Printing & Technique
Retransfer
Printing onto a film first, then fusing it to the card for true over-the-edge, borderless results.
Retransfer prints the image onto a clear film that is then bonded to the card, so color wraps all the way over the edges ("over the edge") with no border, and prints flawlessly over the bumps of chips and antennas. It is ideal for technology cards and premium credentials. See our edge-to-edge vs over-the-edge guide for the full comparison.
More on this in how the two print methods differ.
You pay more for retransfer in both hardware and supplies (ribbon plus film), and each card prints a touch slower because of the two-step process. In return you get borderless, photo-grade cards that print cleanly over technology, worth it for high-security and premium credentials, overkill for a basic staff badge.
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