Why business cards as PDF?
Business cards exist in two worlds today: on paper and digitally. As a PDF, business cards can be prepared for professional printing and shared as a digital version by email or messaging. The PDF format is the common denominator: it looks the same on every device, can be submitted to print shops and reliably preserves fonts and layouts.
The right dimensions for business cards
Standard business card dimensions vary by country and industry. The most common formats:
- European standard: 85 x 55 mm (most widely used)
- US standard: 88.9 x 50.8 mm (3.5 x 2 inches)
- Square: 55 x 55 mm (modern, stands out)
- Mini cards: 70 x 28 mm (practical, fits in wallets)
For print shops, it is recommended to create the document at the target format with an additional bleed of 3 mm. This means: for an 85 x 55 mm card, the print file should be 91 x 61 mm, ensuring no white edge remains after trimming.
Resolution for print
A minimum of 300 dpi is required for print. Logos and graphics should be available as vector files that can be scaled without loss, or as raster images at least 600 dpi for small, detailed elements.
Fonts must be fully embedded in the PDF. Print shops often also require cut contours or die-cut marks for special formats, always check your printer's specifications in advance.
Design principles for effective business cards
Less is more
A good business card contains the essential information: name, role, company, phone, email and optionally website. Cluttered cards look unprofessional and are difficult to read.
Legibility at small sizes
Font size should be at least 8 points. Key information such as name and phone number can be 10 to 12 points. Very thin font weights can become illegible in print.
CMYK colour mode instead of RGB
The PDF must be in CMYK colour mode for print. RGB colours (as used on screens) look different in print than expected. Convert all colours to CMYK before exporting.
Digital business cards as PDF
A digital business card as PDF is a compact alternative to a vCard or a link. You can attach your contact PDF to emails, offer it as a download on your website or distribute it via QR code.
Different rules apply for a digital version compared to print: 72 to 96 dpi is sufficient, the file size should stay below 500 KB. Links in a digital business card can be clickable, adding value compared to paper.
Creating a PDF from image files
If your business card exists as an image file (PNG, JPG), you can convert it to PDF using the images to PDF tool. Make sure to set the page size to the business card format, not A4.
For precise trimming to exact dimensions or removing unwanted margins, the PDF crop tool is helpful.
Conclusion
Creating and exporting business cards as PDF is a clear, manageable process when you know the key parameters: correct format with bleed, 300 dpi for print, CMYK colour mode and fully embedded fonts. For digital use, the requirements are more relaxed. With the right tools, the export is quick and professional.