Business Cards & Stationery Business Card Layout 5

Question 1

A finished card comes back from the printer with white slivers along one edge. What was most likely missing from the file?

Accepted Answer

Bleed extending past the trim line

Answer

White edges after trimming usually mean the artwork lacked bleed beyond the cut line.

Question 2

Why should fonts be outlined or embedded before sending a card file to print?

Accepted Answer

To prevent font substitution if the printer lacks the typeface

Answer

Outlining or embedding fonts ensures the type renders exactly as designed on any system.

Question 3

What is the typical bleed allowance printers request on each side of a business card?

Accepted Answer

0.125 inch

Answer

Most printers ask for 0.125 inch (1/8 inch) of bleed on each edge.

Question 4

A designer wants heavy solid black coverage on a card back. Which layout/prepress choice gives the deepest black in print?

Accepted Answer

A rich black mix such as C60 M40 Y40 K100

Answer

Rich black layers other inks under 100% K for a deeper, denser black than K alone.

Question 5

Which scenario justifies a die-cut business card shape?

Accepted Answer

When the brand benefits from a memorable custom shape and the budget allows tooling costs

Answer

Die cuts create memorable shapes but add cost and may sacrifice wallet-friendliness.

Business Cards & Stationery Practice Test