Getting your business card specifications right before printing saves time, money, and reprints. This guide covers every technical detail you need for print-ready artwork.
Standard Dimensions
Bangladesh follows two standard business card sizes:
- Size 1: 3.25" x 2.0" (82.55 x 50.8mm) — Most common, fits standard cardholders
- Size 2: 3.5" x 2.2" (88.9 x 55.88mm) — Slightly larger, preferred for corporate/executive use
Bleed & Safe Zone
Understanding bleed and safe zones prevents costly trimming errors:
- Bleed area: 2-3mm beyond the trim edge — extend background colors and images here
- Trim line: Where the card will be cut — final card edge
- Safe zone: 5mm (0.2") inside the trim line — keep all text and important elements here
Any text closer than 5mm to the edge risks being cut off during trimming.
Resolution Requirements
All raster images (photos, textures, gradients) must be:
- 300 DPI at actual print size (not screen size)
- CMYK color mode — not RGB
- Check in Photoshop: Image > Image Size > Resolution
Vector elements (logos, text, shapes) do not need resolution checks — they scale infinitely.
Color Specifications
Print uses CMYK, not RGB. Key color notes:
- Standard Black: C:0 M:0 Y:0 K:100 — for small text and fine lines
- Rich Black: C:40 M:30 Y:30 K:100 — for large solid areas (darker appearance)
- Never use rich black for small text — causes registration issues
- Convert all Pantone colors to CMYK equivalents before submission
File Preparation Checklist
- Convert all text to outlines (Type > Create Outlines)
- Embed all images or link them with the file package
- Set document color mode to CMYK
- Set resolution to 300 DPI for all raster elements
- Extend background to bleed area (2-3mm beyond trim)
- Keep all text 5mm inside the trim line
- Export as PDF/X-1a or AI with outlined fonts
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- RGB color mode: Causes unpredictable color shifts
- Low resolution: Photos below 300 DPI print blurry
- Missing bleed: White edges appear after trimming
- Text too close to edge: Important info gets cut off
- Unoutlined fonts: Substitute fonts change layout
- Wrong file format: JPEG compression degrades print quality
Free Prepress Service
At Shahid PrintShop, our senior prepress team audits every business card file at 300 DPI CMYK before a single plate is burned. This catches the problems that ruin a print run, before yours is printed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the standard business card size in Bangladesh?
The standard business card size in Bangladesh is 3.25" x 2.0" (82.55 x 50.8mm) or 3.5" x 2.2" (88.9 x 55.88mm). Both include a 0.2" (5mm) safe inner margin.
What bleed margin do I need for business cards?
Business cards require a 2mm to 3mm bleed on all sides. This means your background colors and images must extend 2-3mm beyond the final trim edge.
What resolution should my business card be?
All raster images in your business card must be 300 DPI at actual print size. Vector logos and text should remain as vector (AI, EPS, or outlined PDF).
Can I use RGB colors for business cards?
No. All print files must be in CMYK color mode. RGB files will produce unpredictable color shifts during printing, especially blues and greens.
What file format should I submit for business cards?
Adobe Illustrator (.AI) or PDF/X-1a are preferred. If submitting Photoshop (.PSD), ensure all text is outlined and resolution is 300 DPI CMYK.