Cards Design
1. File formats we accept
Best: PDF (X-1a / X-4), AI, PSD
Also ok: TIFF, PNG, JPG
Color mode: CMYK (not RGB)
Resolution: 300–600 dpi at final size
Fonts: embed or outline
Linked images: embed in AI/INDD files
2. Size, bleed & safety
- Trim size: final cut line
- Bleed: 3 mm (0.125″) beyond trim on all sides
- Safety zone: 3 mm (0.125″) inside trim—keep text/logos inside
- Dielines: keep on a separate non-printing layer named “DIE”
You can see 3 different colors of marking lines in the pictures below, each line is about 3mm (0.12″) apart from each other. Among them:
- The innermost green line is the Safety line. All important content such as your characters, logos, text, etc. should be inside this line to account for slight trimming differences.
- The middle red line is the Trim line. This is the final size of your card or box after cutting.
The outermost blue line is the Bleed line. The artwork must extend to the Bleed line to ensure that the edges of your project do not show any white border.
3. Black Ink & White Ink Techniques
Rich Black
- Large black areas, card borders, background elements
- Deeper, more saturated black appearance
- Creates dramatic contrast and premium look
- Use for areas where maximum black density is desired
Standard Black
- Card text, fine lines, detailed artwork
- Eliminates registration issues and ghosting
- Small text readability and precise elements
- Essential for rules text and intricate design details
Always maintain consistent black usage throughout your design. Use rich black for large areas and standard black for text and fine details to prevent printing issues.
When White Ink is Essential
- Colored card stocks and specialty papers
- Transparent plastic cards
- Metallic or dark-colored materials
- Any non-white substrate requiring vibrant color reproduction
Benefits of White Ink Underprinting
- Colors appear more saturated and true-to-design
- Complete coverage on dark materials
- Better ink adhesion on non-porous surfaces
Essential for rules text and intricate design details
4. Resolution Requirements
For optimal printing results, we require 300-600 DPI at final size. Unlike screen graphics measured in PPI, professional printing uses DPI (dots per inch) for precise color reproduction.
- Cards & Packaging: 300 DPI minimum at actual size
- Oversized Elements: 150-200 DPI acceptable for large background textures only
- Avoid Upsampling: Increasing resolution after design completion creates blurry results – set DPI correctly from the start
Complete Confidentiality Assurance
As we emphasize, we do not modify or steal your any work without your permission throughout the design and production process. In general, we will only quote or display a portion of your print images or parameters for only promotional purposes. If you still have concerns, we support the signing of a separate Confidential Disclosure Agreement with our clients to protect their copyright:
- We shall not disclose that the other party is a client of our company;
- We shall not use all information about the other party’s work in any publication, promotional material or advertisement, including, but not limited to, any references in social media, print, photographic or video material;
- We shall use no less than reasonable care to prevent the unauthorized use, dissemination or publication of any confidential information.
What This Service Covers?
- Print-ready artwork setup for cards and related packaging
- Layout structure alignment across decks, boxes, and booklets
- File preparation for special finishes and materials
- Multi-file and version management for complex projects
- Internal coordination between design and production teams
- Pre-production validation to reduce revisions and risk
Support the design of playing cards, tarot cards, game cards, TCG, and learning cards.
How we work
Step 1: Brief
We confirm product type, quantity range, components (cards, packaging, booklets), design scope, and delivery items. This step defines what is included and what is not.
Step 2: Trial
We create trial designs or key visuals based on your brief.
This step is used to verify style direction, structure, and feasibility before full design.
Step 3: Structure
We define card structure, finishes, and production setup.
Design files are adjusted for printing, finishing, and sampling requirements.
Step 4: Delivery
We deliver final design files, production-ready files, packaging files, and other agreed materials.
How Design Support Is Charged
Design support is a paid service. Charges are based on scope, workload, and the number of items involved.
- Limited trial used to check direction and feasibility
- Confirms layout logic and production approach
- Does not include full deck or packaging delivery
- Quoted after scope, components, and deliverables are confirmed
- Based on complexity and the number of card, box, and booklet files
- 50% design deposit to start the project
- Remaining 50% before final file release
- Final design and production-ready files released after full payment
- When EzraCard prints the project, 20% of the paid design fee is credited against the production order