Securing Your Identity: How To Create Your Own ID Card

Introduction

Creating your own custom ID card has never been easier or more convenient. There is a wealth of resources available online, whether for straightforward copying of an existing template or full scale design from scratch. These cards can be used for personal or professional uses, such as employee or student identification. Companies and organizations need tailored plastic cards to establish a secure identity for their members and personnel, and with the right guidance, creating your own ID card is completely within your reach.

Plastic Cards

Plastic card printing is a cost-effective method of providing credentials for any activity. Whether for government use, business or hobby use, plastic cards offer a secure and highly customizable way to display a user's identity. Any size cardstock can be used, from letter-size of 8.5x11 and 6x9 postcards to oversized sheets measuring up to 13x19. The standard card size is 3.375x2.125 or known as CR80. For manufacturers requiring a specific size, custom-sized cards are also available.

Features

A huge advantage of plastic cards is their durability compared to paper or cardstock. The cards are resistant to water, dirt, grease and warmth, making them ideal for long-term use in a variety of environments. Then there is the added benefit of photo reproduction, wherein photos can be printed directly onto the cards. Professional software is available for personalization and customization of designs. Barcodes or tags may be printed for heightened security.

Benefits

The cards are especially convenient for professional use. With personalized designs, staff, clients and customers have no trouble identifying one another in a secure manner. Foxtail, for example, provides plastic cards with holographic, magnetic and RFID to make sure access is only granted to authorized personnel. ID cards can also be used for loyalty programs, membership programs, events, parent-teacher meetings, job fairs and conferences.

Pros Cons

Whether for personal or professional use, plastic cards can offer a great range of advantages. However, there are some drawbacks. They require investment upfront, as they can be expensive to produce in large volumes. There may also be logistical issues, such as limited sizes, restricted customizations, or confusion in the design process that could impede card security. Finally, there is always the risk of counterfeiting, as the plastic cards do not offer nearly as much security as certificates or other forms of secure, physical credentials.

Case Studies

• University of Utah: The University of Utah was able to cut costs and enhance security for its 14,000 students with plastic ID cards. The cards serve as identification and access control into various campus zones and facilities, which has substantially improved the university's overall safety.
• World Customs Organization: In 2014, the World Customs Organization implemented the Customs Design and Print System to provide secure ID cards to their staff and personnel. The ID cards provided secure access to different departments and zones, which improved the customs organization's security, compliance, and operational efficiency.
• Disney: Disney is known for enhancing employee security via ID cards. In 2015, they released MyMagic which revolutionized the guest experience at its theme parks. The system tracks park-goers with RFID technology, allowing users to access various rides, restaurants, and experiences with their personalized plastic ID cards.

FAQs

• What type of software can be used to design a card? There are many ID card designing software packages available for users. Some of the most popular are Adobe Photoshop and CorelDraw. However, for businesses looking to obtain the highest-quality cards, professional printing and design services are available.
• Are plastic cards resistant to external factors? Yes. The cards are designed to be highly resistant to weather, dirt, grease, and warmth, making them very durable for long-term use.
• Do plastic cards have security features? Yes, many plastic cards come with additional security features such as barcodes or magnetic strips. Holographic designs are also popular for thwarting counterfeiting.

Mistakes People Make

The biggest mistakes people make when creating their own ID cards is to forget to pay attention to security features such as magnetic strips and barcodes. While these features may seem insignificant, they are important components of a good ID card because they ensure that only the authorized user can access the card. Additionally, many businesses underestimate the importance of high-quality design when creating their plastic cards. Poorly designed cards can make users look unprofessional, which can have an impact on the company's brand image.

Best Practices

The best practice for creating an effective plastic card is to invest in professional software. Specialist software programs such as Adobe Photoshop or CorelDraw can help businesses to design cards to their exact specifications. Additionally, it is important to use a high-quality printer that is capable of printing crisp, clear images and text. Finally, businesses should always ensure that their cards have proper security features, such as magnetic stripes, barcodes, and holographic designs, in order to ensure that only authorized users can access the cards.

Summary Review

Plastic cards have become an increasingly popular way to secure identify for professional and personal use. With the help of software packages like Adobe Photoshop and CorelDraw, users can create custom cards to their exact specifications. The cards are designed to be highly resistant to dirt, grease, and warmth, making them ideal for long-term use. Additionally, various security features, such as barcodes and magnetic strips, provide an added layer of protection against counterfeiting. By following the best practices outlined in this article, businesses can ensure that their plastic cards are a cost-effective, secure, and reliable way to identify members and personnel.