Name badge glossary
36 terms you will see on quotes, proofs and product pages, explained in one line each.
Reviewed by the Best Name Badge production team · Updated September 27, 2026How we check facts
- Badge holder
- A clear sleeve or rigid case that protects an ID card or paper insert. Badge holders
- Badge reel
- A retractable cord that lets an ID card pull out to a reader and snap back. Badge reels
- Bar magnet
- A single flat magnet bar behind the badge with a separate plate worn inside the shirt. Magnetic name badges from $9.99
- Bleed
- Artwork extended past the cut line so no white edge shows after trimming. Artwork checklist
- Breakaway lanyard
- A lanyard with a safety clasp that releases under a sharp pull. Lanyards
- Brushed finish
- A metal face with fine straight grain lines, usually gold or silver. Premium metal-faced badges from $12.49
- Butterfly clutch
- The small spring clasp that locks onto a pin post from behind the fabric. Clutch backs
- Clutch back
- Two posts with butterfly clutches that hold a tag flat and straight on a uniform. Clutch backs
- CMYK
- The four ink colors used for full-color printing: cyan, magenta, yellow and black.
- CR80
- The standard ID card size, 3.375 x 2.125 inches, same as a credit card. Holder size
- Digital proof
- A preview of your badge sent for approval before production starts. Proofs
- Domed badge
- A badge with a clear raised resin coat over the print for depth and protection.
- Dovetail
- A wood grain pattern option on real wood badges. Real wood badges, $14.95
- DPI
- Dots per inch. Logos should be 300 dpi at badge size for sharp printing. Artwork checklist
- Engraving
- Cutting away the top layer of material so the letters show a contrasting color underneath. Engraved badges, $15.99
- Executive badge
- A heavier solid metal badge with a formal look, used by banks and executives. Executive solid metal badges from $15.85
- Full color
- Printing any logo color, including gradients and photos, instead of one spot color.
- Laser etching
- Using a laser to mark the surface, common on wood and coated metal. Real wood badges, $14.95
- Magnetic back
- A two-part magnet that holds a badge without piercing fabric. Magnet vs pin
- Metal-faced badge
- A badge with a thin metal face over a lighter core, the premium line. Premium metal-faced badges from $12.49
- Name plate
- A rigid engraved or printed plate for a desk, wall or door. Wall and desk plates
- Name tag
- Often used for stickers and inserts; also a common word for any name badge. Name tag vs badge
- Oval badge
- A rounded badge shape popular in hospitality and front desk settings. Badge size chart
- Pantone (PMS)
- A numbered color matching system used to match a brand color exactly.
- Pin back
- A safety-pin style back, strongest on heavy fabrics. Attachment guide
- Print area
- The part of the badge face where text and logo can safely print. Badge size chart
- Raster file
- An image made of pixels such as PNG or JPG. It blurs when enlarged. Artwork checklist
- Reusable badge
- A badge with a changeable name insert or writable surface. Reusable name badges
- Rhinestone border
- Set stones framing the name area on bling badges. Bling rhinestone badges, $27.49
- Rush production
- Faster production, 1 to 3 business days after proof approval. Turnaround
- Safe area
- The inner zone where text stays clear of the badge edge. Free name badge templates
- Slot punch
- A slot cut into an ID card so a strap clip or reel can attach. Printed ID cards, $12
- Strap clip
- A vinyl strap with a metal clip that attaches a card through its slot punch. Badge holders
- Sublimation
- A heat process that dyes ink into a coated surface for full-color, scratch-resistant prints.
- Tier pricing
- Price per badge that drops as order quantity passes set breaks. Prices
- Vector file
- Artwork made of paths, such as AI, EPS or SVG, that scales without blurring. Logo files
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