Small format, big impression.
Your business card is more than just contact info—it’s a pocket-sized piece of your brand. Adobe InDesign makes it easy to design clean, professional, and print-ready business cards with full control over layout, typography, and branding.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or using a template, this guide walks you through the entire process.
📐 Step 1: Set Up the Document
Standard Business Card Sizes:
- US: 3.5 x 2 inches (add 0.125″ bleed on all sides)
- EU: 85 x 55 mm
- Custom sizes also welcome—but check with your printer
Document Setup:
- File > New > Document
- Set dimensions (e.g., 3.75 x 2.25 in for US size with bleed)
- Bleed: 0.125 in (Top/Bottom/Left/Right)
- Margins: 0.125–0.25 in for safe zone
- Orientation: Horizontal or Vertical
💡 Use Facing Pages: Off for a single-sided card, On for front/back design.
🎨 Step 2: Design Your Layout
Include only essential elements:
- Name
- Title or role
- Company name/logo
- Phone/email/website
- Optional: QR code, social media, tagline
Use InDesign’s Alignment tools, Grids, and Guides to keep spacing clean and consistent.
Typography Tips:
- Limit to 1–2 fonts
- Use clear, readable sizes (min. 7pt)
- Brand colors and type hierarchy are key
🖼️ Step 3: Add Graphics and Logos
- Use vector files (AI, EPS, SVG) for logos
- Embed images at 300 ppi
- Make sure color mode is CMYK for print
Optional extras:
- Add icons for contact details
- Create a backside with a logo, tagline, or pattern
🧱 Step 4: Use or Create Templates
Using a Template:
- Find professional InDesign business card templates from Adobe Stock or third-party sites
- Open the
.indtor.idmlfile - Swap in your content and branding
Creating Your Own Template:
- Design the layout
- Save as
.indt(InDesign Template) - Reuse and share with team members
📤 Step 5: Export for Print
- File > Export > Adobe PDF (Print)
- Preset: Press Quality or High Quality Print
- Check “Use Document Bleed Settings”
- Include crop marks if your printer requests them
- Embed fonts and set color to CMYK
You can also export as JPEG or PNG for proofing.
🧠 Pro Tips
- Keep text at least 0.125″ away from trim edges
- Use spot colors if printing with Pantone
- Ask your printer about finishes (foil, UV, embossing)
- Use InDesign’s Layers to separate text and graphics for easier editing
- Always export a mockup and test print before full production
📘 Final Thought
Business cards are small but mighty—and with Adobe InDesign, they can be both stunning and print-perfect. Whether you build from a blank canvas or a professional template, the key is clarity, consistency, and creativity.
Your first impression should fit in a wallet—and stand out from the stack.
