ID card design is not something you can take lightly when you’re running a business or organizing an event. We’re going to walk you through how to design an ID card, step by step, so you can perfect every little detail and enjoy all the benefits ID cards have to offer. 

From sizing to colors, fonts, layout, and more, we’re going to help you figure it all out - after all, ID card design is what we do best here at CustomLanyard.net. We constantly help our customers create the perfect custom ID cards, and we’ll do the same for you.

Learn more about designing ID cards below, or just get in touch with our customer service team for one-on-one support today. Let our experts walk you through every step of the process. We’ll help you bring your vision to life effortlessly! 

The Importance of Proper ID Card Design

From event management to employee security, there are countless uses for ID cards. Workplaces, schools, festivals, conferences - there are so many different scenarios you’ll turn to ID cards for.

But there’s a common theme across them all: design can make or break their functionality! A well-designed card helps staff move faster, cuts down on confusion, and gives visitors something they can trust right away. The wrong design only complicates matters and negatively impacts user experience. Here’s why you can’t overlook the importance of design:

  • Details placed in the right order help people verify identity in a split second.
  • A sharp photo and readable text make the card look clean and professional.
  • Good color choices make your brand easy to recognize from across a room.
  • A layout built for real-world use prevents crowding, glare, and awkward scanning issues.
  • Smart spacing prevents important information from blending together.
  • A tidy front leaves room for barcodes, QR codes, or access-level badges without clutter.

There are quite a few moving pieces, and you might not be a graphic designer yourself. That’s totally fine! We make the process quick and easy, which is why over a million customers have chosen CustomLanyard.net. 

You’ll gain access to clear templates, fast proofs, and an ordering system that handles anything from a small staff rollout to a large event. Take the next step today, and learn more about how to design an ID card below!

How to Design an ID Card For Your Business or Event

Designing an ID card isn’t complicated, but it does take a little planning - and you want to get it right the first time around since you’re probably going to be printing in bulk. Here’s how to design an ID card, step by step.

Start With the Required Information List

Make sure you have a strong sense of all the details that must be included on the card before even touching a design software. For a workplace, this will be the person’s:

  • Name
  • Job title/role
  • ID number
  • A clear photo

You have more freedom when designing cards for events. Maybe you still include some of these things for networking events, but maybe you have a booth number or session tracks. For student ID badges it’ll be name, ID number, photo, etc. 

Think carefully about what you need included so you’re not stuck squeezing in last-second text later, which is usually what leads to cluttered cards and tiny, unreadable type.

Choose an ID Card Size That Fits Your Use Case

Once you have an idea of what all needs to be included, you can size your ID card a bit more thoughtfully. So, how big is an ID card? We have options ranging from 2.12” x 3.38” all the way up to 6.5” x 4.75”. 

The most common size we see used is known as CR80, the same as your credit card. That doesn’t mean it’s always the right fit, though. A larger badge makes sense if you’re hosting a conference where attendees need to spot names from several feet away. 

You’ll also need to choose between a vertical vs horizontal ID card. Some companies prefer vertical orientation for scanning stations, while others stick to horizontal because it displays photos better.

Pick a Layout That Keeps the Most Important Details on Top

The goal with proper ID card design is for the eyes to land on the person’s name and photo immediately. Place the name near the top third of the card - this is where people naturally look first. 

Titles, departments, and secondary details can go directly underneath, so they’re easy to catch without hunting. Group access-level indicators or colored labels near the edges where they can be spotted quickly. 

Add a Photo That’s Bright, Sharp, and Properly Cropped

The photo makes a bigger difference than most companies think - so if you’re making employee badges, make sure to choose one with a neutral background, good lighting, and a crisp head-and-shoulders crop. 

Avoid anything with shadows, dramatic angles, or selfies. These will only lead to confusion when someone is checking a badge in a hurry. If you’re taking photos on-site, keep a consistent style so every card looks like part of the same system.

Use Readable Fonts That Don’t Blur When Printed

We know you want to choose fun fonts that match your brand, but practicality takes precedence here. Thin fonts and decorative typefaces are notorious for breaking down once they’re printed on plastic. 

Stick to clean, well-known fonts with solid stroke weight. Test the font at the exact size you plan to use. A typeface that looks great on a monitor can turn muddy when printed at eight or nine points.

Use bolding with caution. Names can benefit from extra weight, but over-bolding every line makes the card feel heavy. The goal is quick readability, especially in busy areas like entrances or production floors. 

Select Colors That Match Your Brand Without Hurting Legibility

Strong contrast is the key with proper ID card design. Use it wisely. That might mean pairing bright colors with neutral backgrounds so text doesn’t disappear. Dark logos belong on lighter sections, and vice versa.

If the card has colored stripes or access-level bars, make sure they don’t compete with the person’s name. A lot of our customers collaborate with us to try a few color combinations before locking in a final design. Seeing the colors printed on actual card material - rather than just looking at a digital proof on a screen - helps you avoid surprises.

Place Your Logo Where It Stands Out Without Blocking Key Text

Your logo should be clear, but it shouldn’t fight with the person’s name or photo. Corners and top edges usually work best. A centered logo at the top can look clean and balanced if you’re using a vertical badge. The left or right corner works well on horizontal cards.

Keep it large enough to recognize but small enough that the details underneath stay easy to read. This is where spacing matters. An extra quarter inch can make the entire card feel more professional.

Decide Whether You Need a Barcode, QR Code, or Magnetic Stripe

Not every company needs scannable tech on their cards - but it’s common for security purposes, or for functionality in student ID badges. If you do plan on using scannability, plan for it early on in the design process.

Barcodes need enough white space around them to scan properly. QR codes should sit away from photos and dark backgrounds. Magnetic stripes belong on the back and should be placed with consistent swiping in mind.

If your card connects to time-tracking, door access, or event check-ins, map out exactly where the tech components will go before you finalize the design. This also keeps the front from feeling crowded.

Pair the Card With the Right Slot Punch or Badge Holder

You came here to learn how to design an ID card, but you also need to plan for the slot punch or badge holder you’ll pair your card with. Cards bend, twist, and get pulled on throughout the day. The wrong punch or holder can shorten their lifespan.

A horizontal slot punch works well for everyday office badges. Vertical punches are great for event passes worn on long lanyards. If you want to protect the card’s surface, use a hard or soft badge holder. This also guarantees the hole placement doesn’t cut into printed text.

Find an ID Card Printing Service That Brings Your Vision to Life

There you have it, how to design an ID card! Our blog has more tips on how to laminate ID cards if you’re planning on taking the DIY approach - but this is not the approach we recommend. You’re much better off leaving it to an expert. 

That means your responsibility after designing the perfect ID card turns to finding a printer you can trust to bring your vision to life. There are plenty of options at your disposal, but we here at CustomLanyard.net have come to be known as the #1 choice - get started today and see why!

Effortlessly Design an ID Card at CustomLanyard.net

Creating a clean, professional ID card is a whole lot easier when the tools actually work for you. Everything here at CustomLanyard.net is set up so you can move from idea to finished card without dealing with confusing software or limits on what you can customize.

You get clear templates, easy uploads, and a proofing process that lets you fine-tune every detail before anything goes to print. You also have access to a world-class design team who can help you navigate every step along the way - so why play the guessing game?

Our prints are sharp, colors stay consistent, and your layout stays intact because we use materials and production methods that hold up to daily wear. Rush production, low minimums, and helpful support mean you’re never stuck waiting or guessing.

The best part? We have the lowest ID card prices, guaranteed. Start your design today at CustomLanyard.net and get a custom PVC card you’re proud to hand out.

Final Words on How to Design an ID Card

That does it for our guide on how to design an ID card. Focus on clear information, smart layout choices, and materials that hold up in the real world. The card works harder for your team and feels easier for people to read at a glance when each element is placed intentionally. 

Anyone can create an ID card design that looks clean, scans smoothly, and supports day-to-day operations - we make it effortless at CustomLanyard.net. So what are you waiting for? Take the next step today and get premium-quality ID cards that match your branding!