There are several factors to consider when printing business cards. The size may vary by region, but the most commonly used size is 3.5 x 2 inches. The most popular shape is rectangular, though other shapes are often used as well. Other shapes are regarded as unconventional and are difficult to hold in a card holder. The color can be white or cream on one side, with the company’s key color on the other side. In addition to being printed on both sides, business cards can have bleeds. Bleeds are the excess space around the finished card that is beyond the cutting area.
There are two basic printing processes: offset and digital. Offset printing uses toner on the surface of a card. Digital copier presses are used for high-quality business cards. Digital presses are a step above office copiers. These machines have varying capabilities, from light production units such as the Bizhub 5500 from Konica Minolta to ultra-modern presses like the HP Indigo Digital Press.
Before printing a design, make sure you measure the safe area of the card. One of the safe areas is the margin area. If your card is 3.25 inches wide, you may want to use an extra 1/8 inch to allow for trimming. The safe zone is outlined in the image gallery. When uploading a design, be sure to keep in mind the size of the card. If the margin is too thin, it will not be cut evenly. Otherwise, your order will be canceled and you’ll have to pay for the reprint.
