Custom Name Badge Artwork Guidelines

Submitting artwork shouldn’t feel like another job. Whether you're a designer, office manager or event planner on deadline, this guide makes it easy to get your badge artwork print-ready—especially for our seed paper & recycled paper surfaces.

Please submit your draft artwork a few days before your delivery deadline—we’ll help fine-tune it for clarity, alignment & impact.

Name Badge Artwork Guidelines - In 3 Simple Steps

Step 1: Front of Name Badge

1) Design Guidelines

Badge Size: (see measurement visuals)

  • A7 = 7.4 cm x 10.4 cm

  • A6 = 10.4 cm x 14.7 cm

Lanyard Holes:

  • Two-hole: leave 1.5 cm from top, 3 cm apart

  • One-hole: center it 1.5 cm from the top

No Borders, Bleed or Crop Marks

Submit artwork at exact size

Accepted File Types:

  • PDF, PNG, JPEG, InDesign

  • Include fonts: TTF or OTF files

  • Resolution: 600–1200 dpi recommended for best print

Resolution:

  • 600-1200 dpi recommended for best print

Seed Paper Design Tips:

  • Embrace the texture—design with it, not against it

  • Avoid thin lines or delicate detail; handmade paper absorbs ink differently

  • Dark backgrounds may appear darker (think dark navy = black)

2) One Design Per Order

  • Each order includes one design only

  • If multiple design variations are required (e.g., different team colours), a new production setup is required

  • We’re happy to do this, however a $110 (incl GST) setup fee applies per additional design due to the extra time involved

  • If you need multiple designs, just let us know before submitting your artwork

4) Name Badge Design Best Practices

What Works Best:

  • BIG, bold first names (readable from 1–3m away)

  • Sans-serif fonts (e.g., Montserrat, Arial, Helvetica)

  • High contrast (dark text on light background)

What to Avoid:

  • Fine lines, intricate logos, or delicate fonts

  • Tiny sponsor logos or starburst effects

  • Solid dark backgrounds that may over-absorb

Visual Measurements

A7 Visual - Front Measurements

A7
Front Horizontal

Horizontal A7 badge artwork guide highlighting placement for guest name and logo

A7
Front Vertical

Vertical layout for A7 name badge showing front design area and print-safe margins

A6 Visual - Front Measurements

A6
Front Horizontal

Horizontal design layout for A6 badges printed on seed or recycled paper

A6
Front Vertical

Vertical A6 name badge template with font sizing and artwork zone for eco paper

Need a visual reference?
Check out How to Nail Conference Name Badge Design (Without Tanking Your Cred) for ideas.

Step 2: Back of Name Badge

1) Design Guidelines

  • Only design within artwork area: (see measurement visuals). We do not print outside this area

  • Leave white space:
    0.5 cm on the left, right, bottom & 2 cm at the top

  • Minimise content:
    Simple designs print best

  • Perfect alignment on back of badge is not guaranteed:
    Handmade paper is hand-fed, minor shifts may occur

  • Unique backs for each badge are not possible:
    One uniform design per batch

  • Minimal design works best:
    Let the natural texture of handmade paper enhance the badge

2) Design Restrictions

  • 🚫 No Full-Colour Backgrounds on Back of Badge:
    Spot colour only

  • 🚫 No Detailed Graphics or Fine Text

    • Avoid thin lines, intricate illustrations & tiny fonts

3) Back of Badge Best Practices

QR code linking to Terra Tag’s badge planting and eco recycling instructions

Visual Measurements

A7 Visual - Back Measurements

A7
Back Horizontal

Horizontal back design for A7 name tags with spacing and print limits shown

A7
Back Vertical

Vertical layout for A7 name badge back showing sponsor logo and QR code zones

A6 Visual - Back Measurements

A6
Back Horizontal

Back of A6 name badge design in horizontal layout with QR code and white space guides

A6
Back Vertical

Eco name badge A6 back layout in vertical format with margin and logo placement

Step 3: Guest Name Submission Guidelines

1) Submit Guest Names in a Spreadsheet

  • Column A: First Name

2) Submit Two Design Files

  1. One without guest details

  2. One example showing guest details positioned correctly with font family, size & colour

Explore our expert guides for standout name badges:

How to Design Name Badges That Don’t Suck

Designing Conference Name Tags & Lanyards: Ultimate Guide

The Ultimate Cheat Sheet for Event Badges & Tags: From Design to Distribution

Event Name Tags Ideas: A Creative Guide to Making Memorable Event Badges

Let’s Make It Memorable and Sustainable

Terra Tag’s print-ready badges are made for conferences, events and businesses who care about quality and the planet. If you’re ready to go from “oh no” to “on-brand,” we’re here to help!