Printed Name Tags Made Easy
Need to print name tags that actually look good without spreadsheet meltdowns or last-minute badge drama? You’re in the right place.
Free Name Tag Templates to Download
Short on time? These editable name tags work in Word, Canva, or PowerPoint. They’re easy to use & designed to work with standard name tag holders. No design software required. Just 15 minutes, your guest list & a printer. Heads up! You’ll be asked to “Make a copy” so you get your own editable version.
PowerPoint Template
Word Template
Canva Template
How to Design Name Badges That Stand Out
Before you hit print, let’s make sure your name tags don’t just tick boxes — but actually look good. These conference name badge design tips aren’t pulled from Pinterest boards. They’re field-tested insights from thousands of badges we’ve designed & printed for exec summits, government forums, community expos & everything in between.
Whether you're designing for C-suite VIPs, 300 attendees, or an eco-conscious brand launch, this is where smart layout meets sharp branding for professional name tags — without the stress.
Key Name Badge Design Principles
Hierarchy matters: First names should shout. Last names & job titles should whisper.
Readable fonts only: No calligraphy. No Comic Sans. Stick to a clean sans serif.
Use white space well: Don’t cram. Give names room to breathe (& be read).
Test print at full size: What looks great on screen can look like alphabet soup when printed.
Match your badge size: A6 gives you design freedom. A7 keeps things clean & compact.
Plan for lanyards or holders: Yes, those tiny holes at the top? Don’t design over them.
The Anatomy of a Printed Name Tag
Design smarter, not harder. Here’s what every name tag needs.
When your team’s juggling guest lists, signage & last-minute print files, you don’t have time for design drama. Smart event badge design starts here. This visual guide helps you build printed name tags that are stylish, scannable & stress-free — all while keeping sustainability, branding & name badge etiquette in check.
Front of Name Tag: Layout
Front of Name Tag: Essentials
Event Logo & Title
Clearly positioned top-left or centred. If no event logo, use the host organisation logo
Include event name & date
Use high contrast & sans serif typeface
Guest Details (Hero Area)
First Name: Boldest, largest text
Last Name: Slightly smaller but still highly legible
Organisation: Essential, unless internal. Helps with quick recognition
Job Title (Optional): Increasingly replaced with just the organisation
Main Sponsor or Branding
Bottom corner placement
Clearly visible but unobtrusive
If no sponsor, visuals or company/event branding fills this space
Visual Balance & Colour
Balance every element evenly—both vertically & horizontally
Consider bold backgrounds or full-colour images to boost visual appeal
Back of Name Tag: Layout
Back of Name Tag: Essentials
Sponsor Logos
Clear grid layout
If limited or no sponsors, event or host company logos are sufficient
Limit quantity to keep a clean, professional look
QR Code (Recommended)
Link to detailed event agendas, maps & networking platforms
Replace textual agendas with digital QR code solutions & optimise space
Event Agenda (Optional)
Compact, easy-to-scan schedules or highlights only if space permits.
QR codes preferred—maximise badge functionality without overwhelming it.
Remember to use ‘Design Sense’ to swap & move elements
Customise your name tag (front & back) to fit your event’s unique needs
Swap or remove less relevant elements (e.g., job titles)
Shift logos or branding placement if it improves balance
Dive Deeper with Our Design Guides
Want to nerd out on name badge design? Whether you're low on time or looking to geek out over typography & professional name tags layout, we've got a guide to match your mood. Choose based on your bandwidth (& your boss’s expectations).
→ NAME TAG DESIGN BIBLE
Best for: Designers, agencies, or anyone who wants the full playbook.
Fonts, sizes, name badge layout tips & design examples. This is our most-read guide, bookmarked by event pros, shared by brand teams.
How to Nail Conference Name Badge Design (Without Tanking Your Cred)
→ REAL TALK
Best for: Time-poor organisers who just need it to look right.
What works. What doesn’t. Real-world examples, no fluff.
How to Design Event Name Badges That Don’t Suck
→ PRACTICAL PRO GUIDE
Best for: Planners managing large conferences or multi-venue events.
Tips on lanyard pairing, badge/lanyard compatibility & functional design.
Designing Conference Name Tags & Lanyards
→ ESSENTIALS CHECKLIST
Best for: First-timers or office teams doing DIY badges.
A straight-shooting checklist of what info to include (& what to skip).
What Should Be on a Name Badge?
Explore our sustainable name tags made from recycled and seed-infused paper.
Looking for name badge design ideas? Here’s what’s trending.
How to Print Name Tags That Look Swish
You’ve downloaded your template. You’ve skimmed the design guides. Now it’s time to bring those name tags to life — without fuzzy logos, wobbly cuts, or 11th-hour printer meltdowns.
Good news: This process has been sanity-tested by hundreds of event planners, EAs & office heroes. We’ve mapped it all out, so your badges look sharp, feel solid & survive the coffee queue (& the keynote).
What You'll Need:
This checklist covers the basics & a few pro touches for polish.
Colour printer (yep, to print name badges your office one will usually do)
Cardstock (200–300gsm or higher for crisp, professional feel)
Badge holders (A6 or A7 sizes — match your template!)
Craft cutter or guillotine (scissors are risky)
Final guest list, ready to mail merge or paste
Optional: lanyards, clips, label pens, calming deep breaths
Looking for a sustainable option?
Check out our recycled paper name badges — made with premium seed-infused & recycled stocks that won’t feel like a compromise
Expert Tips for Print-Perfect Badges
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Avoid pixelated logos by using 300dpi images and vector files. PDFs are your friend. Nothing screams “I made this in Paint” like a fuzzy sponsor logo.
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Need to match brand colours or Pantones? Do a test print. Fancy materials (like kraft or seed paper) can shift colours — white ink helps on dark stock.
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Want the best paper for name tags? 200–300gsm is solid for most events. Want prestige? Go thicker. Outdoor or high-touch events? Try waterproof or tear-resistant eco papers. (Lamination = last resort).
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Set 3mm bleeds and use crop marks if your design goes edge-to-edge. DIY? Invest in a proper cutter — no one likes a badge with a wonky edge.
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Use mail merge or template software. Always spell-check names. Print the longest names as a test. Seriously — Nothing derails a vibe faster than “Siobhan” printed as “Sihban.”
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Pre-printing = polish, but less flexibility.
On-site = adaptable, but simpler materials.
For VIPs, consider a hybrid approach. (Blank backups are a must either way.)
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Lanyards tangled in a box? Bad. Pre-lanyarded, hung alphabetically on a board? Glorious. Think through distribution flow — it saves stress on the day.
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Scan a few QR or barcodes, check for smudges, test for pen-friendliness if needed. A minute here avoids a hundred awkward badge fixes later.
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Print spares. Always. And have a marker and a smile ready. Worst case, a sharpie and a “Hello my name is” can still do the job (but we hope it won’t come to that).
Materials & Event Etiquette
Design and print are only part of the badge story. What your badge is made from & how it's worn, quietly speaks volumes about your brand, your event tone & your values. Whether you're planning a high-profile summit or an eco-conscious community forum, these quick reads will help you choose name tags that feel intentional, inclusive & sustainable — without looking like an afterthought. Think of this as your badge style guide meets brand reputation insurance. You can see how our name badges helped events reduce waste & enhance sustainability on our Impact page.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST NAME BADGES FOR YOUR EVENT
Best for: Event planners, government buyers, brand or comms teams
From VIP elegance to eco-conference cool, this guide helps you weigh materials, formats & finishes without getting lost in the options.
ALTERNATIVES TO PLASTIC NAME TAGS
Best for: Sustainability officers, procurement, office managers
Rethinking plastic sleeves? Here are the modern, durable & planet-friendly swaps we recommend (& why they won’t feel low-budget).
NAME BADGE ETIQUETTE: BEST PRACTICES FOR EVENTS
Best for: Office teams, event assistants, or anyone new to badge prep
Left or right side? Lanyard or pin? Font too small? This guide covers the “small but mighty” etiquette details that avoid awkward moments.
Want to Skip the Printing? Here’s How We Handle It
You’ve got options: print your own with our DIY Kit, or let us create stunning eco-friendly name tags for you. Here’s how long it takes when we print, pack & deliver your event badges — fully assembled, sustainably done & ready to wear. We recommend submitting artwork a few days before your deadline to make sure it’s picture perfect.
Step 1: Get a Quote or Place Your Order
Head to any product page for an instant quote. Need help or a weird edge case? We’re here — real people, ready to chat.
Step 2: Send Artwork & Guest List
Use our templates or request a custom design. Two free design tweaks included. Guest list not final? No stress — we accept two guest list drops.
Step 3: Printed, Packed & Delivered Event Ready
We print, sort & assemble your name tags — with lanyards pre-attached. Everything arrives in order of guest list, ready to hand out. Tracked, on time, no badge drama.
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Canberra: 3 business days
Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane: 3 business days
Adelaide: 4 business days
Perth: 7 business days
Tasmania: 9 business days
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Canberra: 1–3 business days
Sydney, Melbourne: 2 business days
Brisbane: 1 business day
Adelaide: 2 business days
Perth, Tasmania: 3 business days
Frequently Asked Questions About Name Tags
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Start with a template (Word, Canva, or PowerPoint), plug in your guest names & follow our layout tips. We've got free downloads & design guides to make professional name tags — even if you're short on time or design skills.
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Name badge etiquette matters. Using pin or sticker badges? Wear it high on your right side (easy to see in a handshake), use legible fonts & skip overloading it with info.
Our full etiquette guide breaks down all the dos and don’ts — even the ones your guests won’t ask, but will absolutely notice.
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A6 gives you more space for branding and big names.
A7 is compact, clean & suits minimalist designs.
We've made templates for both — so you can pick based on your event vibe & holder type.
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Use our ready-made templates — no design tools needed. You can personalise them in Word or PowerPoint, then print on standard cardstock with your office printer. We’ve even included print prep tips so they look sharp & professional.
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Absolutely. If we’re printing for you, we accept two guest list drops.
If you're DIY-ing, our templates work with mail merge so updating names is easy.
Always print a few blanks just in case — we’ve all been there.
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Yes & they look lovely.
We offer handmade seed paper name badges, recycled paper name tags all with lanyards attached. The best bit? You can plant, compost or recycle them leaving no footprint behind.
Explore our eco-friendly badge guide for all the planet-kind options.
Want to Skip the DIY?
Want stunning custom name badges printed and ready to wear?