Name tag ideas you can customize online for free
Name tags are a great way to help people connect with each other at any type of event, from personal celebrations and school events to work functions. Moreover, customized name tags can be used to promote your brand or organization. Regardless of the type of event you’re organizing, you’re sure to find something on our list of 21 awesome name tag ideas to give it a boost.
Additionally, Avery name tags come in many different styles, including adhesive, clip, hanging, pin, magnetic, and durable. Because each has its own benefits and purposes, we will cover how to choose the right type of name tag for your event below. Equally important to know is that for each style, there are a variety of Avery name tag templates available online that you can customize for free. In fact, you can use our templates (and free design software) to create custom name tags for any event. Some of the benefits of using our free name tag templates include:
- Ease of use: The templates are easy to use and can be customized by anyone.
- Cost savings: You can save money by using free templates instead of hiring a professional designer.
- Flexibility: You can customize the templates to fit the specific needs of your event.
The best place to find free name tag templates
Indeed, Avery Design and Print Online (ADPO) is free software with a variety of free name tag templates you can customize online. Not only is the software free and easy to use, but there is nothing to download or install on your computer. What’s more, you can save your projects in the cloud using a free Avery account, and they can be accessed at any time from any smart device connected to the internet. You can also apply your saved projects to other Avery products or share them via email
DIY vs. WePrint custom orders
Printing name tags yourself is extremely convenient and easy to do; however, there are some cases where you may wish to order custom name tags. For example, if you want to create custom name tags in large quantities or with deeply saturated images, you can order them from a custom printing service like Avery WePrint®. WePrint offers a variety of options for custom name tags, including different materials, finishes, and sizes, and is actually much more affordable than you might think.
To help you figure out whether to print at home or let us print for you, we’ve broken down the benefits of making DIY and custom-printed name tags.
| DIY | Custom-Printed |
|---|---|
| No waiting; print on demand as needed | Most orders ship within 3 business days |
| Print yourself on standard desktop printers | Custom-printed on industry-leading digital printers |
| Inkjet printers are best for complex colors or photos | Print quality is high regardless of quantity or complex colors/photos |
| Laser printers are best for printing a lot at home |
Ideas for name tags for work events
As has been noted above, name tags can be a great way to help employees connect with each other. They can also help employees feel more connected to their workplace. When creating name tags for work events, you may consider using a company logo, including employee contact information, and choosing a fun, creative design. With this in mind, browse the designs below to promote your brand, connect employees, and make your name tags for work more memorable and engaging.
1) Photo ID name tag for work
Print this design on Avery Industrial durable ID badge 61612 using a laser printer.
Check out this helpful video for adding photos, graphics and other elements using ADPO.
2) Branded name tag idea for meetings
Print this design yourself on Avery 5384 name tags that come with clip-style holders. Or, choose “Let Us Print for You” after you’re done customizing to order custom-printed name badges.
3) Ice-breaker name tags for work functions
Print this design on Avery 8395 adhesive name tags using a laser or inkjet printer.
Or, choose “Let Us Print for You” after customizing to order custom-printed adhesive name tags.
4) Professional magnetic name tag for work
Print this design yourself on Avery The Mighty Badge® name tags that come with magnetic holders (71208).
Personalized name tag ideas for events
In addition to work events, you also use name tags to help people connect at personal events and celebrations. To begin with, choose a unique design to match your event theme. Then consider adding a photo to your name tags or a space for guests to add a fun fact about themselves. Indeed, creating personalized name tags for events is a great way to start conversations.
5) Branded named tags for big events
Print this design yourself on Avery 74459 name tags that come with hanging holders. Or, choose “Let Us Print for You” after you’re done customizing to order custom-printed name badges.
6) Name tag stickers for business events
Print this design on Avery 8395 adhesive name tags using a laser or inkjet printer.
Or, choose “Let Us Print for You” after customizing to order custom-printed adhesive name tags.
7) Simple, elegant wedding name tag ideas
Print this design yourself on Avery 74549 name tags that come with pin-style holders.
You can print as-is with a beige background or change the background to the color of your choice.
When you’re done customizing, choose “Let Us Print for You” to order custom-printed name badges.
8) Name tags for bride and groom relations
Print this design yourself on Avery 5384 name tags that come with clip-style holders. Or, choose “Let Us Print for You” after you’re done customizing to order custom-printed name badges.
“Hello, My Name Is” sticker templates
Undoubtedly, “Hello, My Name Is” stickers are the most famous adhesive name tags of all time. Not only have they been around since 1959, but they’ve also been featured or referenced in countless TV shows, films, and other popular media. Of course, the classic Avery “Hello, My Name Is” stickers are perfect for writing in names by hand; however, we have many options you can customize too.
In fact, we have a wide variety of “Hello, My Name Is” sticker templates, so you can find one that fits your style. When choosing one of these name tag templates, you can leave a blank space for guests to write in their name or add names before printing, so you can just peel and stick on the day of your event. Because our “Hello, My Name Is” sticker design is so iconic, you can find it on other name badge products too, not just stickers. You can even make your own shirt with an iron-on transfer!
9) Emoji “Hello My Name Is” sticker template
Print this design on Avery 8395 adhesive name tags using a laser or inkjet printer.
Or, choose “Let Us Print for You” after customizing to order custom-printed adhesive name tags.
10) “Hello My Name Is” sticker with pronouns
Print this design on Avery 8395 adhesive name tags using a laser or inkjet printer.
Or, choose “Let Us Print for You” after customizing to order custom-printed adhesive name tags.
11) Modern “Hello” sticker design
Print this design on Avery 8395 adhesive name tags using a laser or inkjet printer.
You can print as-is or change the color of the design elements.
When you’re done customizing, choose “Let Us Print for You” order custom-printed adhesive name tags.
12) Pastel “Hello I’m” stickers you can print
Print this design on Avery 8395 adhesive name tags using a laser or inkjet printer.
Or, choose “Let Us Print for You” after customizing to order custom-printed adhesive name tags.
13) Gingham print “Hello My Name Is” stickers
Print this design on Avery 8395 adhesive name tags using a laser or inkjet printer.
Or, choose “Let Us Print for You” after customizing to order custom-printed adhesive name tags.
Best party name tag ideas
When it comes to name tag ideas for parties, creating custom name tags is a fun and easy way to continue your party theme and help introduce guests to each other. Even if guests are already acquainted, you can add fun personal details or icebreakers to help break the ice and get the party started.
Whatever design you choose, you can make it your own by adding or editing text, colors, shapes, images, and more. You can also add individual names more quickly by using the Mail Merge feature in ADPO. This feature allows you to import a list of names from a spreadsheet to individual name tags all at once. If you’ve never used Mail Merge before, this video tutorial is a great place to get started.
14) Christmas party name tag idea
Print this design on Avery 8395 adhesive name tags using a laser or inkjet printer.
Or, choose “Let Us Print for You” after customizing to order custom-printed adhesive name tags.
15) Timeless, classy name tag for parties
Print this design yourself on Avery 74549 name tags that come with pin-style holders. Or, choose “Let Us Print for You” after you’re done customizing to order custom-printed name badges.
16) Bold, modern party name tag idea
Print this design on Avery 8395 adhesive name tags using a laser or inkjet printer.
Or, choose “Let Us Print for You” after customizing to order custom-printed adhesive name tags.
17) Classy tropical name tags for party guests
Print this design on Avery 8395 adhesive name tags using a laser or inkjet printer.
Or, choose “Let Us Print for You” after customizing to order custom-printed adhesive name tags.
DIY name tag ideas for school
Creative name tag ideas for school events benefit students in several ways. First, they help break the ice because name tags make it easy for people to introduce themselves and get to know each other. This can be especially helpful at large events, where it can be difficult to remember everyone’s name. Secondly, name tags help create a sense of community at school events. When people know each other’s names, they feel more connected and involved.
Additionally, name tags can be a great way to show school spirit because they can be decorated with school colors, logos, and slogans. And finally, creative name tags make events more fun!
18) Name tag idea for back-to-school night
Print this design on Avery 8395 adhesive name tags using a laser or inkjet printer.
Or, choose “Let Us Print for You” after customizing to order custom-printed adhesive name tags.
19) Classic book-themed name tag idea for school
Print this design on Avery 8395 adhesive name tags using a laser or inkjet printer.
Or, choose “Let Us Print for You” after customizing to order custom-printed adhesive name tags.
20) Fun and floral sorority name tags for school
All of the Greek letters can be found as graphics in the Avery gallery within ADPO, so that you can customize name tags for your specific sorority or fraternity. Simply open any Avery template for the name tag product of your choice, click the image tool, and then choose the Avery gallery as the source. If you’re new to ADPO, this help article explains how to add images from the Avery gallery step-by-step.
Print this design yourself on Avery 5384 name tags that come with clip-style holders. Or, choose “Let Us Print for You” after you’re done customizing to order custom-printed name badges.
21) School sorority name tags you can customize
Not only can you find all the Greek letters as graphics in the Avery gallery, but you can also customize the colors in the template below to match your sorority colors. As a matter of fact, you can change colors for shapes and backgrounds in ADPO as well. Check out the video above for a great walkthrough of how to add and edit images, shapes, backgrounds, and more in ADPO.
Print this design yourself on Avery 8780 name tags that come with magnetic holders. Or, choose “Let Us Print for You” after you’re done customizing to order custom-printed name badges.
How to choose the right name tag to customize
There are a variety of factors to consider when choosing the right name to customize for your event. These factors range from the type of event, duration, and location to printing preferences and how the name tags are worn. Below, we compare the different types of Avery name tags and badges.
Adhesive name tags
Adhesive name tags (also called name tag stickers or adhesive name badges) are different from regular labels because the adhesive is removable and designed to work with most fabrics. Due to the one-time-use nature of name tag stickers, they’re ideal for events that only last one day or less, like parties, weddings, business meetings, presentations, and mixers.
Avery 8395 adhesive name badges are our favorites to use for these types of events for two reasons. Firstly, they come on 8-1/2″ x 11″ sheets that are easy for beginners to load into printers. Secondly, they are blank (meaning they don’t have any borders, etc.), so the design options are unlimited. Thirdly, you can print them using a standard laser or inkjet printer.
Name tag holders with printable inserts
Similarly, our reusable name tag holders also come with easy-to-load 8-1/2″ x 11″ sheets that break apart into 3″ x 4″ name tag cards. The cards are then inserted into different types of durable plastic name tag holders. Avery name tag holders include hanging styles (worn with a lanyard, cord, or carabiner) and holders with a clip, pin, or magnet for attaching to your clothes. All of the inserts for these styles can be printed on both sides using a laser or inkjet printer.
PRO TIP: Always make sure you are printing on products designed for the type of printer you have. We actually wrote a whole article about choosing the right labels for your printer type that explains why in depth, but the same goes for any printable product, including name tags.
Aside from the durable plastic name tag holder, another benefit of using this style is that you can use it for multiple days. Additionally, you can order insert refills and reuse the holders for multiple events. Because they can be used on garments over and over, name tags with holders are great for multi-day events like conferences and retreats. They also look more classy and professional. Our top pick is Avery 74461 because they’re cost-effective yet durable and classy; the card is easy to insert into the pocket-style holder; and the clip-back is easy to wear without damaging garments.
Permanent name badges
The Mighty Badge®
When it comes to permanent name badges, we have to shout out our metal, magnetic name badges (The Mighty Badge®), which are ideal for long-term use. For example, you can use them to create your own professional-looking employee name tags or reusable badges for recurring events like theater productions, church services, or real estate property showcases
Durable name tags
While name tags with holders are pretty sturdy, for the most part, the tags themselves are printed on cardstock paper. In contrast, our Avery Industrial® durable name tags are printable plastic sheets that break apart into 2-1/8″ x 3-3/8″ name tags (roughly the size of a credit card). The plastic is actually waterproof and resistant to chemicals, abrasion, tearing, and UV damage so the tags are suited to long-term use.
As noted above, the type of printer you use really matters. Our durable name tags are designed to work with laser printers only, and this is important to remember because if you use them with a different type of printer, your ink will likely smudge and smear. In other words, the ink will never “set” or “dry.”
Additionally, these durable name tags come in versions with the hang hole on the shortest side or on the longest side, so you can choose from portrait or landscape orientation for your design. And they are printable on both sides, so they’re great for event staff and employees or membership badges, especially since you can use ADPO to add barcodes when customizing your badges.
Our favorite durable name badge is the Avery Industrial 61612 vertical name tag because you can wear it with a lanyard or conveniently clip it to your belt or utility vest with a carabiner.
Customized name badges are better for your events
To sum up, name tags are a simple but effective way to help guests and attendees connect with each other and make your event more memorable. This is true whether you’re throwing a party, planning a wedding, hosting a school event, or organizing a work function. By getting creative with your name tag designs, you can add a touch of personality and fun to your event. It may even make it more likely that attendees will keep their name tags on throughout the day.
With our free software and predesigned templates, it’s so easy to customize any Avery name tag, badge, or sticker in a creative way. Making your own bride-side and groom-side name tags for a wedding or name tags for your next company event are just a couple examples out of hundreds of name tag templates and ideas that you can customize for free with ADPO.
How will you personalize your next event with unique or themed name tags? Share your thoughts in the comments or join the conversation on LinkedIn and Facebook. You can also share your name tag projects on Instagram using the hashtag #averyproducts.
