How to Make Business Cards in Microsoft Word (With Template)

A memorable business card can help you stand out at a networking event. A high-quality business card relevant to your industry can entice people you've networked with to reach out to you after you meet with them in person. Overall, the quality of your business card puts you in a favorable position to advance your career and develop the confidence to enhance your networking skills.

In this article, we will define what a business card is and review how to make them in Word using templates and tables.

Related: 10 Tips to Help You Network Like a Pro

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What are business cards?

Business cards are small cards that display business information related to a company or an employee. A business card is a physical way for people to remember individuals they networked with. How an employer remembers an employee can be the difference in contacting them about a potential opening within their organization.

Related: How to Get the Most Out of Job Fairs

How to make a business card in Word with a template

One of the easiest ways to create a business card is through Word. You can design a business card through Word's template or by manually creating a table.

Follow these steps to create a business card with a template in Word:

1. Open a new Word document

In Word, click New from the File menu. Next, type business cards into the search field at the top of the page. Once your search is complete, different business card templates will appear on the screen. You may need to purchase and download Word to create business cards on a personal computer.

2. Review and choose your favorite template

Take a close look at the templates that show up on your screen. After careful review, decide which template style represents your brand and core values.

Related: Core Values: Overview and Examples

3. Fill in relevant information within the template

Include the following elements above in your business card:

• Name: Your name is part of your personal brand, so make sure it's easy to read on your business card. Your name or company name should be the largest font on the card. Contacts having your name etched in their memory can prolong the relationship you'll have after networking with them.
  

• Personal tagline: Come up with a tagline that best represents the service you provide. For example, "Content Creation for All" help you signal that you're a freelance writer, or saying "Sports Consultant for Athletes" pares down the clients you want to work with.
  

• Logo: A logo can be a differentiator if it aligns with the work you do. The types of features and additional elements you add to a logo should represent your industry and personality.
  

• Phone number: Giving out your phone number is standard at a networking event. If networking is successful, they can call you back to reach out or give your contact information for a recruiter to schedule an interview.
  

• Email: Provide your email address, so contacts can reach you about future opportunities.
  

• Website: If you're going into a creative field, include your website on your business card to showcase your portfolio.
  

• Social media channels: Include your social media channels on your business card so you can continue your professional relationship online. A professional social media profile can also help you highlight your highest-quality work.

4. Format elements to build your design

Switch fonts, colors and sizes to your liking within the template. The template is only there as a guide to help build a business card that markets your professional brand. However, be sure to make your business card readable so your network can understand what you're communicating to them.

5. Insert your logo

If you decide to create a logo, insert it directly into the template. When you design your logo, ensure that it can fit within the template to allow your contact information to be easily readable.

6. Proofread all copy

Proofread the copy multiple times to make sure it's free of typos or spelling mistakes. Your business card can be the start of long-term relationships with your contacts. A professional and well-written business card can help you make a positive first impression.

7. Print your cards

If you're printing the cards yourself, use stock paper or card stock to create more durable and professional business cards. Consider stock that allows you to separate the cards with a clean edge rather than a perforated one. You can purchase sheets of business card stock at office supply stores or online. Print one page of cards on regular paper first to proof your design before using card stock.

If your printer isn't compatible with stock paper, consider taking your cards to a printing shop where they will print your design on the paper of your choosing, producing a professional finished product.

To upload the template into Google Docs, go to File > Open > and select the correct downloaded file.

How to make a business card in Word with a table

If you prefer to make a business card with a table, follow these steps:

1. Open a blank document.

2. Select your margins.

3. Create a table.

4. Adjust the alignment.

5. Review your table.

6. Add your information to the first table.

7. Proofread all copy in the table.

8. Copy and paste your information into the tables and eliminate borders and shading.

9. Print and cut your business card.

1. Open a blank document

Open Word and select Blank Document to get started. The Table tool is another efficient shortcut to complete this step.

2. Select your margins

After you click the Page Layout tab, click Margins and choose Narrow to lower them below the default setting. This will give you more room to fit business cards onto the document.

3. Create a table

Click on the Insert Tab then Table to open a grid that will appear on the screen. Hover your mouse two cells over and five down to produce a 2x5 table. This layout allows you to print 10 business cards when you're finished.

4. Adjust the alignment

Take a look at these steps to adjust the alignment of the table:

1. Right-click on the table crosshair and choose Select Properties.

2. Click on Center to align the table.

3. Click the Row Tab and check the Specify Height Box.

4. Enter 2 for the Height and set the Height to Exactly.

5. Click the Column Tab and check the Specify Width Box.

6. Enter 3.5 for Preferred Width and click Measure next to Measure In.

5. Review your table

Your table should be sized proportionally. If not, extend your margins if they don't fit on the page. Right-click the crosshair and choose AutoFit to prevent the shape of your business card from changing. You want to direct your focus on the content of your business card, so this step is important.

6. Add your information to the first table

Add all the relevant information to the first table to begin structuring your business card. Images, text and colors can be changed with formatting tools to help personalize your design.

7. Proofread all copy in the table

Proofread before you add the rest of your information to the other tables. This can keep you from having to make changes later if you discover an error, saving you time.

8. Copy and paste your information into the tables and eliminate borders and shading

Once all proofreading is done, select all text for your business card and paste it into the corresponding cells. You'll have to do this individually for each cell you create. Next, select None from the Borders and Shading button, which will remove borders from the edge of your business card after you print.

9. Print your business cards

Stock paper can allow you to create more durable and professional business cards. It's easy to purchase sheets of business card stock to print your cards on. Consider one that allows you to separate the cards with a clean edge rather than a perforated one. Print one page of cards on regular paper first to proof your design before using card stock.

If your printer isn't compatible with stock paper, consider taking your cards to a printing shop where they will print your design on paper of your choosing, producing a professional finished product.