Export & Print

Export Formats

Badge Composer supports multiple export formats:

PDF (Recommended for Printing)

• Best for: Professional printing, whether DIY or through a print shop.
• Quality: High-resolution output (300+ DPI suitable for professional printing).
• Format: One badge per page. Easy to print on standard badge stock.
• Features: Preserves all colors, fonts, and formatting exactly as designed.
• File size: Usually 1-5 MB for single badges, larger for batch exports.

PNG (For Digital & Web)

• Best for: Digital sharing, social media, or web use.
• Quality: High-resolution (300 DPI compatible).
• Format: Single image file with transparent background.
• Size: Can be easily resized without loss of quality.
• Use case: Email, portals, digital IDs, or preview images.

How to Export Your Badge

1. In the editor, click Export in the top toolbar.
2. Select a format: PDF or PNG.
3. If you have imported data, you'll see options:
   • Export Current: Export just the current record.
   • Export All: Export all records as a single PDF (one per page).
4. Click Download. Your file will be saved to your computer.
5. The file is ready to print, email, or upload to a print service.

Batch Export (Data Merge)

When you've imported employee data, batch export creates a multi-page PDF:

• One badge per page: Each record generates one page in the PDF.
• Personalized: Each badge shows that person's data (name, ID, title, etc.).
• Print-ready: The PDF is optimized for standard badge stock.
• Example: Export 100 employee records → 100-page PDF with 100 unique badges.

Steps for Batch Export

1. Upload your CSV/Excel file from the Data panel (left toolbar).
2. Map your data columns to badge fields.
3. Preview a few records to make sure everything looks right.
4. Click Export and select Export All.
5. Choose PDF format.
6. Click Download. The PDF is generated and ready to print.

Printing at Home or Office

You can print your badges on a standard color printer using badge stock:

What You'll Need

• Badge stock: Standard 2" x 3" badge blanks (perforated sheets available on Amazon, Office Depot, etc.)
• Color printer: Inkjet or laser. Inkjet is fine for most purposes.
• Badge holders (optional): Lanyards or clip holders to wear or display badges.
• Laminator (optional): For durability and a professional finish.

Printing Steps

1. Export your badge as a PDF from Badge Composer.
2. Open the PDF in Adobe Reader or your system's default PDF viewer.
3. Go to Print settings and select your printer.
4. Under Page Scaling, select None or Fit to Page (do not use "Shrink to fit").
5. Load badge stock into your printer's paper tray.
6. Click Print.
7. If printing multiple pages (batch), make sure All Pages is selected.
8. Once printed, carefully cut or peel the badges from the stock.
9. (Optional) Laminate for durability.

Professional Printing Services

For large orders or a polished finish, use a professional print shop:

Badge Composer Printing (Available for Pro & Business Plans)

Badge Composer partners with professional printers to deliver physical badges:

• Quality: Professional full-color printing on premium card stock.
• Finish options: Glossy, matte, or with lamination for durability.
• Pricing: Competitive per-badge pricing. Order what you need.
• Turnaround: Typically 3-5 business days from order.
• Shipping: Badges ship to your address.

How to Order Through Badge Composer

1. Export your badges (single or batch) as PDF.
2. Click Order Printing (available after export).
3. Select quantity and finish options (glossy, matte, laminate).
4. Review pricing and shipping estimate.
5. Provide shipping address and payment information.
6. Your order is submitted to our printing partner. You'll receive a tracking number.

Local Print Shops

Alternatively, take your PDF to any local print shop (FedEx Office, Staples, local printers):

• Bring your PDF on USB or email it to them.
• Specify: "2\" x 3\" badges, full color, on glossy card stock"
• Ask about options: lamination, cutting, packaging.
• Turnaround is usually same-day or next-day.

Print Quality Tips

• Use high-resolution images: Blurry or pixelated photos on the badge won't look good. Use clear, professional headshots.
• Test print first: Print a sample on regular paper to check colors, sizes, and text alignment.
• Check colors in light: Screens can show colors differently than prints. Your color printer may also vary.
• Use good paper stock: Cheap badge stock can look dull. Invest in glossy or premium card stock for better results.
• Lamination adds durability: Badges get worn and handled. Lamination protects against fading and damage.
• Bleed margins: Badge Composer automatically handles bleed and safe zones. Don't modify.
• Font size matters: Make sure text is large enough to read at arm's length (minimum 10pt for small text).

Event Packs (One-Time Orders)

Need a quick batch of badges without a subscription? Use Event Packs:

• Small Event Pack: 50 badges for $9 — Great for small gatherings, workshops.
• Large Event Pack: 500 badges for $29 — Perfect for conferences, trade shows.
• Available to all users: No subscription needed. Pay per order.
• Bulk pricing: The more you order, the lower the per-badge cost.

How to Order an Event Pack

1. Export your badge PDF.
2. Click Order Event Pack.
3. Select Small (50) or Large (500).
4. Provide shipping and payment details.
5. Your order is confirmed and sent to printing. You'll get a tracking number.

Printing Troubleshooting