Classic Business Cards

Submission specifications for Classic Business Cards

Add 3 mm bleed.

To allow leeway for cutting differences in production, always add a bleed of 3 mm around all edges of your design. Make sure colours, background pictures and layouts extend into the bleed area so as to avoid leaving white lines as a result of cutting tolerances.

Keep 4 mm safety margin

Keep all important text and images at least 4 mm away from the edge of the finished size.

Use CMYK as the colour mode.

Prepare your files using CMYK as the colour mode, not RGB. Use colourmode FOGRA39 (ISO Coated v2) for coated papertypes and colourmode FOGRA47 (PSO Uncoated ISO12647) for uncoated papertypes. If you are unsure of the colour mode of your file, don't worry we can always convert this for you. Keep in mind this can cause the colours to differ from the original file.

Resolution of at least 300 dpi.

Make sure the resolution of the images and graphics in your artwork are at least 300 dpi.

Convert fonts to outlines or embed all the fonts.

Make sure you convert fonts to outlines or embed all the fonts when saving it to PDF.

Make sure the ink coverage isn't higher than 300%.

Force Colour Images to CMYK with a 260% ink limit (in Photoshop > Convert Colour Profile > Photoshop 5 Default CMYK). Make sure the ink coverage isn't higher than 300%.

Save your files in uneditable, print-ready file formats.

Save your files in uneditable, print-ready file formats (PDF (1.4 or higher), TIFF, EPS, JPG). Deliver your files in one layer: the background layer.

Use the right values for full colour black.

Use Rich Black (C:63% M:52% Y:51% K:100%) for larger areas and text to get a deep black colour. Do not use this value for text smaller than 15 pt or plain text. This can only be used in full colour printing. For designing black smaller texts use 100% black.

Check line thickness.

Lines should be at least 0.25 pt. Negative lines should be at least 0.5 pt.

Check your artwork on overprint.

Make sure no elements in your artwork are set on overprint unless you want this effect in your design. You can read more about overprint in our Help Centre.

Using a border/frame is not recommended

Keep in mind that a minimal cutting deviation will be immediately visible in your product. The design will then no longer be centred, which may look strange.

Lamination position.

Single-sided lamination will be applied to the first page of your artwork.

Provide your design for both sides in a single file.

Does your design contain multiple pages? Ensure that all pages of your design are included in the same file. Similarly, if your design requires printing on both sides, submit the designs in the same file.

Frequently Asked Questions for Classic Business Cards

What is this product exactly? And what can I use it for?

• A business card is a card that has your company information and contact details printed on it. Business cards are the best way to make a positive first impression on potential customers or business partners. Make sure to stick in their minds and provide them with a way of contacting you!
• This product can be used:
• • To introduce people to your business
• • Exchange company/contact information

What materials can I choose from?

• 340 gms offset: This paper usually gets chosen because it is writable and has a robust quality. This paper is also qualified to stamp on.
• 400gr silk MC: this paper is the thickest out of our range of materials and are 4x as thick as printing paper. This material is mainly used for unique and exclusive affairs. Thickness: 0,4mm
• 400gr silk MC + matt lamination: select the 400gr silk mc + matt lamination if you want to give your products that extra feeling. The matt lamination gives your product a luxurious and powerful look.
• 400gr silk MC + gloss laminate: With this material your product looks and feels very solid and professional, plus it has a high gloss finish. Thickness: 0,41mm.
• 400gsm silk MC + velvet laminate: With this material your product looks and feels very solid and professional, plus it has a velvet soft finish. Thickness: 0,41mm.

What is the fastest possible turnaround?

• The fastest possible turnaround for Classic Business Cards is:
• Next Day
• Please note: Only applicable for products which require your design: To make sure that your order is delivered at the indicated time, it is important that we receive your file with your design for the product, on time (also called cut-off time). This way, the product can be moved into production on time. The deadline is always communicated at the final step when putting your product together and in the box on the right which details your entire order.
• The cut-off time for your printed item may vary. This depends on the combination you choose. This has to do with the manufacturing technique and / or the order quantities.
• Please note: The product delivery shifts a day every time the deadline for submission has passed. This is also the case if the file is rejected by us and corrected artwork isn't supplied before the next cut-off time.

Which production techniques do you use?

• For the production of Classic Business Cards, we use the following technique(s):
• Digital (up to 250 pieces): printed on professional HP Indigo printers, directly after your order is received. Digital printing is cheaper in lower order quantities.
• 
  Offset Lithography/Litho printing: This technique uses wet ink and aluminium and rubber plates to transfer images and text onto paper sheets, resulting in sharp, vibrant, and consistent prints. While this method may require slightly more setup than digital printing, it's the most cost-effective option for larger print runs.

If I select the folded option, will they arrive folded?

• No, they will arrive unfolded, but they will be creased for quick and easy folding.

What is cutting deviation?

• Classic Business Cards are printed on large sheets, which are then cropped to the final size. To maximize efficiency, the sheets are stacked and cut in large quantities at the same time. It is possible that the stack of paper shifts slightly, resulting in a cutting deviation. In order to limit the possibility of this, please pay attention to the bleed and safety margins when submitting your artwork.

Is there an option to add drill holes?

• If you would you like drill holes in your design, you may be interested in checking out our Swing Tags.