How to Make ID Badges
ID badges not only help to identify a person, but they can be used to establish camaraderie, act as a security device or give information about the wearer's position, status and access.
ID badges can even be used at parties to help jump-start a game or divide guests into groups. When you know the person's name, how much easier it is to facilitate conversation!
And finally, what would a convention be without the company's logo, the ability to figure out who gets entry and where they need to be in a huge environment of busy travelers? Here are some tips to help you create just what you need.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Cards: paper or PVC Plastic holders with pins Lanyards Logo Photographs of the wearer Optional specialized software
Instructions
-
-
1
Make a database with the desired information along with the recipient's names. For simple parties, all you may need are the person's name, where they are from and maybe one other item to make conversation easier for guests (for example, "Father of eight, champion bowler").
For employees, you'll want the company logo, but you may need more serious information in addition to the employee's name, such as a photo, department, job title and security clearance. It would also be helpful to have a section to designate how long the badge is in effect, something like: Valid until June 2010.
For schools, ID badges are not only critical but also help to ensure a student's safety. For access purposes, there are library cards, cafeteria cards or dorm access cards, which help to prevent vandalism and theft. They can also be used for assigned parking if there is a security gate or guard.
For conventions, you can use ID badges to signify which lectures or workshops the attendee has purchased and, for that, you would create a "limited access" badge designation.
Think about color-coding your badges for extra large groups or in order to single out management. -
2
Shop in either office supply stores or online to determine what type, size and style badge you'll need according to your budget. Choices run from the simplest paper and plastic ID badge holders to custom, logo-printed lanyards---a badge holder with neck strap---to sleek PVC "rewritable" badges with magnetic strip coding on the back.
Consider whether the information you need on the card will be large enough to read; for a senior group the print type or font needs to be larger for readability, and maybe the card should be larger, too.
Next, decide on which type of ID badge holder you need; the cheapest are sticky papers with "Hello, my name is" on them, to plastic sleeves with pin devices, clip holders or custom lanyards with braided neck chains and pockets. -
-
3
Consider how you want to print the badges. Custom printing is your first and probably the most expensive option, but some comparative shopping on the web will help you with that; try Bizrate, Pricegrabber, My Simon or Smarter.com.
DIY printing is now easier than ever, and there are a lot of free print programs on the Internet that you can choose from. For example, a company called PlasticPrinters.com (see link below) will work with you and your computer to create plastic ID badges.
Another option is just to use your own computer publishing program; word-processing programs or special software like Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, Claris Works or Microsoft Picture It have templates. -
4
Find templates for do-it-yourself home computer programs. In Microsoft Word, for example, select Labels, which takes you to a diagram where you type in your information. Fonts, of course, lets you choose your print type, size of print and any other special characterizations; the Options menu allows you to choose sizes and ink selection; and Customize gives you the ability to select the feed method for your printer. After your settings are done, click OK, and you will have a page of blank card templates.
With ready-made, evenly sized photographs, you can use the Insert menu, clipboard or copy and paste function to capture photos, clipart or logos and place them into label formats.
Add type or copy and move your layout around until you are satisfied. Save and repeat until project is done.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Extra ID badges can be used as gift cards, authorized visitor cards or membership cards. Lanyards can do double duty, serving as an advertising tool when a customized logo or company name is printed---either hot stamped, dye sublimation fixed or screen printed---on the strap and cover. Rewritable PVC ID badges can be slot punched for straps, and some cards are wet-erase and can be used sometimes up to 500 times. Laminate badges for the ability to use them again or prevent forgery.
Each personal computer word-processing program may have slight alterations in its menu selections. Check different systems if you're able.
Resources
- Photo Credit Clipart.com
