Artwork Guidelines
Supplying your own artwork? Follow our guidelines for the print ready artwork every time.
File Set Up
PDFs are the best way to submit artwork to us and most design software will allow you to export a print ready PDF, including Canva. Any images within the file should always have a resolution of 300dpi with SVG formatted Logos and Vectorised Text. Please ensure that the file has a 3mm bleed and crop marks (indicating lines that identify where the bleed starts and the printable area begins). When creating the PDF, always ensure that you are converting the file to a CMYK colour space.
- Make sure the file is set up to correct dimension 86mm X 54mm for Landscape Design and 54mm X 86mm for Portrait Designs.
- Ensure colour profile is CMYK for printing.
- Ensure all logos are in SVG format & Text is Vectorised.
- Check resolution of images, making sure they are 300dpi.
- All art should extend beyond dimesions creating 3mm bleed around artwork and include crop marks.
- Export your design as a Print ready PDF.
Missing these details could result in artwork being rejected or improperly printed.
See our Artwork Rule Document.
See Our Guideline for designing your own cards.
If this is too complex, feel free to watch our Youtube Video on how to design professional cards using Canva and view our step-by-step blog.
Tracking
There are 5 options when it comes to tracking your cards.
1. Barcodes
Most Popular Types:
– Code 39 (minimum of 4 digits)
– Code 128 (minimum of 4 digits)
– EAN 13 (minimum of 12 digits)
2. Numbering
– Sequential Numbering
– Random Numbering
3. QR Code
– Sequential Numbering
– Random Numbering
4. Writing Panel
Like a signature panel on a credit card, a writing panel allows you to write information onto a selected area on the card.
5. Magnetic Strip
Option to pre-encode the Magnetic Strip available.
Check out the different options available to you.
Special Finishes
Adding embellishments to your printed card is a great way to impress. For us to be able to create a gold foil, emboss or any other special finish we need a file that includes vectorised elements. These files will often end in the following file extensions: .ai, .eps, .svg.
When preparing your files for print
• Make sure elements requested with special finish are placed as vector line work.
• If using Canva – Export your elements as SVG files.
• For print ready artwork, export your file as a high res PDF, CMYK with bleed and Crop Marks.