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 order 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 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 Badge 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 Badge 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 Design Name Badges that Don’t Suck for ideas.

Need a template?

Our Name Tag Toolkit might be what you’re after

Step 2: Back of Name Badge

1) Design Guidelines

  • 👇 SEE EXAMPLE BACK OF BADGE DESIGNS BELOW 👇

  • 🚫 No Full Colour, Solid Backgrounds or Large Colour Blocks on back

    • Keep it minimal: white background with single spot colour only (e.g. a colour logo on top of a white background)

    🚫 No Artwork Outside the Print Zone (see print zone visuals)

    • Respect the margins: Top: 2 cm, Bottom & Sides: 0.5 cm

    • Designs outside this area will be cut off

  • 🚫 No Detailed Graphics or Fine Text

    • Avoid thin lines, intricate illustrations & tiny fonts

  • Back Printing May Shift

    • Handmade paper means the back may not align perfectly.

    • We do not guarantee perfect centring on the back.

  • Unique backs for each badge are not possible:

    • One uniform design per batch

2) Back of Badge Best Practices

  • Use for sponsor logos:
    Keep them simple & high-contrast - logo on white background

  • Include recycling and planting instructions QR code :
    Link to planting & recycling instructions - your guest will ask. QR code below - right click to copy/save-as.

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

Visual Measurements

A7 Badge Back Measurements | Artwork Area & Safe Print Zone

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

A7
Safe Print Zone
(no printing in shaded zone)

A7
Safe Print Zone
(no printing in shaded zone)

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

A6 Badge Back Measurements | Artwork Area & Safe Print Zone

A6
Back Horizontal
(no printing in shaded zone)

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

A6
Back Vertical
(no printing in shaded zone)

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

3) Examples of Acceptable (Spot Colour) Back of Name Badge Designs

Eco badge back design with minimal text, planting instructions and seed icon — compostable and guest-friendly.
Back of conference name badge featuring scannable QR code and full-colour event branding — ideal for seamless check-in and eco brand recall.
Back of eco name badge showing contact info, QR code and compostable material icon — sustainability meets function.

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

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!