Play cards: template and preparation of files

1. The radius of rounding

THE radius of rounding of the corners of cards is not an aesthetic decision annodine: it depends on the Quantity ordered and the method of manufacture This is why we systematically give each customer a dedicated template, set on the machine that will produce the order.

Standard spokes in the manufacture of B2B card sets:

Why this topic is important to your design: if you place a logo or frame too close to the corners assuming a 2 mm round while your order will be produced with a 4 mm round, the element will be truncated. Working on the template we are remitting eliminates this risk.

2. Bleeds, quiet area, border and border

It's the heart of the subject.

• Fond perdu (3 mm) : the bottom must be extended to this area, outside the final cutting line.
• Zone tranquille (3 mm) : Texts, logos and important elements must remain entirely within this area, more than 3 mm from the cut edge.
• Final format (cut) : the actual cut is somewhere between the bleed area and the quiet area, depending on machine tolerance.
• Border and border : provide a minimum width of 4 to 5 mm to absorb the cutting offset. A finer spring border visibly asymmetrical on the series.

To understand the general logic (CMYK, resolution, principle of bleeds), first consult our general information sheet. This card card applies the principles to the specific format of the cards to be played.

3. Most common card formats

In the French B2B manufacture, we produce the following formats regularly:

For each format, we provide an Illustrator or PDF template with: cutting plot, 3 mm bleeds, 3 mm quiet area, indication of rounding radius. To explore the material and finishing options associated with cards (paper 300g, matt/gloss coating, selective varnish), see our personalized play cards page.

4. Organization of PDF Files

To fluidize the production chain, we have a precise convention for the transmission of card files. Important: do not provide board cards. A board imposed by the customer is not reusable on our press (different formats, different setting) and requires to break down into individual cards, adding time and risk of error.

Case 1: cards with rectos and reverses unique (different cards on both sides)

Provide PDF file with alternating cards recto puis verso, in the order of the series :

• Page 1 : Map 1
• Page 2: Map 1 back
• Page 3: Map 2
• Page 4: Map 2 back
• And so on...

Case 2: cards with identical back (all cards share the same backside)

Provide two separate PDF files:

• File "Faces" : all sides (rectos) of the series, one per page.
• File "Dos" : the single back, on a single page.

This organization simplifies press release because the back is imposed once in automatic repetition.

5. Resolution and colors: reminders for cards

The general rules apply (300 dpi, CMYK Fogra 39: see general information sheet) with some details specific to the cards :

• Small characters The text is not less than 6 pt on a map. At this size, the readability depends on the print accuracy and the background/text contrast. For a black text on a light background, down to 5 pt remains legible; for a color text or on a dark background, stay at a minimum of 7 pt.
• Lignes fines : minimum thickness 0.25 pt for black lines, 0.5 pt for color lines. Below, the line can disappear when printing.
• Noir riche : for a deep black on a card (black back, black elements on a light background), use C40 M30 J30 N100 (200% ink). Never exceed 280% cumulated ink on film-coated cards, under penalty of drying and transfer problems on the card below when stacking.

6. Checklist before sending the card file

• Work on the template we have given (rounded radius)
• Lost 3 mm of bottoms respected on all edges, including edges and edges
• Quiet area 3 mm respected: no text, logo, pictogram outside
• Boring and straightening of at least 4 to 5 mm width
• CMYK Coated Fogra 39 mode, minimum 300 dpi resolution
• Vectored fonts in the final PDF
• One file per card (or rectos / back separated as appropriate)
• No boards imposed
• Explicit file naming

To go further on the card finishes (selective on central visual, soft-touch coating, rounded corners and polishing of the songs), check out our glossary printing finishes. For large volume manufacturing, see our page commandes 1000 units Or. large series 10K+.

French manufacturing process B2B

Understanding the downstream process illuminates file preparation choices. Here are the main manufacturing steps in order:

1. Receiving and checking the file (24 to 48 hours). Our studio checks: CMYK mode, resolution, bleeds, vectored fonts, quiet area, text meaning per face. If not compliant, return with detailed report for correction.
2. BAT validation (Good to shoot, 24h). We send a PDF or physical BAT according to your choice. Explicit validation mandatory before launch.
3. Pressing and printing (3-7 days)Offset for medium and large series, digital for small quantities and prototypes. Plant inks on all our B2B supports.
4. Finishes (1 to 5 days depending on options). Film coating, selective varnish, hot gilding, embossing, polishing of the songs: check our glossary of finishes.
5. Cut, fold, back-up, assembly (2-5 days). On our industrial lines or in ESAT workshop for manual operations with high added value.
6. Quality control and packaging (1 to 2 days). EN71 compliance test on games intended for a family or child audience, visual inspection of the whole lot.
7. Shipping (24 to 72 hours)Delivery France metropolitan via partner carrier. Possibility of logistics storage at our home for orders spread over time.

Average total time: 3 to 5 weeks depending on complexity, finishes and quantity. For urgent orders (seminars, trade shows), we offer an express mode on certain formats: request a quote.

Regulatory compliance and certification

Board games intended for the general public or children must meet several standards:

• EN71-1, EN71-2, EN71-3 European standard on the safety of toys (mechanical resistance, flammability, chemical migration). Our cards, cases, boxes and trays for children or families are systematically tested. See our page on safety standards toy.
• CE : compulsory marking for sale in the European Union. Cover EN71 and other directives.
• REACH European Chemicals Regulation. Our inks and film-coated products are REACH compliant.
• PEFC / FSC : certifications for sustainable forest management. We work with certified papers on request.
• ESAT (Establishment and Labour Support Service) : our partner workshop in Brittany is a ESAT, which allows the client companies to count their orders under the obligation to employ disabled workers (Law of 11 February 2005).

In your brief, specify the expected certifications: we adapt the materials and processes accordingly.