ⓘ This article is for Event Organizers
Now that you've selected your badge size and how many notches you need, it's time to start designing the color badge shell for your event! Let's get creative.
Let's start with the basics and walk you through how to navigate the Expo Pass Badge Designer on the Shell Layer.
These key terms below will help you better understand the lingo as we walk through the Badge Designer and ensure you get the best out of your Badge!
💡 Badge Design Key Terms:
Badge Shell Layer: the pre-printed background design of the badge (usually color)
Badge Print Layer: registrant data printed in black text on the front of the badge during the live event check-in using Expo Pass Thermal Printers
Formed Badges: the combined badge shell and print layers in Expo Pass Badge Manager, used to create and assign the badge(s) for your event
Full Bleed: Artwork design that extends at least 1/8" past the edge of the badge shell edge (left to right and top to bottom) to ensure a seamless print
Crop Marks: the marks added to the badge design that show the printer where to cut
CMYK colors: used in print designs.
It is essential to ensure your designs are in the CMYK color scale to ensure accurate color reproduction when badges are printed.
RGB colors: used in digital display designs
If you are using RGB for designing, it is essential to convert to CMYK before submitting for print to ensure accurate color production
Selecting Your Badge Shell
1. When you click on Badges in the Admin Menu, the Badge Manager will pop up. Click on Get Started.
NOTE: If you have already created a badge shell, the Badge Manager will no longer pop up. To create a second badge shell, click Create Shell next to the badge
2. Select the badge size and notch you would like to use and click Next:
4x6" Standard (no notch - requires a sleeve)
4x6" Double Notch
4x6 Single Notch
4x3" Mini (no notch - requires a sleeve)
3. Once you have selected the size and notches for your badge, name your shell something short & sweet, we recommend something like "Default". Select if your shell will have a design on the Front Side or Double-Sided (front and back).
💡 Easily Adjust Badge Size & Notch Settings - do you need to change the badge size or notch?
No need to start over from scratch! You can change the badge size and notch placement directly within the Badge Shell settings
This gives you more flexibility and control, making badge adjustments quicker and easier than ever.
💡 Tip: Please name the Badge Shell Default unless you will be having more than 1 badge shell design.
Additional badge shell designs can be an additional cost and should be discussed with your Success Team before moving forward, unless it was agreed to ahead of time.
![5th Annual Art + Tech Expo (Demo) - Badges - 21 February 2025.mp4 [video-to-gif output image]](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/ij3yrbte/1390897323/2d635dc6cfd75ae4b85a56e54ff9/ezgif-7427580e3e08a2.gif?expires=1740787200&signature=83bf30e18f520ee4d3ec7db4432799f21e9fbab959325068d3affd396dcbe2e6&req=dSMuFsF3moJdWvMW3nq%2BgSb6Llp4k6ZaZSQ%2BbJL62Oyq1FF7UUcC1bQr0iwe%0AxCBIYP%2Fx4bXnBpaR5G9RzDEknlw%3D%0A)
Designing Your Badge Shell - The Basics
1. Start by clicking the Badges in the Admin Menu, the Badge Manager will pop up. Click on Get Started.Select the green + at the bottom of the badge to start the design process.
2. Select if you would like to:
Add Text
Create a Shape
Upload an Image - we support JPEG, PNG, SVG, PDF
Uploading a PDF? No problem!
Make sure your file has a bleed to ensure a clean cut.
No crop marks needed! Expo Pass will generate the image for you.
If your file has crop marks, no worries— you can remove them using our cropping tool.
![5th Annual Art + Tech Expo (Demo) - Badges - 27 February 2025 (1).mp4 [video-to-gif output image]](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/ij3yrbte/1399809050/84d675c5e3310e9c4f36e5039f7b/ezgif-7dc5fcf140f389.gif?expires=1740709800&signature=43018bd8408290fa6d58c05b727a007a66fb0acdf0820bc3db35611cd4d5581f&req=dSMuH8F%2BlIFaWfMW1HO4zWxho3Cv7X%2BtG%2BgZhBaBB8PWWtjO6zk8ORri9o%2Bk%0AW6AD%0A)
❗ Safe-to-Print Area Around the Notch
We’ve enhanced badge printing accuracy with a designated safe-to-print area around the notch:
• Prevents logos and design elements from overlapping the notch, avoiding potential printer sensor issues.
• Helps ensure every badge prints correctly without misalignment or errors.
• Leave at least 1/4” of space around the notch with no designs, text, images, or shapes.
• Overlapping elements in this area can cause printer sensor issues and may result in double prints.
• Solid colors are okay, but avoid placing detailed graphics or text too close to the notch.
3. For double-sided badge shell designs, click on Front to toggle to the back of the badge, and vice versa:
❗ Important: DON'T FORGET TO DESIGN THE BACK OF YOUR BADGE if you are looking for a double-sided shell. Click on Front to toggle to the back of the badge.
4. Once you have completed your shell design, save your design and select "Done
Badge Shell Design Details
Congratulations!! Now you've gotten comfortable with designing your Badge Shell. What's next? Let's get a little more into the details:
Badge Print Layer Basics
If you'd like to skip through the details, feel free to go to the Print Layer below to add in your Attendee Field Data that will be printed onsite by our thermal printers.