How to Design a Business Card: What to Include and How to Print It
Design a clean business card with your name, role and logo, choose a layout and colour, and print a sheet of ten cards at home or at a print shop.
A business card is still the quickest way to put your name and phone number in someone's hand, and it is a physical reminder that lasts longer than a chat message. Good cards are simple and easy to read. You can make one in about a minute with the free Business Card Maker.
Quick answer
Enter your name, job title, company, phone, email, website and address, add your logo, choose one of three layouts and a colour. Download a high-quality PNG, or an A4 PDF sheet with ten cards and cutting lines.
What to put on a business card
- Name, the largest text.
- Job title or what you do, such as "Wedding photographer".
- Company or brand.
- Phone number, ideally one that has WhatsApp.
- Email address.
- Website or social page.
- Address, if customers visit you.
- Logo, for recognition.
Less is more. Leave out anything that you would not want people to use.
How to make the card, step by step
- Open the Business Card Maker.
- Fill in your details.
- Upload your logo, if you have one.
- Choose one of three layouts.
- Pick a colour that matches your brand.
- Download the PNG, or the A4 sheet with ten cards.
Design rules that always help
- Keep text large enough. Nothing smaller than about 7 points when printed.
- Contrast. Dark text on a light background is easiest to read; make sure light text on dark is bold enough.
- White space. Do not fill every corner. Space makes the card look professional.
- Two colours at most plus black or white.
- One font family, with size and weight giving the hierarchy.
- Check the spelling of the phone number and email, digit by digit.
Printing at home or at a print shop
- At home: use the A4 sheet with ten cards and cutting lines. Print on thick paper or card stock, then cut along the lines.
- At a shop: take the PNG or PDF and ask for 300 gsm or similar card. Offsets and special finishes cost more but look better.
- Print one test first to check size and spelling before you order many.
A standard card size is about 90 x 55 mm, but the right size varies by country, and your printer can advise.
Digital sharing too
Add a QR code to your digital profile or website so that people can save your details quickly. Make one with the QR Code Generator and place it on the back of the card or in your email signature.
Related tools
- Invoice Maker for professional billing.
- Receipt Maker for counter sales.
- CV Maker if you are applying for jobs.
Design details that make a card look professional
- Alignment: line up text on a clear left edge, and keep consistent spacing.
- Hierarchy: name largest, then job title, then contact details.
- Colour: use your brand colour for one accent, such as a line or the company name.
- Margins: keep at least 3 mm of space around the edge so that cutting does not trim text.
- Back of the card: a QR code, a short tagline or a map to your shop can use the space well.
- Paper: thicker card with a matte finish feels premium; avoid very glossy surfaces that smudge.
Who needs what
| Person | Include |
|---|---|
| Freelancer | Name, service, phone, email, portfolio link |
| Shop owner | Shop name, address, phone, opening hours |
| Professional | Name, qualification, position, organisation, contact |
| Student or job seeker | Name, field, email, LinkedIn or portfolio |
How many cards to print
A pack of 100 is usually enough to start. Order a small batch first, since details such as a phone number or position may change. Home printing of the A4 sheet works well for small runs; a print shop is more economical for several hundred.
Giving and using cards
- Hand over your card with a short introduction.
- Write a note on the back after a meeting to remind the person who you are.
- Follow up by message within a day or two.
- Collect cards you receive and save the contacts to your phone.
- Keep a few in your wallet, bag and car.
Going digital
Add a QR code to your card that links to your contact details or website, and keep your online profile up to date. A professional email address helps too.
Quick checklist
- Fill in details and proofread.
- Add a logo.
- Print one test.
- Cut carefully on the lines.
A worked example: a freelance photographer
Tania photographs weddings and events. Her card shows her name in large type, "Wedding and event photographer" beneath it, a phone number with a WhatsApp icon, her Instagram handle and a small logo. On the back is a QR code that opens her online portfolio. She prints 200 cards on matte card stock. At events she gives cards to guests who compliment her work and to the venue managers, and she writes the event name on the back of cards she hands to potential clients. Over the following months, several enquiries begin with "I got your card at..."
What to avoid
- Too many fonts and colours.
- Tiny text that is hard to read.
- Outdated phone numbers and addresses.
- Cheap, thin paper for a business that sells quality.
- Forgetting a call to action, such as "Book a session".
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I download? A PNG of the card, or an A4 PDF sheet with ten cards and cutting lines.
How many layouts are there? Three.
Can I add my logo? Yes.
Is it free? Yes, with no sign-up.
Can I print it at home? Yes, on thick paper, then cut along the lines.
What size is a standard business card? Around 90 x 55 mm in many countries, but sizes vary by region.
Should I put a photo on it? It is optional. Photos are common for real estate agents and professionals who rely on personal trust.
Can I print on both sides? Yes. Design the back separately and print the second side with the same alignment.
Is it better to print at home or at a shop? Home printing is fine for small runs; a shop gives better paper and finish for larger orders.
What information should I avoid? Home addresses and personal numbers you do not want strangers to use.
Next step
Open the Business Card Maker below and have a card ready to print today.
