Make Business Cards on My Computer

If you've ever thought, "I'd like to make business cards on my computer," you're not alone. Whether you use a template that came with your software program or you purchase specialty paper to create business cards, you can make business cards on my computer – your computer – any computer!

Business cards remain an essential business document and promotional tool even in today's technology-driven world. Business cards derive from the practice of yesteryear of calling cards, or leaving cards behind when one called or visited someone's home or business. Although the practice of leaving a card behind when you visit a friend or acquaintance has fallen by the wayside, exchanging business cards remains as essential as a firm handshake when meeting someone new.

Business cards follow a standard size and format. Although they may be horizontal or vertical in orientation, they are almost always 2" x 3 ½". While some have experimented with larger or smaller cards, everything from die-cuts in the flaps of business and presentation folders to the rolodex-holders made for desks to hold business cards are designed for these standard-sized cards, so creating yours to follow this size makes sense. Most templates, software, and business card paper is already cut or sized for the typical business card.

Business cards are traditionally printed on a heavier paper stock than normal copy paper. Look for a solid-feeling stock that doesn't bend or wobble easily. A matte finish is better than a glossy (shiny) finish, because it does not show fingerprints. Any marketing or sales materials printed on glossy paper, or coated with something such as an aqueous coating to make them look shiny, tend to hold finger prints and the oils from fingers and look sloppy after only a few passes back and forth. Just taking a glossy card out of your business card holder and passing it along to someone can leave a bad impression if it's smudged.

To make business cards from your computer, you will need a computer, good-quality ink jet or laser printer, thick business card paper stock, and about two hours of time or less, depending on how comfortable you are with the software.

There are many computer programs and papers available to help you design and print business cards directly from a home computer. Many of these programs do double-duty as basic word processing, graphic design, desktop publishing applications. Here are some of the most popular resources to help you make business cards on a personal computer.

• Microsoft Publisher: Publisher is a basic, easy to use desktop publishing application that includes many standard business card templates. You can change the colors and fonts on the cards and type in your personal contact information. Purchase specially made, perforated business card paper at an office supply store, click print, and carefully detach the cards. Publisher lets you create one card or a full sheet of cards. If you don't like the templates that come with the software, you can download free templates from Microsoft Office online.
• Word: Word is a standard word processing program. You can easily set page size, margins and more on Word. While the program doesn't have a business card template, many packages of business card paper come with instructions to set up your own template on Word. These walk you through it step by step. You can print a test page using a plain piece of paper before printing on the specialty paper.
• Paper Direct: Paper Direct is a company that sells printed marketing forms, paper, binders and more. They have suites of designed paper so that all your marketing materials can match. You can print them all from your home computer.
• Avery: Avery makes label templates and many other template papers, including Avery business card paper. Their two sided] business card paper lets you use the back of a business card to print a promotional message. Most of their products are available at major office supply stores.
• Free business card templates: There are also many free business card templates available online. Depending upon the software at your disposal, you may be able to use one of these many resources to get free business card templates to be used with your existing software.

If you want to make business cards from your computer, here are a few tips to help you create an effective card:

Do:

• Include your name, title, mailing address, telephone number, fax number, cell phone number, email address, website URL, and company name
• Use clean, professional looking fonts: Arial, Times New Roman, Palatino and others
• Include your company logo if applicable
• Place marketing messages, tag line, or a brief message about your product or service on the BACK of the card

Don't:

• Use your photograph unless your profession requires it, such as a real estate agent
• Include too much information on the front
• Use more than one font, unless using one font for the company name and a second font for the rest of the information. Too many fonts make the information appear jumbled.
• Give out cards that are ripped, torn or smudged from printing on your computer. Throw them out and get news ones.

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