Format & Sizing: Stand Out From The Stack
Your business card is an extension of you, so make sure they look polished and professional before you start handing them out. Whether you’re creating your own cards or working with a graphic designer, here are a few simple guidelines to follow when it comes to business card dimensions and layout. After all, what good is it having a great calling card if no one can figure out how to call you?
Layout
Get the best of both sides
A true classic, like the traditional one-sided white business card, never goes out of style. However, there are some innovative and eye-catching trends for business card layouts — like full color, double sided and business card magnets — that can really help you stand out.
- Use the business card backs to serve as a visual representation of your brand. Here’s where you can let your logo really shine.
- Even if there is no text on the back of your card, saturate the back in your brand’s colors. This pop of color can make your card more memorable.
Format
Pick the right design programs
From GIFs and JPGs to PNGs and PDFs, there’s no shortage of file formats you can use to save your business card layout. Which one makes the most sense?
- We recommend using Adobe® Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator or Adobe Acrobat to design your card. This will make uploading your file a breeze. Staples also has hundreds of pre-existing templates that you can customize in minutes.
- There are other acceptable software programs you can use to design your business card, but be sure to check the file format requirements before you upload, so you don’t have to resave or redesign them.
Sizing
Set your borders
The standard business card dimensions are 3.5″ x 2″, but that doesn’t include the “bleed area” — the margins around the edge of the card where it’s difficult to print.
- When you include the business card bleed area, the total layout space becomes 3.75″ x 2.25″. Consider this if you are using color on your business card.
Font
Show your style
Choosing the correct font is an important piece of the design for your card. There are so many to choose from it can be a bit overwhelming, but we have put together a list of fonts so you can’t go wrong.
You can read the full post on choosing the right font here: https://blog.idealanding.us/2019/03/01/top-10-most-popular-fonts-for-business-cards/
Key Info
Let people know how to reach you
Sometimes it’s easy to get wrapped up into the design, and forget key elements of your business card. Don’t lose sight of the purpose of catching someone’s attention, giving them a quick understanding of who you are, and convenient methods to reach you.
We have a full blog post on this topic available here: https://blog.idealanding.us/2019/03/04/5-things-not-to-forget-on-your-business-card/