> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.printery.app/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Your First Project - Business Card

> Create a professional business card from scratch with proper print specifications

## Project Overview

In this tutorial, you'll design and prepare a professional business card for printing. This hands-on project will teach you:

* Setting up correct dimensions with bleed
* Typography best practices for print
* Color management for brand consistency
* Proper file preparation for printers

**Time Required**: 20-30 minutes
**Difficulty**: Beginner
**Final Output**: Print-ready PDF with bleed and crop marks

## What You'll Need

* Figma account (free or paid)
* Printery plugin installed
* Your business information (name, title, contact details)
* Optional: Logo file (PNG or SVG)

## Project Specifications

Standard business card dimensions:

| Measurement    | Value       | Notes          |
| -------------- | ----------- | -------------- |
| **Final Size** | 90mm × 54mm | US: 3.5" × 2"  |
| **With Bleed** | 96mm × 60mm | +3mm all sides |
| **Safe Area**  | 84mm × 48mm | -3mm all sides |
| **Resolution** | 300 DPI     | Print standard |
| **Color Mode** | CMYK        | For printing   |

<Info>
  These dimensions are for European standard business cards. US standard is 89mm × 51mm (3.5" × 2"). Adjust as needed for your region.
</Info>

## Step 1: Set Up Your Document

<Steps>
  <Step title="Create New Frame">
    1. Open Figma and create a new file
    2. Press `F` to activate Frame tool
    3. In the right panel, enter:
       * **Width**: `96` (mm)
       * **Height**: `60` (mm)
    4. Name your frame: "Business Card"

    <Tip>
      Change units: Right-click canvas → Unit of measurement → Millimeters
    </Tip>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add Visual Guides">
    Create guides to mark safe area and bleed:

    1. Enable rulers: `Shift + R`
    2. Drag guides from rulers to mark:
       * **3mm** from each edge (bleed line)
       * **6mm** from each edge (safe area)

    <Note>
      Keep all important text and logos inside the safe area (inner guides)
    </Note>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set Background">
    1. Select your frame
    2. Add a fill color or background
    3. Make sure background extends to all edges (including bleed)
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Step 2: Design Your Business Card

### Front Side Design

<Steps>
  <Step title="Add Your Logo">
    1. Drag your logo file into Figma (or create a text-based logo)
    2. Position it in the **safe area** (at least 6mm from edges)
    3. Ensure logo is high resolution (300 DPI)

    <Warning>
      **Avoid**: Placing your logo too close to edges - it might get cut off!
    </Warning>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add Your Name">
    1. Press `T` for text tool
    2. Add your name
    3. Recommended settings:
       * **Font size**: 16-20pt minimum
       * **Font weight**: Bold or SemiBold
       * **Color**: High contrast with background

    <Tip>
      **Text Sizes for Print**:

      * Name/Title: 16-24pt
      * Body text: 8-12pt
      * Minimum readable: 6pt
    </Tip>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add Contact Information">
    Add your:

    * Job title
    * Email address
    * Phone number
    * Website

    **Recommended settings**:

    * Font size: 8-10pt
    * Consistent alignment (left, center, or right)
    * Adequate spacing between lines
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add Design Elements">
    Optional enhancements:

    * Decorative lines or shapes
    * Background patterns
    * Color accents

    <Warning>
      Keep design elements at least 3mm from edges to prevent cutting issues
    </Warning>
  </Step>
</Steps>

### Back Side Design (Optional)

<Steps>
  <Step title="Duplicate Frame">
    1. Duplicate your front design: `Cmd/Ctrl + D`
    2. Name it "Business Card - Back"
    3. Position next to front design
  </Step>

  <Step title="Design Back">
    Common back side options:

    * Full background with pattern
    * Social media handles
    * Additional contact info
    * QR code
    * Company tagline

    <Tip>
      Many designers keep the back simple or use a solid color with pattern
    </Tip>
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Step 3: Prepare for Print

### Check Your Design

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="✓ Content Check" icon="list-check">
    * [ ] All text is spelled correctly
    * [ ] Contact information is accurate
    * [ ] Logo is properly positioned
    * [ ] No important elements within 3mm of edge
    * [ ] Design extends to all edges (full bleed)
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="✓ Image Quality Check" icon="image">
    * [ ] All images are high resolution
    * [ ] Logos are vector (SVG) or high-res raster
    * [ ] No blurry or pixelated elements
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="✓ Color Check" icon="palette">
    * [ ] Colors are consistent
    * [ ] Text has good contrast
    * [ ] Black text uses pure black (not dark gray)
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="✓ Typography Check" icon="font">
    * [ ] All text is readable (minimum 6pt)
    * [ ] Fonts are embedded or will be embedded
    * [ ] Line spacing is appropriate
    * [ ] No text touching edges
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Step 4: Configure Print Settings

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open Printery">
    1. Select your business card frame
    2. Press `Cmd/Ctrl + /` → Type "Printery"
    3. Plugin opens with your frame selected
  </Step>

  <Step title="Document Settings">
    In the **Document** tab:

    ```
    ✓ Enable "Add Bleed"
      Bleed size: 3mm

    ✓ Enable "Crop Marks"
      Position: Outside

    ✓ Enable "Registration Marks" (optional)

    ✓ Safety Zone: Visible (for your reference)
    ```
  </Step>

  <Step title="Color Conversion">
    In the **Color** tab:

    ```
    ✓ Enable "Convert to CMYK"
      ICC Profile: ISO Coated v2 300%
      (or check with your printer)

    ✓ Black Text Optimization
      Use pure black (K100) for text

    ✓ Rendering Intent: Relative Colorimetric
    ```

    <Note>
      **Brand Colors**: If you have specific Pantone colors, you can set up spot colors here. See [Spot Colors Guide](/color/spot-colors)
    </Note>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Export Settings">
    In the **Export** tab:

    ```
    DPI: 300
    Image Compression: 85%
    PDF Standard: PDF/X-4
    ```
  </Step>

  <Step title="DPI Check">
    Switch to **DPI Check** tab:

    1. Review all images in your design
    2. Verify all images show ≥300 DPI
    3. Replace any low-resolution images

    <Warning>
      Red warning (⚠️) = Image is below 300 DPI and may print poorly
    </Warning>
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Step 5: Export Your PDF

<Steps>
  <Step title="Preview Settings">
    Review your settings one last time:

    * Bleed: 3mm ✓
    * Crop marks: Enabled ✓
    * CMYK: Enabled ✓
    * DPI: 300 ✓
  </Step>

  <Step title="Export">
    1. Click **"Export PDF"** button
    2. Choose save location
    3. File naming suggestion: `BusinessCard_YourName_Front_CMYK_Bleed.pdf`

    <Tip>
      **File Naming Best Practice**:

      * Include your name
      * Specify front/back
      * Add date if making revisions
      * Example: `JohnDoe_BusinessCard_Front_v2_2024-01-15.pdf`
    </Tip>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Repeat for Back (if applicable)">
    If you made a back side:

    1. Select back frame
    2. Use same settings
    3. Export as separate PDF
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Step 6: Verify Your PDF

Before sending to printer, double-check your PDF:

### Visual Inspection

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open in PDF Reader">
    Open your PDF in Adobe Acrobat Reader or Preview (Mac)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Check Page Size">
    * Page size should be 96mm × 60mm (with bleed)
    * Crop marks should be visible outside the design
  </Step>

  <Step title="Zoom In (200-400%)">
    * Text should be sharp and clear
    * Images should not be pixelated
    * Colors should look reasonably accurate
  </Step>

  <Step title="Check Bleed">
    * Background and design elements should extend to page edges
    * No white borders visible
    * Crop marks indicate where to cut
  </Step>
</Steps>

### Technical Verification

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Check Color Mode" icon="palette">
    **In Adobe Acrobat**:

    1. File → Properties → Description
    2. Look for "CMYK" in color space
    3. Or: Tools → Print Production → Output Preview

    Your file should show CMYK colors, not RGB.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Check Trim Box" icon="crop">
    **In Adobe Acrobat**:

    1. File → Properties → Description
    2. Look for "TrimBox" settings
    3. TrimBox should be 90mm × 54mm
    4. MediaBox should be 96mm × 60mm
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Check Resolution" icon="image">
    Images should be embedded at 300 DPI. If you're concerned about image quality, you can verify this in Acrobat Pro.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Step 7: Send to Printer

Your PDF is ready! Here's how to work with your printer:

### Communicating with Print Shops

<Steps>
  <Step title="Provide Specifications">
    When contacting printer, specify:

    ```
    Quantity: [How many cards]
    Paper: [e.g., 350gsm coated card stock]
    Finish: [Matte, gloss, or uncoated]
    Sides: [Single or double-sided]
    Additional: [Spot UV, embossing, etc.]
    ```
  </Step>

  <Step title="Ask About Requirements">
    Confirm with printer:

    * Do they accept PDF/X-4?
    * Is 3mm bleed correct?
    * Do they need CMYK or can accept RGB?
    * Any special file naming requirements?
  </Step>

  <Step title="Request a Proof">
    For important projects:

    * Request a digital proof for approval
    * Or order a physical proof (small quantity test print)
    * This lets you see actual colors before mass production

    <Tip>
      Physical proofs are worth the extra cost for important business cards
    </Tip>
  </Step>
</Steps>

### Popular Online Print Services

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Moo" icon="globe">
    Premium quality, excellent color reproduction
  </Card>

  <Card title="Vistaprint" icon="globe">
    Budget-friendly, quick turnaround
  </Card>

  <Card title="GotPrint" icon="globe">
    Good for bulk orders
  </Card>

  <Card title="Local Print Shop" icon="shop">
    Best for custom finishes and consultation
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Common Business Card Enhancements

Once you're comfortable with basics, consider these upgrades:

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Special Finishes" icon="sparkles">
    * **Spot UV**: Glossy coating on specific areas
    * **Foil Stamping**: Metallic gold or silver
    * **Embossing/Debossing**: Raised or recessed areas
    * **Edge Painting**: Colored edges
    * **Die Cutting**: Custom shapes

    <Note>
      Special finishes require additional setup. Consult your printer for specifications.
    </Note>
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Premium Paper Options" icon="file">
    * **Cotton**: Luxurious feel (e.g., 110lb cover)
    * **Textured**: Linen, felt, or laid finish
    * **Extra Thick**: 32pt or heavier
    * **Plastic**: Waterproof, durable
    * **Metal**: Ultra-premium option
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Unique Sizes" icon="ruler">
    * **Square**: 2.5" × 2.5" (more memorable)
    * **Mini**: 2" × 3.5" (fits in cardholder)
    * **Oversized**: 3.5" × 3.5" or larger
    * **Folded**: 7" × 2" folded to 3.5" × 2"
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Troubleshooting

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Colors Look Different in PDF" icon="palette">
    **This is normal!** RGB (screen) has more vibrant colors than CMYK (print).

    **Solutions**:

    * Use Pantone spot colors for critical brand colors
    * Request a printed proof
    * Learn color management: [Color Management Guide](/color/overview)
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Text Too Small to Read" icon="text-size">
    **Minimum sizes**:

    * Body text: 8pt minimum
    * Absolute minimum: 6pt (but not recommended)

    **Fix**: Increase font size or simplify information
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Elements Getting Cut Off" icon="scissors">
    **Cause**: Elements too close to trim line

    **Fix**: Move all important content at least 3mm from edges (inside safe area)
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="White Gaps at Edges" icon="square">
    **Cause**: Background doesn't extend to bleed

    **Fix**: Ensure all background elements extend to 96×60mm (full bleed)
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## What You Learned

Congratulations! You now know how to:

✅ Set up correct business card dimensions
✅ Add bleed and safe areas
✅ Design with print constraints in mind
✅ Convert to CMYK for printing
✅ Export print-ready PDFs
✅ Communicate with print shops

## Next Steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Learn Print Basics" icon="book" href="/basics/overview">
    Dive deeper into print concepts
  </Card>

  <Card title="More Use Cases" icon="briefcase" href="/use-cases/flyers-posters">
    Try making flyers and posters
  </Card>

  <Card title="Color Management" icon="palette" href="/color/overview">
    Master CMYK and color accuracy
  </Card>

  <Card title="Download Templates" icon="download" href="/templates/business-templates">
    Start with pre-made templates
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Save as Template

To reuse your settings for future business cards:

1. In Printery, go to **Presets** section
2. Click **"Save Current Settings as Preset"**
3. Name it: "Business Card Standard"
4. Next time, just load this preset!

<Tip>
  Create presets for different print projects to speed up your workflow
</Tip>

***

<Info>
  **Questions about this tutorial?** Ask in our [Discord community](https://discord.gg/kUJZQEfdUF) or email [support@cooderspro.com](mailto:support@cooderspro.com)
</Info>