Design, Artwork & Proofing

You will find design specifications, recommendations, and downloadable templates in a number of popular file formats (AI, PDF, and PSD) on the “Create Your Custom Card” web page. If you are designing a card or key tag with a custom die cut shape, please contact us to discuss details.

Transparent plastic is popular for plastic business cards. You need to keep the material in mind when you design your card as it does affect the vibrancy of the card — especially with lighter colors. We will often add white ink to the card to make the certain colors more vibrant. The level of transparency/color vibrancy may not be fully reflected in a proof. If you have not printed on transparent plastic before, we highly recommend a press proof.

For a list of specifications, guidelines and general tips, see the design template web page. This includes:

• Cards are generally full color on the front and black text on the back
• Cards generally have the company logo on the front
• Cards generally have a disclaimer, company contact information and magstripe/barcode (if applicable) on the back

See the design template for more.

The standard specification for a gift card (and all financial cards) is referred to as a CR80. CR80 cards are 3.375 inches x 2.125 inches and .030 inches thick. Plastic Resource’s gift cards are constructed with a PVC core overlaid with writeable PVC laminate film. For design templates prepared for standard products sizes, visit the design template web page.

The dimensions of Plastic Resource’s key tag and combo card products can be found on the design template web page. Key tag and combo cards are .030 inches thick (same thickness as a CR80 or credit card) and constructed of a durable teslin core and non-writable PET laminate film.

A CR80 is the standard size of financial cards (credit, gift, loyalty, etc.) in the United States. CR80 specifications are 3.375 inches x 2.125 inches and .030 inches thick.

CMYK stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black. The combination of different amounts of CMYK inks yields over 95% of the visible color spectrum. However, there are certain colors that do not convert well using CMYK and thus require the use of Pantone colors. Pantone colors are generated using a combination of 14 base pigments mixed in specified amounts. Plastic Resource generally prints in CMYK, however, we have the ability to print PMS (Pantone Matching System) colors upon request.

Plastic Resource has a number of standard disclaimers for cards and businesses of all types. Contact us at sales@plasticresource.com or 833-290-5684.