Pre-press & printing
Offset vs digital, lead times, choosing a printer, QR codes, carbonless forms and scanning.
Tools
Reference
Black cards: printing tips
Learn how to achieve deep, rich black on business cards using rich black CMYK values and proper finishing techniques.
Business card scanning and CRM
Learn how business card scanners digitize contact data and integrate with CRM systems to streamline professional networking.
How to choose a business card printer
Learn how to select a reliable print provider by verifying technical specs, color standards, and finish capabilities.
NCR and carbonless forms
Understand the chemistry and construction of NCR paper to ensure reliable multi-part form reproduction.
Offset vs digital printing
Compare offset and digital printing based on ISO 12647 standards, setup requirements, and best-use cases for business cards.
Print turnaround and lead times
Understand how file preparation, production, and shipping phases determine your total printing lead time.
QR codes on business cards
Learn how to design scannable QR codes for business cards, covering ISO standards, minimum sizes, and error correction levels.
Glossary
Creep
The lateral shift of inner pages in a bound booklet caused by the thickness of the spine.
Digital printing
A printing method that uses electronic files to create images directly on a substrate without physical plates.
Digital proof
A high-resolution electronic preview used to verify design accuracy before final printing.
Imposition
The process of arranging multiple page images on a single press sheet to maximize paper usage and streamline printing.
NCR paper
Carbonless paper that transfers images via chemical reaction under pressure, eliminating the need for carbon copies.
Offset printing
A lithographic method where ink transfers from a plate to a rubber blanket, then to paper.
Pre-press
The technical stage where digital files are prepared, proofed, and optimized for commercial printing.
Preflight
The process of checking digital files for errors before they are sent to a print production environment.
Answers
How long does business card printing take?
Standard production typically requires three to seven business days, varying by complexity and finishing options.
Should I use CMYK or RGB for printing?
Use CMYK for print because it is the subtractive ink standard; RGB is for screens and will print dull if not converted.
What file format should I send for printing?
Submit flattened PDF/X files with CMYK color profiles and embedded fonts.
What is a safe area in printing?
The safe area is the inner margin where critical content stays clear of the trim line.
What is a vCard QR code?
A QR code that encodes vCard contact data for instant mobile import.
What is bleed in printing?
Bleed is the extra margin of artwork that extends beyond the final trim line to ensure full-coverage printing.