ⓘ This article is for Event Organizers
We are excited to get started on designing your unique badge shell for your event
Let's review the basics, and then we can get to the fun part - design time!
At this point you've selected what size badge you want. Below you will find all of Expo Pass's suggestions when designing your badge to ensure you get the best print possible!
💡 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
The blue line around the badge shell
Crop Marks: the marks added to the badge design that show the printer where to cut.
These are added when the badge is downloaded for print from the Badge Manager in Expo Pass.
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
The Basics
Our badges are priced in full-color shells, and are made of high-quality paper.
Expo Pass uses 9.5 pt. stock, which is much heavier/thicker and holds up very well even without a holder.
Expo Pass badges are printed on direct-thermal paper without the need for messy inks!
The reaction of heat being applied to the paper allows for black text and other black images such as a QR code to be visible on the paper.
❗ Important: Attendee data can only be printed via the thermal printer on the FRONT of the badge. The color design can be on the front and back of the badge.
In an effort to manage your expectations, your badge shell design artwork is due to your Expo Pass Success Specialist at least 24 DAYS PRIOR to your event start date.
This is to ensure we have enough time to approve, order, and test your badges, so they are top notch!
If for some reason that timeframe becomes compressed, we cannot guarantee that your badges will be available for your event and/or we will be forced to assess an additional expedited fee.
Badge Design Best Practices for High Quality Print
When designing your badge shell, you can have design on the front and/ or back (usually in color). We have the ability to support either a 4x6" or 4x3" single or double-sided badge shell design.
Use high resolution images (300 DPI minimum) to ensure your badge design will print crisp. If you upload low resolution images or designs, the print may come out blurry or pixelated.
Use CMYK colors on your images
If you use RGB, the color of the design in the badge designer may differ from the actual print as Expo Pass uses CMYK to print the badge shells in-house
Design your badge shell with light color or white space to ensure all attendee data and the QR code can be printed without looking crowded and is legible. We use thermal printers that print in black ink only (like a receipt).
💡 Tip: When designing your badge shell, it’s essential to consider the visibility and readability of onsite-printed attendee data (First Name, Last Name, Company, etc). Since we use thermal printers that print in black, we strongly recommend incorporating a white or light-colored background in the area where attendee details will be printed.
Key Design Guidelines:
Use Light Backgrounds: To ensure optimal legibility, attendee information should be printed on a white or very light-colored area. Dark or heavily saturated colors can make the text difficult to read.
Minimize Visual Noise: Avoid placing patterns, gradients, logos, or other design elements in the data printing area, as these can interfere with text clarity.
Ensure Sufficient Contrast: Black thermal printing stands out best against light backgrounds, so be mindful of contrast when selecting your badge colors.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure a professional, clean, and highly readable badge design that enhances the attendee experience.
If you want a full bleed design aka the design to go edge to edge, extend the design to the blue box around the badge to ensure a true full bleed.
Bleed Area 4.25” x 6.25” (Blue Box around the badge)
Make sure your background extends 0.125” to fill the bleed and avoid white on edges when trimmed. We recommend a common top to bottom bleed color to avoid possible color misalignment along perforation.
Trim 4” x 6” (the edge of the badge)
Where your badges will be cut.
Safe Area 3.75” x 5.34” (the dotted grey line)
Make sure to keep important aspects of your design such as logos and text within the safe area.
No design near the notch(es)
Leave 1/4" around the notch area with no logos or text. The contrast of the hole for the notch(es) and the logo, image or text can cause sensor issues and double prints. There can be solid color:
4 x 6" Badge Print Layer Sample
❗ Important: Attendee data can only be printed on the front side of the badge in white space. Expo Pass uses thermal printers and cannot print on color.
4" x 3" Badge Print Layer Sample
❗ Important: Attendee data can only be printed on the front side of the badge in white space. Expo Pass uses thermal printers and cannot print on color.
If you want a full bleed design aka the design to go edge to edge, extend the design to the blue box around the badge to ensure a true full bleed.
Bleed Area 4.25” x 3.25” (Blue Box around the badge)
Make sure your background extends 0.125” to fill the bleed and avoid white on edges when trimmed. We recommend a common top to bottom bleed color to avoid possible color misalignment along perforation.
Trim 4” x 3” (the edge of the badge)
Where your badges will be cut.
Safe Area 3.75” x 2.34” (the dotted grey line)
Make sure to keep important aspects of your design such as logos and text within the safe area.
Black & White Badge Designs
If you are tight on time or want a black and white design, you are able to do so by designing your shell on the Print Layer of your badge. This process works great for printing words and basic images, but is not meant to create black background.
👉 For these badges, it's imperative to remember that the Direct Thermal Printers use heat to alter the badge, creating a black micro-dot.
❗ Important: Black and white can only be printed on the front side of the badge in white space via the thermal printers.
The will be printed onsite at the live event on blank badges along with the attendee data
Sample Black and White Logos | What works and what doesn't
Again, we can't stress enough how important it is to start this design phase as soon as possible.
Next step: Let's get designing!!