Custom Printing: Guide to Formats and Files Required

We offer customized products with custom graphics, made with different professional printing techniques. To obtain a high-quality result, it is essential to send the files in the correct format. In this guide, we explain everything you need to know.

✅ Accepted graphic formats

To ensure a sharp and professional print, we accept the following file formats:

• Vector PDF (ideal for logos, text and scalable graphics)
• High-resolution PNG (300 DPI)
• High-resolution JPG (300 DPI)

📌 Tip: Make sure your images are not pixelated or compressed to avoid low-quality rendering.

🔁 Variable data printing

Do you need to print different information on each product (such as names, numbers, codes, etc.)? We also offer variable data printing, perfect for personalized badges, labels, invitations and more.

For this option, in addition to the graphic file, we ask you to send a file with the data in one of the following formats:

• Excel (.xls, .xlsx)
• OpenDocument (.ods)
• CSV (.csv)

📥 Make sure the data is organized and well structured to speed up the printing process.

📦 Summary of printing types

🪪 Personalized cards

• Monochrome – Simple and economical monochrome printing
• Re-transfer – High definition printing on the entire surface of the card
• UV – Selective gloss printing for brilliant details
• Offset – Offset printing for large runs with professional quality

🏷️ Personalized stickers

• Monochrome – Monochrome printing for simple and functional labels
• Offset – Offset printing for high quality and long-lasting stickers
• UV – Express printing with selective gloss finish
• Converting – Express printing with custom die-cutting

🪪 Custom cards

Monochrome printing

Monochrome printing is a direct thermal transfer technique that allows you to print in black on any type of PVC card. It is a solution designed for functional applications, where speed and clarity of data are more important than aesthetics.

It is particularly suitable for printing variable data such as serial numbers, QR codes, barcodes and UIDs of NFC chips (NTAG®, MIFARE Classic®, MIFARE Ultralight®). It can also be used for simple logos, as long as they are in a single color and without shades, on a white background.

Thanks to its speed, it allows you to print hundreds of cards per day, with very short delivery times.

✅ Pros and ❌ Cons of monochrome printing

Re-transfer printing

Re-Transfer printing is a professional technique that allows you to obtain a good quality of color printing (CMYK) on PVC cards, thanks to a process that involves printing on an intermediate film and then transferring it to the card. This method also includes a glossy overlay that protects the surface and improves visual rendering.

It is a solution also suitable for small quantities, with a minimum order of only 10 pieces, and allows the printing of variable fields such as serial codes, barcodes, QR codes, personalized texts and even images.

Production times are fast: generally 1-5 working days, depending on the volume of the order. Compared to offset printing, it has a slightly higher cost, but offers greater flexibility and shorter times.

✅ Pros and ❌ Cons of Re-Transfer printing

UV Printing

UV LED printing is an advanced technology that uses ultraviolet light emitted by LEDs to polymerize ink directly onto the surface of the card. This process allows you to obtain a color print (CMYK) with a slightly embossed effect, which gives the card an elegant and distinctive look.

One of the most appreciated features of this technique is the possibility of applying a selective polish, highlighting only some areas of the graphics (such as logos or texts), for a visual result of great impact.

UV LED printing is also suitable for small quantities, with a minimum order of 10 pieces, and supports the printing of variable fields, such as serial codes, QR codes, personalized texts and images.

Production times are relatively fast, similar to those of Re-Transfer printing, with a higher visual quality and a more creative effect.

✅ Pros and ❌ Cons of UV LED printing

Offset Printing

Offset printing is the most refined and professional technique available for card personalization. It is performed directly during the production of the card, in four-color process (CMYK), and guarantees the highest print quality, with sharp colors, precise details and impeccable visual rendering.

This technology is particularly suitable for medium-large runs, with a minimum quantity of 500 pieces, and is recommended when you want a high-level result, even with special effects and personalized finishes. You can choose between glossy, matte or satin finishes, and add elements such as signature panels, holes, buttonholes, as well as finishing touches such as embossed varnishes, gold or silver silkscreen backgrounds, Pantones, holographic effects and even laser engraving (only for wooden cards).

Offset printing also supports variable data, such as barcodes (also graphically as logos), QR codes, numbering, names, photos and even embossed elements. Production times are longer than other techniques: approximately 2-5 weeks, depending on the type of chip and the quantity ordered. However, the cost per card is lower than other express solutions, making it ideal for large-scale production.

✅ Pros and ❌ Cons of Offset Printing

Comparison table: Monochrome vs Re-Transfer vs UV LED

🏷️ Custom stickers

Monochrome Printing

Monochrome printing on adhesive NFC tags is a thermal transfer technique that allows you to print directly on the sticker, using a single color (black). It is compatible with any sticker in a roll, whether shielded or not, and guarantees good resistance to water and rubbing.

This mode is ideal for functional applications, such as printing simple logos, serial codes, QR codes, EANs and other variable fields. In addition, on some sizes and shapes it allows printing of the NFC chip UID.

It is a very fast and economical solution, also suitable for large volumes: it is possible to print thousands of tags per day with a minimum order of 100 pieces.

✅ Pros and ❌ Cons of monochrome printing on NFC tags

Offset Printing

Offset printing is a very high quality technique, performed directly during the production of the tag. It uses four-color process (CMYK) to obtain an excellent visual rendering, with bright colors and precise details. It is the ideal solution for those looking for a professional and long-lasting result.

This mode is available for both NFC adhesive labels (minimum 2000 pieces) and PVC tags (minimum 1000 pieces). Production times are longer than other techniques, varying between 3 and 5 weeks, depending on the type of chip and the quantity ordered.

Offset printing guarantees high resistance to water and wear, and is compatible with the printing of variable fields, including serial codes, QR codes, custom texts, images and even the UID of the NFC chip.

✅ Pros and ❌ Cons of Offset printing on NFC tags

UV mode

Printing is done directly on the tag, making it cheaper and faster. It is ideal for quantities not exceeding 1000 pieces, with production times of 1-10 days (based on the quantity ordered). The NFC antenna has the same dimensions as the tag, ensuring optimal performance.

Converting Mode

In this case, printing is done on a label which is then applied to the tag. It is the most suitable solution for quantities of 100 pieces and above without maximum limit, with production times of 1-10 days (depending on the quantity ordered).production approximately 1-4 weeks (depending on the quantity ordered). The antenna, however, is slightly smaller than the tag, to leave room for processing.

The printing is water and weather resistant, and can also be done on custom shapes and sizes (for non-shielded labels). It is possible to print variable fields (such as codes, QR, texts), but not the UID of the NFC chip.

Comparison table: Monochrome vs Offset vs UV vs Converting

⚠️ NB: The delivery times provided are purely indicative and will be defined precisely at the time of ordering.