PVC Card Size, Artwork and Custom ID Card Printing
A practical guide to CR80 dimensions, Photoshop pixels, bleed, safe area, materials, finishes and print-ready proofs.
IDCard99 provides custom PVC card design and printing for authorised schools, offices, events, memberships and organisations. This page separates the final cut size from the larger artwork canvas used during production.
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Standard CR80 PVC Card Size
The widely used CR80 finished card format is 85.60 × 53.98 mm, approximately 3.370 × 2.125 inches. It is commonly used for visual identity cards and many bank-card-sized credentials. Rounded corner radius, thickness and material are separate specifications and should be confirmed with the card supplier.
At 300 PPI, the mathematical conversion of the finished size is approximately 1011 × 638 pixels. Pixel rounding can differ by one pixel. This number represents the trimmed card, not automatically the full artwork file.
A practical production canvas such as 1051 × 685 pixels may include artwork beyond the trim so edge-to-edge backgrounds remain safe after cutting. It is a workflow template, not a replacement definition for the final CR80 size.
Photoshop Setup: Trim, Bleed and Safe Area
- Create the file using the exact pixel dimensions supplied by the printing provider.
- Use 300 PPI for detailed close-view printing unless the production workflow specifies another resolution.
- Extend backgrounds, colours and full-bleed images to the outer artwork edge.
- Keep names, photos, logos, QR codes and essential text inside the safe area.
- Do not add a stroke around the document edge; it can become uneven after cutting.
- Use guides for artwork edge, final trim and safe area, then keep them out of exported artwork.
PVC Card Size Reference
| Reference | Horizontal | Vertical | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finished CR80 size | 85.60 × 53.98 mm | 53.98 × 85.60 mm | Final trimmed card |
| Finished size in inches | 3.370 × 2.125 in | 2.125 × 3.370 in | Physical-size reference |
| Approx. finished pixels at 300 PPI | 1011 × 638 px | 638 × 1011 px | Mathematical trim conversion |
| Example production canvas | 1051 × 685 px | 685 × 1051 px | May include bleed; confirm before printing |
Always follow the production template from the printer that will make the cards. Different cutting, sheet-fusing and direct-to-card workflows can require different bleed and alignment allowances.
PVC Materials and Production
Fused sheet cards are produced through a layered printing, lamination and heat-press workflow before cutting. Direct-to-card or retransfer printing uses compatible blank card stock and printer ribbons or films.
Standard visual cards, magnetic-stripe cards and contactless smart cards may look similar, but their construction and printer compatibility differ. Electronic cards must be selected and tested for the required system.
Glossy, Matt and Textured Finish
Glossy cards produce a bright surface, while matt cards reduce reflections and can give a softer appearance. Textured effects such as sand or other patterns depend on compatible lamination material and production plates.
Finish does not make every card waterproof, scratch-proof or permanent. Lifespan depends on card construction, handling, printing process, exposure and storage.
Check a Proof at Actual Card Size
A design that looks large and clear on a monitor can become difficult to read at 85.60 × 53.98 mm. Print a physical proof at 100% scale or use an accurately calibrated print-size preview.
- Check organisation name, logo, phone, website and address first.
- Confirm that names, class or designation and ID numbers remain readable.
- Scan every QR code or barcode from the physical proof.
- Check photo crop, face clarity and contrast without stretching.
- Keep small white text bold enough for the selected printing process.
- Review front and back orientation before producing a complete sheet or batch.
Information Commonly Printed on PVC ID Cards
- Organisation name and approved logo
- Cardholder photograph and full name
- Employee code, GR number or member number
- Class, designation, department or category
- Validity or issue period
- Approved phone or emergency contact
- QR code, barcode or return instructions
- Authorised signature and organisation address
Only include information necessary for the approved purpose. Do not place passwords, private records or sensitive access data openly on the card.
Bulk PVC Card Printing from Excel or CSV
School, employee, event and membership cards can be prepared from structured Excel or CSV data. Column names, date format and photo filenames should be consistent before importing them into the approved master design.
A PDF or sample sheet should be checked for names, photographs, codes, dates and special characters before final production. Smart credentials, barcodes and QR codes need separate functional testing.
We serve Ahmedabad and Gujarat and can dispatch approved card orders across India. Production time and delivery charges depend on material, quantity, accessories and destination.
Free Generators and Design Resources
This page is a PVC size and printing guide; it is not itself an embedded card generator. You can separately use our student generator, employee generator or visitor generator for supported fixed layouts.
You can also use the QR code generator, circle photo crop tool and editable ID card templates. Custom printing still requires a final proof and production-size check.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the standard PVC card size?
The finished CR80 size is 85.60 × 53.98 mm, approximately 3.370 × 2.125 inches.
What pixel size should I use in Photoshop?
At 300 PPI the finished size is approximately 1011 × 638 pixels. Use a larger canvas only when the production template requires bleed.
Can I use 1051 × 685 pixels?
Yes, when it matches the printer's workflow and includes the required trim and bleed guides. Confirm the finished cut size before production.
Can smart cards be printed like normal PVC cards?
Only with card stock and equipment compatible with the embedded chip and antenna. Test a sample first.
Need Custom PVC ID Card Printing?
Share the finished size, artwork, quantity, material, finish and approved cardholder data.
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