Artwork Requirements for Full Colour Plastic Cards

We can accept artwork in any of the programs shown below. Please send your artwork to artwork@pc-impressions.co.uk. If you are unable to send suitable files please call 0114 244 0447 for advice.

  • Adobe Illustrator (CS2 or earlier):
    Please convert all fonts to outlines, any imported images to be at least 300dpi. Save the file in .eps format.
  • PDF files:
    Please convert fonts to outlines and ensure minimum 600 dpi. Do not show any signature strips, numbering, personalisation or other matter that does not print on the artwork file. Please send a separate pdf visual showing all these items.
  • Quark Xpress (v8 or earlier):
    Include all fonts and images. All imported images must be at least 300 dpi.
  • Adobe Photoshop (CS2 or earlier):
    Please save as .jpeg, .tif, or .eps. Do not show any signature strips, numbering, personalisation or other matter that does not print on the artwork file. Please send a separate PDF visual showing all these items.
  • Corel Draw:
    Please convert fonts to curves and save as .ai file. Imported images must be at least 300 dpi.

Card Size and Layout

Standard card size is 86 x 54mm with 3mm radius corners (credit card size).

If you require your design to print to the card edge (bleed) then you will need to extend the image by 3mm all around the card, making an overall size of 92 x 60mm. Please ensure that any text or important images are at least 3mm inside the card edge (see dotted line on diagram).

We also supply larger card sizes of 100 x 70mm and 120 x 80mm. For these oversized cards the above rules regarding bleed and card content also applies.

Magnetic Stripes

Magnetic stripes are positioned approx 4mm (+/- 1mm) from the top of the card and are 12.5mm in height.

It is important that you allow at least 2mm of space between magnetic stripe and any text or signature strip.

Signature Strips

When supplying artwork, please show the signature strip position as a solid cyan panel.

On digitally printed cards the signature strips need to be a minimum of 4mm from the card edge.

Please note we cannot print text on the signature strip.

Numbering & Personalisation

Please indicate the position of any numbers, names, or any other variable information in magenta as shown in the diagram.

We can print this information in a size and font to suit and complement your design.