types of ID card printers on the market today. Before choosing a printer, determine what type of identification cards you will need to print. This includes whether you need single-sided or double-sided cards and what type of security features you would like to integrate.

If you would rather not purchase an ID card printer and still want to make sure you can obtain high-quality cards, you can submit your designs to a well-established ID card company to be printed and delivered to you.