A business card should help people remember who you are and find a way to contact you. Its design can be simple or striking, but the priority is to make your name, company and contact details effortless to read.
Check the finished size, legibility and file specifications before printing.
What information should you include?
Your name, role or job title when relevant, company and one or two contact methods are usually enough. Add an address only if it is genuinely useful. Avoid filling the card with every social media profile.
How to arrange the elements
Choose one primary element and group related details. Size, spacing and contrast create a clearer hierarchy than using a different typeface for every line.
Choose a legible typeface
Very thin or small lettering can lose definition on some papers. View the card at its actual size and carefully check numbers, at signs and web addresses.
Colour, paper and finish
A card with a dark background may require a different printing process for certain light-coloured text. Coated and uncoated papers also change the appearance of colour and the tactile feel. Choose according to the brand and intended use.
Single- or double-sided?
The reverse can accommodate a code, secondary message or additional information. If it adds no value, printing one side may be sufficient.
How to prepare the PDF
- Confirm the finished dimensions.
- Keep text inside a safe area.
- Add the bleed requested by the printer.
- Use the original logo artwork.
- Test QR codes and phone numbers.
- Review the exported PDF.
Common design mistakes
Avoid placing text too close to the edge, mixing too many typefaces or creating a hierarchy in which the logo dominates while the contact details become illegible.
For a restrained design, carefully check the contrast between the text and background, especially when using black and white.
Frequently asked questions
What is a common business-card size?
In Spain and much of Europe, 85 × 55 mm is frequently used.
Do I need to include a QR code?
No. Include one only when it provides a useful destination.
Is a matt finish better?
That depends on the design, paper and intended use.
Do you have a business-card printing project? Tell us the size, paper, quantity and finish you need.
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