Printing Tips and Tricks

Advice from the Print Cartel team to help your order be the best it can be!

Aug 21, 2026

PNG vs. JPG for Printing: What You Need to Know

PNG or JPG for print depends on what is in the file. Photos survive JPG compression. Logos, text, and flat color hold up better in PNG. See how each handles detail and color.

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Aug 14, 2026

Offset Printing vs Digital Printing, Key Differences and Cost

Offset vs digital printing usually comes down to quantity. Compare cost per piece, turnaround time, color accuracy, and the run size where offset starts to beat digital on price.

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Jul 31, 2026

What Are Printed Magnets and What Can You Use Them For?

Printed magnets end up somewhere useful and stay there for months, not days. This post covers what they're made of, the most common ways businesses use them, and what to check before you order.

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Jul 10, 2026

Plastic Business Cards: When They Make Sense and What to Order

Plastic business cards feel different the moment someone picks one up, and that's the point. This post covers what they're made of, who gets the most out of them, the different finishes available, how to design for plastic, and what to think about before placing an order.

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Jul 3, 2026

What Are Retractable Banners and How Do They Work?

Retractable banners show up at trade shows, storefronts, and events, but not everyone knows how they actually work. We’ll cover what a retractable banner is, how the stand mechanism works, common sizes & where they're used.

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Jun 26, 2026

Square Business Cards: Sizes, Uses, and Design Tips

Square business cards stand out in a stack of rectangles. Here are the standard sizes, the best uses, design tips, and the storage tradeoff to weigh before ordering.

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Jun 12, 2026

Ordering Print for Clients: What Every Freelance Designer Should Know

When a client asks you to handle the printing, the job gets bigger fast. We’ve covered everything freelance designers need to know about ordering print for clients.

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Jun 5, 2026

What Is Bleed and Why It Matters for Print

Ever noticed white edges on a printed design? That's a missing bleed. Discover how bleed, trim lines, and safe areas work together to create clean, professional print ready files.

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May 29, 2026

The 5-Second Test: Would You Keep Your Own Business Card?

Most business cards get glanced at for five seconds and either kept or tossed. This post walks you through how to look at your own card the way a stranger would, from first impressions and visual hierarchy to legibility, design fit, and print quality.

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May 22, 2026

Most Door Hangers Get Ignored. Here's How to Design One That Doesn't

A door hanger is one of the few marketing pieces that's hard to ignore. Someone has to physically touch it to get in their front door. But a bad one still ends up in the trash. Here's what separates a hanger that gets a response from one that doesn't.

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May 15, 2026

Tips for Avoiding Common Printing Mistakes

Bad print results usually start with bad file setup. Here are 13 common mistakes and how to fix them before you place your order.

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May 1, 2026

Why Realtors Still Swear By Just Listed & Just Sold Postcards

Just listed and just sold postcards help realtors build name recognition and win more listings. Here's how to use them right.

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Apr 24, 2026

RGB vs CMYK

Knowing the difference between RGB and CMYK color models can help you achieve vibrant and accurate results when designing for print and web. We'll explain the main differences between RGB and CYMK, how each color model works, when to use it, and how it impacts color quality.

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Apr 10, 2026

Door Hanger Marketing: Why It Still Works

Learn how door hanger marketing helps local businesses reach nearby customers in a direct and visible way. It covers what door hanger marketing is, why it still works, and how to design, distribute, and track campaigns effectively.

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Mar 13, 2026

Beautiful Wedding Backdrops: Ideas, Design Tips, and Where to Use Them

Wedding backdrops frame key moments of the day, from the ceremony to reception photos. This guide shares ideas, placement tips, and design options to help couples choose the right backdrop.

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Feb 20, 2026

Opening a New Business? Start with These 5 Print Must-Haves

Opening a new business requires more than a website and social media presence. This guide outlines the essential print materials every startup should have in place to build credibility, and attract customers from day one.

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Feb 13, 2026

How to Choose the Right Font for Your Design Project

Choosing the right font for a print project affects how your message is read and how your brand is perceived. This guide explains how different font styles work in print, when to use them, and how to avoid common typography mistakes.

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Feb 6, 2026

What Are the Different Types of Business Cards?

This guide explains the most common business card types and formats. It covers sizes and types including square, slim and more. Choose the right business card based on industry, budget, and networking needs.

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Jan 30, 2026

What is Blurple? Master Vibrant Blues with Expert Tips

Discover the secret behind "Blurple," the unexpected result when vibrant blues print purple, and learn how to navigate this printing challenge with our insightful tips on color mixing for the perfect blue outcome.

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Jan 9, 2026

How White Space Improves Your Business Card Design?

Business cards have limited space to make an impression. This guide explains how white space improves clarity, readability, and focus, helping business cards feel professional, balanced, intentional, and easy to remember.

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Jan 2, 2026

How Custom Stickers Support Branding, Packaging, and Promotions

Custom stickers are a flexible branding tool that supports packaging, labeling, promotions, and daily business operations. This guide explains how businesses, freelancers, and nonprofits can use custom stickers.

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Dec 12, 2025

What Is Typesetting? A Simple Guide for Print Design

Typesetting shapes how text looks and reads in print. This guide explains the core elements, fonts, spacing, alignment, and hierarchy and shows how thoughtful text layout improves business cards, postcards, flyers, and other printed materials.

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Dec 5, 2025

The Top Color Trends for Print Design in 2026

The 2026 print color trends feature soft pastels, grounded greens, warm neutrals, bold accents, and modern gradients. These palettes help your business cards, postcards, menus, and brand materials feel fresh and memorable.

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Nov 21, 2025

Tabletop Advertising: The Secret Weapon for Restaurant Promotions and Upselling

Tabletop marketing is a simple, effective way to promote your restaurant’s specials, events, and brand right at the table. Learn how table tents, coasters, and QR codes grab diner attention and drive impulse buys.

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Nov 14, 2025

From Postcards to Packaging: Holiday. Printing That Drive Sales

The holidays are the perfect time for your business to stand out with print marketing that feels personal and memorable. From festive postcards to custom packaging, Print Cartel helps you connect with customers, boost sales, and make your brand shine this season.

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Oct 31, 2025

Top Print Industry Design Trends for 2026

Print is getting smarter, greener, and more creative in 2026. From eco friendly materials and textured finishes to bold typography and AR features, designers are blending technology with craftsmanship.

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Oct 10, 2025

Every Door Direct Mail Postcard Design Tips to Reach Customers

EDDM lets you reach local customers without a mailing list. Get practical design tips on size, visuals, messaging, and USPS rules to boost response rates.

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Sep 26, 2025

Healthcare Printing Solutions: Must Have Print Materials

Professional print materials play a key role in patient care and clinic operations. From appointment cards and brochures, this guide highlights the must have healthcare print solutions that improve communication, build credibility, and keep your practice running smoothly.

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Sep 19, 2025

How to Design a Flyer That People Actually Want to Read

A flyer should do more than look good it should connect fast and clearly. Learn how to set goals, craft strong headlines, use visuals, print well, and distribute smartly for real results.

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Sep 12, 2025

Wedding Print Checklist: Guide to Invitations, Programs, and More

Printed wedding stationery brings a personal, timeless touch that digital can’t match. This checklist covers everything from invitations and programs to signage and thank you cards, helping you stay organized and make your day unforgettable.

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Sep 5, 2025

Unlocking the Power of QR Codes in Print Marketing

QR codes are powerful marketing tools that instantly connect print to digital. Affordable and versatile, they help businesses boost engagement, track results, and create seamless customer experiences across packaging, promotions, menus, and more.

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Aug 29, 2025

Top Reasons Your Business Should Use Custom Notepads

Learn how custom notepads can keep your brand in sight every day. They outlast digital ads, add polish to your image, and offer real value making them a smart, customizable tool for boosting recognition and loyalty.

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Aug 22, 2025

Social Media Icons for Business Card: Why Adding Them Is a Great Idea

A business card should do more than share contact info it should spark ongoing connection. This guide shows how adding social media icons can boost credibility, strengthen relationships, and extend your reach.

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Aug 15, 2025

Flyers vs. Rack Cards: Choosing the Right Print for Your Business

Print marketing offers a tangible way to stand out and connect with your audience. We’ll compare flyers and rack cards to help you choose the right option for your business. Learn when to use each one, explore real uses, and design tips to increase their impact.

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Aug 8, 2025

Benefits of EDDM Postcards: Cost-Effective Marketing for Local Businesses

EDDM postcards offer small businesses an easy, affordable way to reach local customers, no mailing list or permit needed. We’ll highlight the benefits; high visibility, targeted delivery, and strong ROI to help you decide if EDDM is right for your next campaign.

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Jul 25, 2025

Sell Sheets: How to Make a Powerful First Impression in Seconds

A well designed sell sheet is a one-page tool that clearly communicates product or company value. We’ll explore the key elements, design tips, and strategies to help your team create effective, conversion driven materials.

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Jul 18, 2025

Must Have Print Materials for First Time Homebuyers

Buying a home for the first time can be overwhelming, but the right printed materials make all the difference. This blog highlights essential resources like welcome packets, checklists, and neighborhood guides that help realtors build trust and support buyers every step of the way.

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Jul 11, 2025

8 Surprising Ways to Use Custom Trading Cards

Custom trading cards have evolved far beyond sports and games. Learn how businesses, educators, nonprofits, and creators can use trading cards to connect with their audiences in unique and meaningful ways.

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Jul 4, 2025

Painted Edge Business Cards: Make a Lasting Impression

Painted edge business cards combine thick, premium card stock with bold edge coloring to create a memorable, high impact design. Learn how these cards enhance your brand when to use them, and why they’re ideal for creative professionals, luxury brands, and anyone looking to stand out.

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Jun 27, 2025

Custom Hang Tags: Small Details That Make a Big Impact on Your Brand

Custom hang tags go beyond labels, they’re powerful branding tools that enhance packaging and connect with customers. We’ll cover key design tips, cardstock, and uses to help you create tags that leave a lasting impression.

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Jun 13, 2025

Why Company Letterhead Matters: Build Trust and Credibility

A custom letterhead does more than share a message, it showcases your brand. This blog covers why letterheads still matter, how they build credibility, support compliance, and strengthen identity.

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Jun 6, 2025

Custom Pop-Up Tents to Boost Your Brand at Events!

Custom pop-up tents are a smart way to showcase your brand at events. Discover the key benefits: quick setup, portability, professional appearance, and full customization. Plus tips on sizing, options, and accessories to help you make the right choice.

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May 30, 2025

What is the Difference Between EDDM and Direct Mail?

Learn the differences between Traditional Direct Mail and EDDM. Each offers unique advantages to help businesses reach the right audience, stay on budget, and hit their marketing goals with precision.

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May 23, 2025

How Thick Should a Business Card Be? Guide to Cardstock Options

Business card thickness plays a key role in how your brand is perceived. We’ll explain popular cardstock options—from 14PT to 32PT—and how each one influences appearance, texture, durability, and the impression you leave.

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May 16, 2025

How to Use Custom Bookmarks for Branding, Events, and More

Custom bookmarks have evolved beyond simply marking a page. They're now versatile tools for branding, promotions, and personal events, offering both function and impact. Explore smart bookmark uses with design tips, size options, and finishing touches that boost their impact.

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May 2, 2025

Transform Your Unboxing Experience: Smart Packaging Insert Strategies

Packaging inserts enhance the customer experience and drive repeat business. Explore effective types, such as thank you notes and discount cards, along with tips to strengthen your brand, boost loyalty, and encourage future orders.

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Apr 25, 2025

Boost Your Visibility: Understanding The Types of Banners

Selecting the right banner is vital for your brand’s visibility. This guide covers popular types like vinyl, retractable, pop-up, and tabletop banners, detailing their features and best uses. Whether for trade shows or outdoor promotions, you’ll find the insights needed to make a smart choice.

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Apr 18, 2025

Graduation Invitation Ideas That Make a Lasting Impression

Graduation is a meaningful milestone, and the right invitation sets the tone for your celebration. We'll walk you through everything you need to know to create thoughtful, well designed graduation invitations from what to include and how to personalize them.

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Apr 11, 2025

Custom Yard Signs: The Power of How to Capture Attention

Custom yard signs are a powerful, cost-effective way to grab attention and connect locally. This guide covers their key benefits, design tips, material options, and simple ways to measure results.

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Apr 4, 2025

Matte vs. Uncoated Business Cards: Understanding the Differences

Selecting the right business card finish is important for making a lasting impression. We’ll compare matte and uncoated business cards, outlining their key characteristics, pros, and cons. Learn which option best aligns with your brand’s style, functionality, and professional needs.

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Mar 28, 2025

Should You Add a Photo to Your Business Card?

Enhance you and your brand with custom business cards featuring headshots and photos. Learn practical tips for lasting impressions and stronger connections. A quality photo creates instant visual connection, building trust. We'll cover best practices for photo selection, file optimization, sizing, and industry specific approaches.

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Mar 7, 2025

Attract Home Buyers & Sellers: Real Estate Postcards That Work

Types of real estate postcards go well past just listed and just sold. Learn when to send market updates, open house invites, expired listing cards, and handwritten style notes.

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Feb 28, 2025

Restaurant Marketing Strategies That Can Grow Your Business

Attract more customers and grow your restaurant with the following marketing strategies. We cover branding, print and digital marketing, social media, local SEO, events, and technology integration.

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Feb 21, 2025

QR Code on Business Cards, Size, Placement, and Setup

A QR code on business cards links to a portfolio, booking page, or contact file. Learn how to make one, what size to print it, and how to keep it scannable after the card is cut.

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Feb 14, 2025

Business Thank You Cards, a Guide for Small Businesses

Business thank you cards land differently than an email because someone has to open them. Learn what to write, which card size and stock to pick, and when to send one after a sale.

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Content Manager

Jan 31, 2025

Best Real Estate Marketing Materials That Actually Generate Listings

Real estate marketing materials work best as a set, not one-offs. See which pieces agents actually use, from business cards and postcards to flyers, sell sheets, and yard signs.

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Jan 24, 2025

Rack Card Design Tips, Sizes, Layout, and File Setup

Rack card design has one rule that outranks the rest. Only the top few inches show in a display, so learn how to build a 3x5 layout that works from the headline down.

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Jan 17, 2025

What Is EDDM and Is It Right for Your Business

Every Door Direct Mail sends postcards to every address on a USPS carrier route without a mailing list. Learn how to pick routes, design the mailer, and track what comes back.

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Jan 10, 2025

Hero Cards: Boost Your Fan Base & Attract Sponsors

Hero card printing turns athletes, teams, and performers into collectible cards fans keep. Learn how to design the front and back, pick a stock, and leave room for sponsor logos.

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Jan 3, 2025

How to Print Your Canva Design

How to print from Canva starts before you hit download. Set the right dimensions, turn on bleed, check your resolution, and export a PDF your printer can actually work with.

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Dec 13, 2024

Different Types of Brochures, Every Fold Explained

Different types of brochure folds change how much you can fit and how the piece opens. Compare bi-fold, tri-fold, Z-fold, and gate fold on panel count and best use.

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Dec 6, 2024

Business Card Design Trends for 2026 and How Each One Prints

Business card trends are moving toward less ink and more texture. See what is behind the rise of minimalist layouts, QR codes, raised finishes, and recycled stock.

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Nov 29, 2024

How Print Marketing Can Help You Get More Leads

Print marketing generates leads that digital ads often miss. Learn which formats pull the best response, how to target a mailing list, and how to track what each piece brings in.

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Nov 22, 2024

Real Estate Postcards: A Quick and Effective Way to Stay Top of Mind

Real estate postcards work when they reach the right mailboxes. Learn how to pick a farm area, time drops around just listed and just sold news, and track response by campaign.

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Oct 25, 2024

Flyer vs Brochure, What is the Difference and When to Use Each

Flyer vs brochure comes down to how much you need to say. Compare page count, cost per piece, and use cases so you know when one sheet works and when a fold makes more sense.

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Oct 18, 2024

Don't Waste Space! Creative Back of Business Card Ideas

Back of business card ideas turn wasted space into something useful. Add a QR code, a short testimonial, social handles, an appointment reminder, or a map to your location.

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Sep 20, 2024

What Is Spot UV Printing? A Guide to the Gloss Coating

Discover how adding Spot UV can transform your printed materials with its high-gloss, tactile finish. We’ll explain the process, benefits, and design tips to help you create impactful print materials.

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Sep 13, 2024

15 of the Most Popular Fonts in Graphic Design

The most popular fonts in graphic design earned their spot for a reason. See why Helvetica, Times New Roman, and Roboto keep showing up, and how type shapes mood and readability.

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Aug 30, 2024

Glossy vs. Matte Finish: What's the Difference

Matte vs glossy comes down to glare, fingerprints, and how colors read. See which finish suits business cards, brochures, photos, and invitations, and which one takes pen ink.

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Aug 23, 2024

11 Real Estate Business Card Mistakes to Avoid

Real estate business card mistakes cost more than a reprint. Learn what to avoid, from tiny type and outdated headshots to crowded layouts and missing license information.

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Aug 2, 2024

Networking Business Cards, 6 Tips for Cards That Get Kept

Networking business cards work hardest after the handshake. Learn how to design a card people keep, when to hand it out, and how to follow up before it ends up in a drawer.

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Jul 26, 2024

How to Design a Postcard, Layout, Copy, and Color Tips

Designing postcards starts with the message people read in three seconds. Learn how to write a headline, pick images that print well, set up bleed, and place a call to action.

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Jul 19, 2024

Brand Consistency: Aligning Business Cards with Your Marketing Materials

Business cards and brand identity work best when they match. Learn how to carry your colors, fonts, and logo across every piece so a card looks like it belongs with the rest.

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Jul 8, 2024

The Best Fonts for Your Business Card Design

The best fonts for business cards stay readable at a small size. Learn which typefaces work in print, what point size to treat as a floor, and how to pair fonts without crowding a card.

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Jul 5, 2024

Tips for Working with an Online Printing Company

Tips for working with an online printer start before you upload a file. Learn how to set up artwork, read a proof, ask the right questions, and avoid the delays that cause reprints.

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May 24, 2024

Business Card Color Meaning: The Psychology of Color

Business card color meanings shape how people read your brand before they read a word. See what blue, red, black, and green signal, and how to pick a palette that fits your business.

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May 17, 2024

Physical vs Digital Business Cards: What are The Differences

Physical vs digital business cards comes down to how you meet people. Compare the cost, the staying power, and the follow-up on each so you can pick one or carry both.

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May 3, 2024

What to Put on Your Real Estate Business Card to Make a Lasting Impression

What to put on a real estate business card goes past a name and phone number. This guide covers the contact details clients need, how to use a headshot, and which card stock holds up.

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Apr 26, 2024

How To Choose The Right Paper Stock For Your Business Card

The best card stock for business cards depends on feel, durability, and budget. This guide compares gloss, matte, uncoated, linen, kraft, and pearl so you can match the stock to your brand.

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Apr 19, 2024

Standard Postcard Dimensions and Sizes Explained

Postcard size affects how much you can say and how much you pay to mail it. This guide covers 4x6, 5x7, 6x9, and 6x11 cards and which one fits your campaign and budget.

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Apr 12, 2024

Print Cartel's Free Sample Packet for Your Next Project

Picking the right paper stock can be tricky without seeing it in person. Our free sample packet lets you feel the texture and quality of each option before you order.

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Apr 5, 2024

Alternative Ways to Use Business Cards Besides Networking

Alternative uses of business cards go well past networking. Turn them into loyalty cards, appointment reminders, VIP passes, or bookmarks for branding that costs very little.

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Mar 29, 2024

Business Card Design Tips, Mistakes, and Best Practices

How to design a business card comes down to a handful of choices. This guide covers layout, typography, paper stock, and the finishes that decide if a card gets kept or tossed.

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Mar 22, 2024

Trade Show Success: Print Materials for Maximum Booth Visibility

What to print for a trade show booth starts with banners and business cards. This guide covers the pieces that draw visitors in and turn booth foot traffic into real leads.

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Content Manager

Mar 2, 2023

Your Quick and Easy Guide To Print-Ready Files

Print-ready files keep a job moving without delays or reprints. This guide covers the file specs that matter, how printer templates help, and what to check before artwork goes to press.

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