How to verify print-ready artwork before sending cards?
Print-ready checklist: preparing artwork for cards
This print-ready checklist helps designers and business owners prepare artwork that prints perfectly. Also, it puts bleed, color profiles, resolution and file formats front and center so you avoid surprises. You will get concise, practical steps and quick checks that prevent costly reprints.
First, we explain why bleed matters and how to set it correctly for common card sizes. Then we walk through RGB versus CMYK and recommend color profiles that match commercial presses. Next, we cover resolution rules, image formats, and when to use vectors for logos. Finally, we share common preflight mistakes and quick fixes to speed approval.
Whether you design loyalty cards, NFC passes, or luxury-finished invitations, this guide keeps your files production-ready. Because accuracy reduces delays, we focus on simple, real-world examples and clear export settings. Start below to make your artwork print-ready and ready for press. Let’s get started.
Print-ready checklist: Types and uses of printed cards
Printed cards come in several formats, and each has clear strengths for specific projects. Therefore, understanding the differences helps you choose the right material and artwork settings. Below we summarise the main card types and their common uses, plus quick notes on design implications.
Plastic cards (PVC and composite)
- Durable and versatile for high-run projects.
- Typical uses include membership cards, loyalty cards, and gift cards.
- Because they take varnish and finishes well, they suit luxury printing and tactile effects.
- Design note: use vector logos and 300 DPI images to keep edges crisp.
NFC cards (contactless smart cards)
- Embed near-field communication chips for tap-to-interact features.
- Common uses are contactless payments, access tokens, and digital business cards.
- Also ideal for event passes and marketing activations that link to web content.
- Design note: leave a safe zone if the antenna or chip sits near the edge.
RFID cards (proximity and low-frequency)
- Use for secure access control, hotel key cards, and transit passes.
- They work well where read range and reliability matter.
- For EV charging cards, RFID provides fast station authentication.
- Design note: avoid heavy metallic inks over antenna areas because they can reduce read range.
Quick comparison and production tips
- For long runs choose standard PVC for cost efficiency.
- If you need interactivity, pick NFC and test the antenna placement.
- For security and access control, RFID cards offer proven reliability.
- Finally, always prepare print-ready artwork with bleed, correct color profiles, and high resolution to avoid reprints.
Related keywords: smart cards, contactless cards, proximity cards, card printing, PVC cards, contactless NFC, artwork preparation.
| Card type | Typical applications | Key benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic cards (PVC and composite) | Membership cards, loyalty cards, gift cards, long-run retail programmes | Cost effective for large runs, durable, compatible with luxury finishes like varnish and foil |
| NFC cards (contactless smart cards) | Contactless payments, digital business cards, event passes, marketing activations | Enables tap interactions and web linkups, enhances engagement, ideal for interactive campaigns |
| RFID cards (proximity and low-frequency) | Access control, hotel key cards, transit passes, EV charging authentication | Reliable read range, secure authentication, proven for access and transit systems |
Customization and personalization options — Print-ready checklist
Customising cards helps brands stand out and drives engagement. Below we cover material choices, chip options, print methods, and personalisation tech. Use short checks so your files stay print-ready.
Material selection
- PVC and composite: durable, cost effective for large runs and compatible with varnish and foil.
- Eco alternatives: kraft, recycled PVC and biodegradable cores for greener projects. Learn more about eco options at eco-friendly card materials.
- Clear and frosted finishes: use to reveal layers or add subtle transparency.
Chip and antenna options
- NFC chips: best for contactless interactions and marketing activations. Also ideal for payment-linked passes. See guidance at NFC cards.
- RFID proximity: choose for robust access control and transit systems.
- Dual-frequency cards: combine NFC and RFID for multi-system compatibility.
Printing and finishes
- Full-colour CMYK printing with spot-colour accents preserves brand fidelity. Therefore always embed colour profiles.
- Luxury finishes like foil, soft-touch and spot UV raise perceived value. For finish ideas visit luxury finishes.
Personalisation technologies
- Variable data printing for names, barcodes and membership IDs.
- Thermal printing for on-demand personalisation.
- Laser engraving and embossing for premium runs.
Finally, always confirm chip placement and safe zones before exporting. This step reduces production delays and costly reprints.
CONCLUSION
Flex Card Print is a UK-based card printing specialist focused on quality, reliability and responsive service. Therefore we deliver PVC, composite, NFC and RFID cards with consistent print standards. Additionally we offer eco-friendly materials and luxury finishes for premium projects.
Our production process emphasises accuracy and repeatable results. Because we follow strict preflight checks, your files print correctly first time. We also provide personalisation options such as variable data, thermal printing and laser engraving to meet varied needs.
Customer service matters to us. As a result we guide clients through chip placement, safe zones and final file exports. We support membership, loyalty, hotel key, EV charging and access control card programmes across the UK.
If you want dependable card printing and expert advice, consider Flex Card Print. Visit Flex Card Print or email sales@flexcardprint.co.uk to discuss your project. Finally, our team will help you choose the right materials and finishes for lasting results.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What file formats and settings do you recommend for print-ready artwork?
Supply press-ready PDF files using PDF/X standards when possible. Also, embed all fonts and convert colours to CMYK. Use 300 DPI for images and vector formats for logos. Finally, flatten transparencies and include a 3 mm bleed on each edge to prevent trimming issues.
How much bleed and safe zone should I leave for cards?
Use a 3 mm bleed beyond the final trim. Also, keep critical text and logos at least 3 mm inside the trim as a safe zone. Therefore, nothing important should sit on the edge. These steps reduce the risk of trimming into your design.
How do I prepare artwork for NFC and RFID chips?
First, confirm the chip and antenna location with your supplier. Then leave a clear annular area around the chip to avoid interference. Also avoid heavy metallic inks over antenna zones because they can reduce read reliability. Finally, supply a template or sample for testing.
Can cards be personalised and what technologies do you support?
Yes. We support variable data printing for names and barcodes. Additionally, we offer thermal printing, laser engraving and embossing for premium personalisation. These methods work for small runs and large batches.
Where does Flex Card Print deliver and how quickly?
Flex Card Print is a UK-based specialist. We serve clients across the UK. Typical production times vary from a few days to a week, depending on complexity. For specialist chips or luxury finishes allow extra lead time. For a quote contact the Flex Card Print team.