Business card printing guide

The everyday business card size in South Africa is 90×50mm. It fits standard wallets and card holders cleanly.

For print, supply your artwork at 96×56mm so you include 3mm bleed on every side. Keep names, logos and contact details at least 5mm inside the final trim.

• Other options: 85×55mm, square cards, rounded corners, or custom die-cut shapes.
• US size (about 89×51mm) is less common locally — confirm before you design.

A strong card is scannable in two seconds. Lead with hierarchy:

• Name largest, then role / company.
• Phone, email, website — only what people will use.
• One clear brand element (logo or mark), not five competing graphics.
• QR codes are useful when they open something current (site, WhatsApp, booking).

Leave breathing room. Busy cards feel cheap even on expensive stock.

Business cards are typically printed on heavier board (often around 350gsm+). Thicker multi-ply or specialty stocks feel more premium in the hand.

Ask us if you need:

• A softer, uncoated feel for pen-friendly notes
• A coated finish for richer colour
• Extra thickness for a luxury drop

• Matt — professional, low glare, easy to read.
• Gloss — colour pops; good for bold brands.
• Soft-touch laminate — velvety premium feel.
• Spot UV / foil — highlight a logo or name; supply a separate layer marking the area.

See our matt vs gloss and spot UV & foiling guides for finishing detail.

1. Trim size 90×50mm (or your chosen size) with 3mm bleed.
2. PDF print-ready, fonts outlined or embedded.
3. Images at 300 DPI at print size.
4. CMYK where possible for predictable colour.
5. Double-sided? Supply front and back clearly labelled.

Full walkthrough: print file preparation.