A business card has one clear purpose: to let another person keep and use your contact details. Paper and finishing contribute to its presentation, but they should never make the name, telephone number or website difficult to read.
Before ordering business card printing, define the finished size, content, quantity and intended use. The printing process and finishes are easier to choose once those requirements are clear.
The priority: accurate contact details, a clear visual hierarchy, readable type and sufficient space from the trim edge.
What should a business card include?
- Name and job title: when they help identify the person.
- Company and logo: recognisable without taking over the whole card.
- Telephone, email or website: use channels that are actively monitored.
- Address: when it has a genuine commercial purpose.
- QR code: optional and tested before printing.
There is no need to add every social profile if doing so makes the main information harder to read.
Which business card size should you choose?
Several standard commercial formats are available, as well as custom dimensions. The card should be easy to store and the artwork must be created at its exact finished size. For rounded corners, request the cutting radius and safe-area requirements.
Which paper or card stock should you use?
Coated, uncoated and textured stocks produce different results. A laid paper can add a tactile quality, while a smooth stock may reproduce some images more cleanly. Paper weight alone does not determine stiffness or quality.
Matt, gloss, foil and other finishes
| Finish | What it adds | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Matt | More controlled reflections | Feel and resistance to handling marks |
| Gloss | A more reflective surface | Readability under direct light |
| Foil stamping | A localised metallic detail | Compatible paper and minimum detail sizes |
| Rounded corners | A different cut profile | Safe area around the edges |
One-sided or two-sided design?
The reverse can reinforce the brand, display a code or hold secondary information. If it adds no practical value, it can remain simple. Important information must always be checked at actual size.
How to prepare a print-ready PDF
- Set the trim size and orientation.
- Check all contact details and spelling.
- Review the resolution of images and vector artwork.
- Add the required bleed.
- Keep text inside the safe area.
- Export the PDF using the requested colour profile and settings.
Plastic cards, die-cut shapes, loyalty cards, recycled stocks and storage boxes may suit particular projects, but each option changes the artwork, production and quotation. Confirm these requirements before preparing the final file.
Frequently asked questions
What paper weight should a business card have?
It depends on the stock, required stiffness and finish. There is no single mandatory weight.
Can two different designs be printed?
Usually yes, depending on the run and production method, but each version must be specified when requesting the quote.
Can a QR code be included?
Yes, provided its size, contrast and clear area allow reliable scanning after print and finishing.
Need professionally printed business cards? Tell us the size, quantity, paper, number of versions and finishes so that we can assess the production options.
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