A good school ID card does three jobs. It shows who the student is, which school they belong to, and it looks smart enough that children are happy to wear it. The layout you pick makes all three easier.
Quick answer: Choose a vertical layout for student cards worn on a lanyard (the photo is big and easy to see). Choose a horizontal layout for staff, visitor and transport cards, where you need more lines of text. Keep the school name at the top, the photo large, and the student's name in the biggest text on the card.
Below are 15 layouts we see working well in Indian schools, with what each one is best for.
Vertical or horizontal: which is better?
| Vertical card | Horizontal card | |
|---|---|---|
| Looks best | Hanging on a lanyard | In a wallet or clipped on |
| Photo | Big, in the centre | Smaller, on one side |
| Text space | Short lines | Long lines (address, designation) |
| Best for | Students, events | Staff, visitors, transport, parents |
Both use the same card size. If you are not sure of the size, see our guide to the standard ID card size.
8 vertical ID card layouts
1. Classic header band
The school name and logo sit in a coloured band at the top. The photo is in the middle and the details are below it. It is simple, clear and works for every class.
Best for: almost every school. If you only try one layout, try this one.
2. Photo first
A large photo fills the top half of the card, with the name in big bold letters under it. Teachers and gate staff can recognise the child from a distance.
Best for: nursery and primary classes.
3. House colour card
The card colour changes with the student's house: red, blue, green or yellow. Everything else stays the same.
Best for: schools with houses. It also helps on sports day.
4. Side stripe
A coloured stripe runs down the left side with the class and section written in it. Teachers can sort cards by class at a glance.
Best for: big schools with many sections.
5. Curved wave
A soft wave shape separates the coloured top from the white body of the card. It looks modern without adding clutter.
Best for: schools that want a fresh, modern look.
6. Round photo frame
The photo sits in a circle with a ring in the school colour. It feels friendly and works well with smiling children's photos.
Best for: junior classes and play schools.
7. Minimal white
Lots of white space, a small logo, thin lines and one accent colour. It looks calm and premium.
Best for: senior secondary classes and colleges.
8. Faded school photo background
A light, faded photo of the school building sits behind the details. Keep it very light, or the text will be hard to read.
Best for: schools proud of their campus, on premium cards like acrylic ID cards.
7 horizontal ID card layouts
9. Bank card style
The logo is at the top left, the photo is on the right and the details are on the left. It looks like a bank or office card.
Best for: teaching and non-teaching staff.
10. Split card
The left third is a solid colour with the logo. The right two thirds hold the photo and details.
Best for: staff cards that need a designation and an employee number.
11. Photo left, QR code right
Photo on the left, details in the middle and a QR code at the bottom right. The QR code can open the student's record or an attendance page.
Best for: schools that scan cards with a phone.
12. Visitor pass
A large word VISITOR, a card number and space to write the date. No photo is needed.
Best for: the front desk and the school gate.
13. Transport card
The bus route number is printed big, with the stop name and the driver's phone number below.
Best for: students who use school transport.
14. Parent or guardian card
The parent's photo with the child's name, class and section. Gate staff can check who is picking up which child.
Best for: safer pick-up at dismissal. Our Parent Card (ATM Style) is made for this.
15. Two-sided card
The front carries the photo and main details. The back carries the school address, an emergency number, a few school rules and "If found, please return to…".
Best for: every school. A back side costs only a little more and answers most questions.
7 design rules for any layout
These rules matter more than the layout you choose:
- One or two school colours only. Too many colours look messy.
- The name is the biggest text. Make it bold and easy to read from one metre away.
- No text smaller than 7 pt (about 2.5 mm tall). Smaller text blurs when printed.
- Dark text on a light background (or the other way round). Never red on green or blue on purple.
- Keep a 3 mm gap from every edge, so nothing is cut off.
- Use high-quality photos and logos. A blurry logo spoils the whole card. Read how to prepare artwork for printing.
- Check colours on paper, not only on screen. Here is why printed colours look different.
Tip: Make one sample card with your longest student name, such as "Gurpreet Kaur Sandhu". If it fits, every other name will fit too.
Don't want to design it yourself?
You can pick a ready design and add your school's name, logo and colours. Open the mustprint design studio and choose a product:
We send you a print proof before anything is printed. Or browse all ID cards.
Frequently asked questions
Which colour is best for a school ID card?
Use your school's own colours. If you have none, navy blue, maroon and dark green look smart and keep white text easy to read.
Should a school ID card be vertical or horizontal?
Vertical is better for students who wear the card on a lanyard. Horizontal is better for staff and visitor cards that need more text.
Can each house have a different colour card?
Yes. Keep the same layout and only change the background colour. It costs the same to print.
What should go on the back of a school ID card?
The school address and phone number, an emergency contact, a few school rules and a "please return if found" line.
