How to Make Business Cards on Google Docs? (It’s Easy!)

Sick of flimsy, expensive business cards?

Creating them yourself on Google Docs is frustrating and time-consuming.

But with the right templates and formatting tips, you can easily make professional-quality cards that reflect your brand.

Best of all, you can print them for free whenever you need a refresh.

Pros and Cons of Making Business Cards on Google Docs

Pros	Cons
Free to use	Limited design options
Easy to edit and update	Lower print quality than professional services
Good for simple, text-based cards	No customer support for issues
Integrates with other Google services	Requires making custom templates
Can collaborate and share easily	Less control over print settings

Method 1: Creating a Business Card from Scratch

If you want complete creative control over your business card design, building it from scratch in Google Drawings is the way to go. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Open a new Google Drawing

To get started, open Google Drawings and click the “Blank” option to open up a blank canvas.

Step 2: Set the size for a standard business card

Go to File > Page setup and set the page size to 3.5 inches wide by 2 inches tall, which are the dimensions for a standard business card. Set orientation to portrait.

Step 3: Add shapes and text boxes

Use the shape and text box tools to map out where you want to place text and images on your card.

For example, you could insert a rectangle shape for your logo at the top and text boxes for your name, company, phone number, etc.

Step 4: Style the text and elements

Customize the look of your card by applying colors, changing fonts, and resizing/repositioning elements.

Try different combinations until you have a professional, branded design.

Step 5: Add your logo or image

Upload your company logo or other image by going to Insert > Image.

Size and position it to fit into your card layout.

Step 6: Insert contact details

Type your name, job title, phone number, email, website, and other info into the text boxes. Use a legible font like Arial or Helvetica.

Step 7: Add a QR code (optional)

To include a scannable QR code on your card, go to Insert > Shape > QR code. Customize it with your website URL or other links.

Once your design is complete, download your card as a PDF file by going to File > Download as > PDF document. The PDF format will ensure it prints properly.

Step	Instructions
1. Set up page layout	Go to File > Page setup and adjust the page size to 3.5 x 2 inches. Orientation should be landscape.
2. Add background/border	Insert shapes or an image for the card background. Add borders if desired.
3. Insert name and contact info	Use text boxes to add name, job title, phone number, email, etc. Adjust font sizes as needed.
4. Add logo (optional)	Insert company logo image or drawing at the top.
5. Check alignment and spacing	Make sure elements are centered and evenly distributed on the card.
6. Print test cards	Print a few test cards on cardstock to verify alignment and size.
7. Print final cards	When ready, print final cards on desired paper stock.

Tips for an Effective Business Card Design

• Keep text brief and legible with ample spacing between elements
• Use your brand colors and fonts to maintain consistency
• Include only the most essential contact info – don’t clutter the card
• Place important info like name and title prominently
• Consider rounded corners for a unique non-rectangular shape

Method 2: Using Google Docs Templates

If you want a business card fast without much fussing over the design, Google Docs offers various templates you can customize.

Step 1: Open a Template

In Google Docs, click File > New > From template and search for “business card” to browse the template options. Choose one that fits your style.

Step 2: Edit Placeholder Text

The template will contain placeholder text and images. Replace these with your details like company name, address, email, etc.

Step 3: Change Colors and Fonts

Apply your brand’s color scheme and fonts so the template matches your existing branding.

Step 4: Insert Logo

Delete any placeholder graphics or logos in the template and insert your logo image file. Position and size it to fit.

Step 5: Rearrange or Remove Elements

If the template contains any unnecessary text or images, delete them. Move elements around if needed to create a well-organized card.

Step 6: Finalize and Download

Do a final pass to refine the design and ensure all text is clear and legible. Then download as a PDF.

When using a template, look for ones with:

• Versatile, professional designs
• Modular layouts that are easy to edit
• Correct dimensions for printing business cards
• Options for vertical and horizontal orientations

Tips for Formatting Business Cards in Google Docs

Follow these formatting best practices to ensure your DIY Google Docs business cards look polished and print properly:

Font Choice and Size

• Stick to 1 or 2 clean, simple fonts that will render well in small sizes. Sans serifs like Arial work well.
• Font size should be between 8-12 points for readability. Your name can be slightly larger.

Color

• Use your brand colors, but don’t go overboard. Stick to 2 or 3 colors maximum.
• Make sure the text and background colors have enough contrast to be legible when printed small.

Images and Logos

• Images should be high resolution, at least 300 dpi so they don’t pixelate when printed.
• Size logos appropriately – they shouldn’t dominate the card.

Printing

• For best results, print on thick card stock paper. This will help prevent flimsy, easily bent cards.
• Print on the card stock first, then use a paper cutter to cut the cards out neatly.

FAQs On Making Business Cards on Google Docs

Conclusion

Whether you prefer starting from a blank page or customizing a template, Google Docs makes it easy to create stunning DIY business cards.

With some simple design tips in mind and the ability to download a professional-quality PDF, you can quickly make business cards that impress.

So next time you need new cards, don’t pay a designer – put Google Docs to work and make them yourself.

A personalized design that reflects your brand will make your company come alive in the palm of someone’s hand.

Distribute your sleek new cards far and wide to spread the word about your venture.

Related Posts:

1. Are Black Business Cards a Good Idea
2. What to Put On Back of Business Card?
3. How Many Business Cards Should I Order?