Edge-to-edge printing is the standard for ID badges, and the name is a little misleading. Here is what it actually looks like on a finished card and who it suits.
What edge-to-edge really means
Edge-to-edge printing means the design prints close to the edge of the card, but not all the way to it. A white border remains, roughly the width of a hair, and on most badges it is barely noticeable.
That small compromise is why it is the default for standard ID card printing. It is the method most organizations use for everyday credentials, including corporate offices, schools and universities, healthcare facilities, gyms and fitness centers, retail and hospitality, event staff and conferences, and government offices.
The short version
- The border on an edge-to-edge card is real but very thin.
- It suits standard photo IDs and access badges.
- If your design needs color all the way to the edge, you need over-the-edge printing instead.
Where this applies
