Read the actual card template
Ask the printer for the current template for this card. Confirm its units and finished size before placing artwork. A card layout from another supplier may use different boundaries.
| Field | What to ask |
|---|---|
| Finished size | Width and height with units. |
| Trim | Where the finished cut edge is. |
| Safe area | Where the supplier wants important details to stay. |
| Bleed | What extra edge area the supplier requires. |
| Sides | Which content belongs on the front and back. |
| Version | The template or job reference. |
Keep any unknown value as a question. There is no universal logo percentage or card size in this worksheet.
Separate trim, safe area and bleed
Bleed extends artwork beyond the finished page edge and is trimmed after printing.
Sources for this point: Adobe print bleed guide.
| Area | Question for your template |
|---|---|
| Trim | Where will the supplier cut the finished card? |
| Safe area | Where should the complete logo and contact text stay? |
| Bleed | Which edge backgrounds should extend beyond the finished edge? |
Do not treat the extra outside area as room for an important letter. Follow the supplier boundary for the complete mark. The empty room around a logo is also a separate decision from the outside print bleed.
Choose a width that leaves room for the text
Imagine 60 millimeters of usable layout width and a proposed logo width of 30 millimeters. That leaves 30 millimeters before you allocate any gaps. These are invented planning values, not a recommended layout for every card.
Write down the space needed for the name, role and contact details too. If those items become crowded, change the layout proposal rather than stretch the logo.
Plan the intended room around the mark
Choose an approved arrangement for the space
Inspect small wording at the actual finished size. A large screen preview can hide a placement that becomes hard to read on the card.
Check the proof at the finished size
Adobe shows proportional logo placement and a PDF export choice confirmed with the print provider.
Sources for this point: Adobe business card guide.
- Compare the name, tagline and small marks with the approved logo.
- Check contact text separately for spelling and order.
- Confirm the intended front and back.
- Compare all important parts with the template boundaries.
- Request a suitable proof if a small detail is unclear.
If the proof loses a letter or changes the shape, name that difference and ask for a revision. Do not approve the layout only because its file opens.
Confirm the card layout handoff
| Field | What to save |
|---|---|
| Template | The actual supplier reference. |
| Placement | The chosen size and location. |
| Questions | Any remaining boundary or export requirement. |
| Proof | The view and actual decision. |
Send a clear printer handoff note
Calculate pixels when the printer asks for them
The card layout is ready when the actual proof and printer requirements agree. Keep the approved logo source separate from this card layout so another print job starts with the right artwork.
Sources
These sources support the points linked above. Each date shows when we checked that source.
- Adobe print bleed guide
Bleed extends beyond the finished edge for trimming Checked . - Adobe business card guide
Adobe shows proportional artwork and printer specific PDF choices Checked .