business card design is an essential part of any marketing toolkit, whether you’re a business or an individual. They need to look polished, but that doesn’t mean designing them has to be a headache. With modern business card design tools offering customizable templates and robust editing features, creating a card that stands out is easier than ever.
In this article, we’ll look at the most popular business card design tools out there, from simple DIY options to professional-level software, so you can find the perfect fit for your needs and skill level.
Also read: Discover the Best Freelance Graphic Design Services Online
Key takeaways
- Whether you’re a beginner or a design pro, there’s a business card design tool that fits your needs—from template-based editors like VistaPrint to fully customizable options like Adobe Illustrator.
- When picking tools for your project, consider their ease of use, customization level, template availability, budget and print quality.
- If designing isn’t your thing, remember that affordable design services make it easy to get a professional-looking card without the hassle.
Which tools are used to create a business card?
The tools you need for creating a business card will depend on the style and complexity you’re aiming for. For a basic, minimalistic card, a simple text editor may be all you need. But if you want a custom look with intricate details or photorealistic elements, dedicated design software will give you the control you’re after.
More complex projects call for a business card design tool that handles design, layout and customization, ideally with templates to make the process easier.
What is the best software to create business cards?
When picking the perfect business card design tool for your project, you need to consider a few key factors:
- Ease of use: If you’re new to design, look for tools that don’t require hours of learning. The right tool should feel intuitive from the start.
- Customization options: Do you need a simple layout or complete control over fonts, colors and layout? Check each tool’s flexibility to make sure it meets your design vision.
- Templates vs. Full customization: If time is tight, a tool with ready-made templates can help you get started quickly. For something more unique, look for a tool that lets you design from scratch.
- Budget: Some tools offer free options or affordable plans, while others may be an investment. Make sure the tool fits your budget.
- Print quality: Not all tools are created equal when it comes to producing print-ready designs. Ensure the tool provides high-resolution export options to get a crisp, professional finish.
Read on for a complete overview of the top business card design tools, including their features, pros and cons and tips to help you create a business card that meets your vision.
6 best business card design tools: How to create a business card design yourself
VistaPrint: How to make business cards on VistaPrint
While we are known first and foremost as a printing service provider, VistaPrint also features a robust online business card editor that offers both basic and advanced customization options. It’s an ideal tool if you’re looking to design and order your cards in one place, with flexibility that works for both beginners and those with a more detailed design in mind.
Key features of the VistaPrint business card design tool
- Text: With a wide selection of fonts, from traditional and modern to script, playful and decorative, our editor offers ample variety. You can choose specific colors for your text, and a great perk is that you can enter CMYK color values directly, so what you see in the editor matches what you’ll see in print. There are also five pre-made options for curving text.
- Images: You can easily upload your own images or explore a library of stock images to enhance your design.
- Graphics: Choose from a range of icons and clipart to personalize your card further.
- QR Code Generator: Without leaving the editor, you can generate a QR code and add it to your design—a great feature for including contact info or links.
- Tables: If you need to organize information neatly, tables are available to make it simple.
- Design colors: Templates are available in several different color palettes, allowing you to start with a coordinated look and adjust as needed.
What sets VistaPrint apart is our design guidance: crop marks like the bleed, trim and safety areas are clearly outlined on the canvas, helping you place elements precisely to avoid any unexpected cuts or alignment issues once printed.
To create a business card using VistaPrint, you need to:
1. Head to the VistaPrint website, navigate to “Business cards” and select “Upload design” (then “Create my design”) or a template that fits your style.
Source: VistaPrint Business Cards page
Tip
Browse the gallery of 4,967 free business card design templates we offer to find one that matches your vision. You can filter them by industry, style, color, use case and more!
2. Customize your design by adding text, images, graphics and icons and, potentially, a QR code—check out our article that explores creative ways to use QR codes on business cards.
3. Follow the bleed, trim and safety guidelines outlined on the canvas to ensure everything prints as expected.
4. If you’re using a template, select from the available color palettes to achieve a coordinated look, or customize further as needed.
5. Once you’re happy with your layout, use the preview function to see exactly how it will look when printed.
6. Download a print-ready file in PDF, SVG or Adobe Illustrator format if you plan to print it yourself. Or, select “Order” to choose your paper thickness, stock, finish and corner shape, then place your order directly with VistaPrint.
Pros and cons of the VistaPrint business card design tool
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| User-friendly editor with customization optionsExtensive font variety and color customization, including CMYK color entryGallery of 4,967 customizable templates to choose fromClear guidelines for bleed, trim and safety areasBuilt-in QR code generator and access to stock imagesAbility to order business cards directly from the editor | Limited flexibility compared to standalone design softwareTemplates are free, but printing comes at an additional cost |
VistaCreate: How to make business cards in VistaCreate
If you’re looking for a bit more creative control than VistaPrint’s editor offers, VistaCreate (part of the Vista ecosystem) is an excellent choice.
This tool is designed for users who want to fine-tune every detail of their business card design, thanks to the extensive range of features packed into this fully-fledged online graphic editor. With VistaCreate, you have the flexibility to build a business card from the ground up or customize a template with professional tools that make it easy to create a unique, brand-consistent design.
Key features of the VistaCreate business card design tool
VistaCreate offers all the essential features you’d expect from a graphic editing tool, as well as a suite of advanced options that make it especially powerful for business card design like:
- Styles feature: With just one click, you can match the color palette of your entire project to the colors in an image, creating a cohesive and visually appealing look effortlessly.
- Brand Kits: Save your brand colors, fonts and logos for easy access, ensuring brand consistency across all your designs.
- Background Remover: Quickly remove backgrounds from images to create a polished, professional appearance, ideal for adding logos or clean images to your card.
Plus, VistaCreate provides a vast library of templates tailored for different regions, including 1,958 customizable business card templates for the European format and 1,980 templates for the US format, making it easy to find a layout that works for you.
Source: Customizable business card design templates via VistaCreate
To create a business card in VistaCreate, you need to:
To create a business card in VistaCreate, start by choosing a template from the extensive library or begin with a blank canvas. Add your business information, then customize the fonts, colors and layout to match your style.
Tip
Use the Styles feature to coordinate colors with an image palette or apply your saved Brand Kit for brand consistency.
If needed, clean up any image backgrounds using the Background Remover tool.
Tip
Use VistaCreate’s drag-and-drop features to easily customize every aspect of your business card.
Once your design is complete, either download it as a print-ready file or export it directly to VistaPrint, where you can order high-quality prints with your preferred paper and finish options—all in just a few clicks.
Pros and cons of the VistaCreate business card design tool
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Comprehensive customization options with an easy-to-use interfaceVast library of customizable templatesCollaborative functionality Integration with VistaPrint for seamless printing | Advanced design features may feel overwhelming for beginnersSome templates and features are only available to VistaCreate Pro users |
Microsoft Word: How to make business cards in Word
Believe it or not, you don’t always need complex design software to create a professional-looking business card. For simpler projects, Microsoft Word can actually do the trick! With built-in templates and basic customization features, Word is a great option for anyone looking to make a straightforward, no-fuss business card.
Key features of the Microsoft Word business card design tool
- Templates: Microsoft Word offers a range of business card templates you can use as a starting point, saving time and simplifying the process.
- Text customization: Adjust fonts, sizes, colors and alignment to fit your brand style. While not extensive by default, Word’s font library provides enough options for a clean, readable card. Besides, you can download and install any font you want and use it in Word, giving you more flexibility with your design.
- Shapes and icons: Use simple shapes and icons to add visual elements to your design. You can also upload your logo to personalize it further.
- Grid layouts: Word’s gridlines make it easy to align elements for a balanced layout, helping you get a polished look even with basic tools.
To make business cards in Word:
When making business cards in Word, you don’t need much skill or experience. The process is as simple as it gets:
1. Open Word and search for “business card” in the templates section. Select a template that suits your style.
2. Enter your contact information and adjust the font, size, and color for a professional look.
3. Add your logo by inserting an image, then use basic shapes and icons to enhance the design.
4. Use Word’s gridlines to make sure everything is aligned properly.
ord’s gridlines to make sure everything is aligned properly.
Tip
Ensure your margins are set correctly to avoid important information being cut off during printing.
When you’re all set with the design, save your business card as a PDF for printing or print directly from Word onto business card paper for a quick DIY solution.
Tip
Check out our guide on how to print business cards to understand what business card printing options (both professional and DIY) are available to you.
Pros and cons of the Microsoft Word business card design tool
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Extremely user-friendly, especially for beginnersAccess to basic templates and customization optionsFamiliar interface that most people are comfortable withEasy to save and print directly from Word | Limited design flexibility compared to dedicated design toolsFewer font and color optionsTemplates are fairly basic and may not meet complex design needs |
Google Docs: How to make business cards on Google Docs
For those who don’t have access to Microsoft Word, there’s an even more accessible, free option—Google Docs. If you have a basic business card idea in mind, all you need is a Google Account and a bit of time.
Key features of the Google Docs business card design tool
- Text customization: Docs offers standard font and color adjustments, so you can customize text for a clean, minimal look. You can even upload custom fonts through Google Fonts to broaden your options.
- Images and shapes: Easily insert your logo or add shapes to highlight important details on your card.
- Real-time collaboration: If you’re working with a team or want feedback, Google Docs allows real-time editing and comments, which can be helpful for quick approvals.
Tip
While Google Docs doesn’t have business card templates by default, you can find free templates online and upload them to Docs for easy access.
To make business cards on Google Docs:
1. Create a new document in Google Docs. Use tables and grids to set up your business card design layout. Typically, a 2×5 or 3×4 grid works well on a letter-sized page to fit standard business cards.
2. Right-click on the table, go to Table properties, and set the cell width to 3.5 inches and height to 2 inches to match standard card size.
Tip
If you want to create a single card, set the page size to standard business card dimensions (3.5 x 2 inches) when creating a doc.
3. Click inside each cell to add your business card information, including name, title, phone number, email and any other relevant details. Format the text.
4. Place your logo by going to Insert > Image and adjust the size to fit the layout.
Tip
You can use Image Options to tweak the alignment or add padding for a balanced look.
5. Once your design is ready, go to File > Download > PDF Document for a print-ready file.
Pros and cons of the Google Docs business card design tool
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Completely free and accessible from any device with internet accessBasic customization options for fonts, colors and layoutReal-time collaboration makes it easy to get feedbackEasy to save as a PDF for print | Requires extra steps to find or set up a business card templateNot ideal for more complex designs or high-level customizationNo built-in business card design templates |
Adobe Photoshop: How to make a business card in Photoshop
Adobe Photoshop is a powerhouse in the world of graphic design, offering unmatched control over every pixel, layer and detail for advanced designers.
Key features of the Photoshop business card design tool
Adobe Photoshop offers a vast array of different tools—and describing all of them would need an article of its own! So, here’s a quick overview of the most popular features used to make a business card in Photoshop:
- Precise text control: Customize your typography with a wide selection of fonts, spacing, alignment, color and effects.
- Image editing and retouching: Photoshop’s image manipulation tools let you add, adjust and edit images and logos in detail. Features like brightness, contrast and color correction help ensure that any visuals look their best.
- Color correction and CMYK mode: Ensure accurate print colors by setting your color mode to CMYK and using Photoshop’s color correction tools to fine-tune hues and tones.
- Shape and vector tools: Draw custom shapes, borders and lines or use vector graphics for clean, scalable elements that maintain quality.
- Special effects and blending modes: Add drop shadows, gradients, textures or other visual effects to make your card stand out.
For experienced designers, Photoshop’s extensive range of tools makes it ideal for creating a truly custom business card.
But its flexibility comes at a cost—if you’re new to design, there’s no quick fix or easy workaround here. Because it lacks customizable templates and user-friendly features for beginners, designing in Photoshop demands both graphic design skills and extensive knowledge of the software.
Tip
If you’re confident about using Photoshop for making business cards, set your document resolution to at least 300 DPI to ensure a high-quality print result.
Pros and cons of Photoshop for making business cards
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Total control over design elements, layouts and visual effectsHigh-quality image editing, perfect for detailed or photorealistic designsAdvanced tools for color correction and adding texture or effectsGreat for creating completely custom, unique designs | Requires some design know-how to get the most out of itNo ready-to-use business card templates, so you’ll be starting from scratchNot the quickest option for simple designsSubscription-based, which makes it a bit pricier |
Adobe Illustrator: How to make a business card in Illustrator
Adobe Illustrator is the ultimate tool for business card design, outshining even Photoshop when it comes to precision and flexibility. As a vector-based design software, Illustrator provides unmatched control over every detail, allowing you to create crisp, scalable designs that maintain quality at any size. For those who want total creative freedom and advanced customization, Illustrator is the go-to choice; however, it comes with a steep learning curve.
Key features of the Adobe Illustrator business card design tool
If there’s a tool or feature you might need for creating business cards, rest assured that Adobe Illustrator offers it. Some of the most notable ones include:
- Artboards: Create multiple artboards within one document, which is useful if you’re designing various versions or double-sided cards.
- Shape and Path tools: Use Illustrator’s shape, pen and pathfinder tools to create custom icons, logos and intricate patterns directly within your business card design.
- Precise text and typography tools: Illustrator offers an extensive range of font and text customization options, including custom kerning, tracking and type effects, allowing for precise typography that reflects your brand.
Pros and cons of Adobe Illustrator for making business cards
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Perfect for vector-based, high-quality designsExcellent control over typography and custom shapesBuilt-in CMYK mode for print color accuracyAllows for multiple artboards, making double-sided design easySupports advanced, print-ready export options | Steep learning curve, best suited for experienced designersRequires a subscription, making it a more costly optionCan be overkill for those seeking a simple design solution |
6 best business card design tools table
Below is a table summarizing the six business card design tools we covered in this article to help you compare and contrast and pick which works best for your project!
Ease of use | Customization | Templates vs. Full customization | Budget | Print quality | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VistaPrint | Very intuitive; minimal learning required | Moderate | Extensive template library with some customization | Free | High-quality, print-ready export and in-editor order option |
| VistaCreate | User-friendly with advanced options | Strong | Large template library, full customization possible | Free with optional Pro plan for advanced features | High-quality exports; integrates with VistaPrint for seamless printing |
| Microsoft Word | Extremely user-friendly for beginners | Basic | Limited templates, straightforward customization | Part of Microsoft Office subscription or one-time purchase | Moderate quality; suitable for basic business card prints |
| Google Docs | User-friendly overall, requires some effort to set up the layout | Basic | Limited templates (found online); mostly custom setup with tables | Free | Moderate quality; suitable for DIY or quick print jobs |
| Adobe Photoshop | Advanced; steep learning curve | Extensive | Full customization from scratch; no templates | Subscription required, higher investment | Excellent print quality |
| Adobe Illustrator | Most advanced; steepest learning curve | Unmatched control over design elements, color accuracy | Full customization from scratch; no templates | Subscription required, higher investment | Best print quality; vector-based and CMYK-ready for professional results |
Ready to create business cards that make an impact?
Remember, no matter which tool you choose, doing a bit of prep work upfront will make the design process smoother and more effective. Take the time to understand your brand and layout preferences, principles of business card design and business card dimensions before diving in.
But if the DIY route doesn’t sound like you, VistaPrint’s design services offer an affordable alternative, starting at just $10—perfect for getting a polished look without the design hassle.
And once your design is set? Get those business cards printed! A business card is only as effective as the connections it helps you make, so put it out there and start sharing your brand with the world.
Need to get your business cards printed?
Bring your business card design to life with VistaPrint.
FAQs about business card design software
What are the easiest-to-use business card design tools?
The simplest one is Microsoft Word. But if you need business card design tools that can aid more complex design projects, VistaPrint and VistaCreate top the list. Both offer customizable templates and intuitive design tools that make it easy for beginners to create professional-looking cards.
What do you need to know to create a business card using business card design tools?
A clean layout is essential—it organizes all your information clearly and keeps your card looking professional. Include your key details (like name, title and contact info) in a simple, readable format. Understand business cards sizes and dimensions and remember to add bleed marks (an extra 0.125 inches around the edges) so nothing gets cut off during printing. And use crop marks to guide precise trimming. This way, every detail stays in place, and your final card looks polished and print-ready!
Can I use my own design when ordering business cards?
Absolutely! If you’ve created a design you love, you can upload it directly to sites like VistaPrint for printing. Just make sure it’s high-quality and follows the print guidelines so it comes out perfectly.
