Business card sizes and bleed explained

The size you order is the finished card, not always the size of the artwork file. Choose your card and format first, then prepare the design using its matching artwork template.

Which business-card size should I choose?

The Standard format on our Classic Business Cards finishes at 85 × 55 mm. Other shapes and folded formats have different dimensions. Compare the actual format options on your chosen product rather than resizing a design to a guessed standard.

For folded cards, the flat artwork layout and the folded card are different. Check the fold position and page order before placing text near a fold.

What is bleed?

Bleed is the part of your background that extends beyond the finished edge. It gives cutting room to work without leaving an unwanted white border. It is not extra space for contact details.

Follow the bleed measurement for the selected card and template. Do not add a second bleed margin to a file that already includes it.

What belongs inside the safe area?

Keep names, logos, phone numbers and other essential information within the safe area shown in the template. A background may extend into the bleed; important text should not.

How do I prepare the front and back?

Match the number of pages to the printed sides you selected. Review every required page, including the back. Check spelling, phone numbers, web addresses and text at a realistic printed size.

The approval proof shows the finished view after cutting. Artwork outside that cut edge is not visible in the finished preview, although the required bleed remains in the production file.

Before you approve

• Confirm the selected product, format and printed sides.
• Use the matching template, not a template for a different size or folded format.
• Keep essential content inside the safe area.
• Inspect every required page and read any warnings.

Compare business-card products, view Classic Business Cards or ask for design help.