ⓘ This article is for Event Organizers
Now that you've designed your badge shell, it's time to create the print layer. The print layer includes the data printed on the badge onsite at your event by our thermal printers.
Fun Fact: Our thermal printers use heat, like a receipt, to imprint the data on white space on the front of the badge.
If you haven't designed your badge shell yet, go back one step to get started
Designing Your Expo Pass Badge Print Layer: The Basics
The print layer includes the data printed on the badge at your event by our thermal printers. Below we will walk through the basics of navigating the Badge Designer - Print Layer.
1. Start by clicking Create in the Prints section of the Badge Manager located below the Shells section.
If you are already in the Shell layer of the Designer, you can click on the Print layer next to Shell
2. Click on the green + button at the bottom of the page to open the selection menu
3. Within the menu, there are 5 options to choose from (see next section for detailed walk through of each of the below options):
Mail Merge (required): This is the attendee data pulled directly from your event from the Attendee Upload Data or Registration Form Data. This will adjust to each unique attendee's information
QR Code: There are 2 options for your QR CODES
Expo Pass: To be used for Expo Pass Session Tracking and/or Lead Retrieval
Custom: To be used when needed a custom QR code from an external source or application that is unique to each attendee
***Please reach out to your Success Manager if you are planning on using a Custom QR code, as this requires further discussion and planning.
Text: This is when you would like to add text to the print layer that is the same for all badges.
Example - Guest Of:
Image: This is for adding a black only image to the badge print layer that is printed by the thermal printers and the same on all badges.
Shape: This is for adding a black only shape to the badge print layer that is printed by the thermal printers and the same on all badges.
4. Continue by selecting each of the Print Layer elements you would like printed on your badge.
❗ Important:
Keep elements away from the dotted line (aka the Safe-To-Print line)
Anything touching or overlapping this line may not print correctly.
Leave at least 1/8” of space for the best results.
Smart Print Safeguards:
Outside of Safe-to-Print Zone: If any content extends outside the safe print boundary, you’ll receive an alert.
Overlapping Field Boxes: If your field boxes overlap, you will also be flagged to ensure readability and proper formatting.
These notifications will help you design with confidence and avoid last-minute printing issues.
![5th Annual Art + Tech Expo (Demo) - Badges - 18 February 2025.mp4 [video-to-gif output image]](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/ij3yrbte/1386281418/f59cba2cb5dfac196b859f8eedf9/ezgif-669cf03c345755.gif?expires=1740708900&signature=5c846ecd04d627ddedea724a51f7d970d55e388560f66f5d714e5f2a8940b81f&req=dSMvEMt2nIVeUfMW1HO4zZ9M2fMnUZa6mFT403o5b0C4fhCR0DyPm8Sl7jWS%0AoDVOlyMDJAfe4XJbxW0%3D%0A)
5. Once you have added all the desired data to the print layer click Done.
What's Next?
Congratulations!! Now you've gotten comfortable with designing your Badge Print Layer. Let's get a little more into the details.