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Design
How to Design a Photo ID
Thanks to developments in card printing technology and badge printing technology, designing a photo ID card has become more dynamic than ever. Now, along with creating a layout for a card with a simple photo and information fields, card printers have the opportunity to introduce exciting encoded elements like magnetic stripes, RFID cards, and smart cards. These elements, along with the traditional photo and data fields like name and job title, are essential to modern ID card design.
When designing an ID card, there are several card elements to think about. Consider the following when designing your organization's ID card:
- What is the card's purpose? Will it be used as an employee badge? Student ID card? Rewards card? The card's purpose should help you determine what information should be on the front (and back, if necessary) of the card.
- How will the card be used? Will the cardholder have to show the card to anyone? Will it be swiped? Will it be used every day or only occasionally? Determining the card's primary use can help in determining the visual design of the card - how large the photo and text needs to be, the color scheme, etc. For example, a customer rewards card administrator may choose to have a brightly colored design with a large company logo - this gives it a better chance of not being lost in the depths of a wallet forever as its design may prompt cardholders to use it more frequently.
- Will the card have any encoded features? Magnetic stripes, barcodes and smart chips all need space on the card. If your card will have an encoded feature, design around it.
- How will the card be printed? Consider the capabilities of your card printer and supplies on hand when designing the card, especially when it comes to printing in color. For example, most double-sided card printers may print color cards on the front side, but the back of the card must be printed with a monochrome ribbon.
