{"id":19230,"date":"2024-10-01T10:51:54","date_gmt":"2024-10-01T17:51:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.avery.com\/blog\/?p=19230"},"modified":"2026-10-06T11:43:09","modified_gmt":"2026-10-06T18:43:09","slug":"how-to-make-a-name-tag","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.avery.com\/blog\/how-to-make-a-name-tag\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Make A Name Tag for Any Event: An Easy Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

How to make name tags<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Making name tags is simple and can be done in just a few steps. Here\u2019s how:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Choose a material and type<\/a>, like clip-on or name badge labels.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Decide how you want to design<\/a>: start with your product or browse designs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Personalize your name tags<\/a> in Avery Design & Print Online.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Print them yourself<\/a> or get them professionally printed.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    I make name tags all the time for conventions, craft fairs, and markets where I need badges for myself and my booth volunteers. I also make them for larger community events and meetups I host. So I\u2019ve learned a few things about what makes name tags easier to create, print, and actually use at an event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    In this guide, I\u2019ll walk you through each step using free Avery tools and templates. And if you specifically want to make name tags in Microsoft Word<\/a><\/strong>, I have a separate step-by-step guide for that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    How to make a name tag step-by-step<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    1) Choose the right type of name tag<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Start by thinking about how you\u2019ll use your name tags. Avery has adhesive name tags, clip-on and pinback badges, magnetic badges, hanging badges, and more. You can print many of them yourself or order custom-printed name tags<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Can you print name tags with a laser printer?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    Yes. Just make sure you choose printable name tags that are compatible with laser printers. Some name tags work with both laser and inkjet printers, while others are made for one printer type.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    If you\u2019re printing your own, check the printer compatibility before you order. Not sure which kind of printer you have? Learn how to tell the difference between a laser and inkjet printer<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    Laser Name Tags<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n
    Laser\/Inkjet Name tags<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n
    Inkjet Name Tags<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    Compare types of Avery name tags and badges<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    When I’m making name tags for events, there are a couple considerations I always keep in mind. I think about how long people will wear their name tags, what they’ll be wearing, and whether I need something disposable or reusable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    As a final consideration, I’ll decide how to customize the name tags. Printable options are available for laser printers, inkjet printers, or both, depending on the name tag style. Most also can be written on with permanent marker or ballpoint pen. This is important to me for events where I’ll design a border and handwrite names myself or have guests write their own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Type<\/th>Material<\/th>How it Attaches<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
    Adhesive name badges<\/a><\/td>Paper or
    film<\/td>    		Fabric-safe adhesive<\/td><\/tr>
    Clip-style badges<\/a><\/td>Cardstock
    and plastic<\/td>    		Plastic holder with a clip on the back<\/td><\/tr>
    Pin-style badges<\/a><\/td>Cardstock
    and plastic<\/td>    		Plastic holder with a pin on the back<\/td><\/tr>
    Magnetic badges<\/a><\/td>Cardstock
    and plastic<\/td>    		Plastic holder with magnets on the back<\/td><\/tr>
    The Mighty Badge<\/a>*<\/td>Metal and plastic<\/td>Metal holder with magnets on the back<\/td><\/tr>
    Hanging badges<\/a><\/td>Cardstock
    and plastic<\/td>    		Plastic holder with cords<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>
    *The Mighty Badge is not recommended for ballpoint pens.<\/em><\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Are magnetic or clip-on name badges better?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
    \n

    Magnetic name badges are a good choice when people will be wearing a wide variety of clothing because they don\u2019t need a collar, lapel, or neckline to attach to. Clip-on badges work well when you know people will have an easy place to clip them, such as with business or business-casual attire.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    I usually lean toward magnetic badges when I don\u2019t know what everyone will be wearing. Think about a turtleneck\u2014where would you comfortably put a clip? On the other hand, very thick clothing, such as a heavy winter jacket, can make a clip-on badge worth considering. Unusual materials can complicate things too, especially at costume parties or conventions, so think about what people are likely to wear to the event when choosing between the two.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    2) Decide how you want to design<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Once you’ve figured out what type of name tag you want to make for your event, there are two ways to start personalizing them. If you already have Avery name tags that you plan to print yourself, start with the product number on the package. If you\u2019re still deciding what you want or plan to order custom-printed name tags, you can start by browsing designs instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    How to begin when you’re starting with an Avery product<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Go to the Avery template finder page<\/a> and select “Find a Template” from the dropdown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Enter the Avery product number for the name tags you want to use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"\"
    Blog_how-to-make-a-name-tag_4_3000x1600<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    On the template page, click the big, red “Start Designing” button to open ADPO.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Use the left menu to browse by category, then click the template you want to use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Getting started by choosing a design template first<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Go to the Find a Design page<\/a> on Avery.com.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Choose Name Badge Templates to browse designs by category.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    From here, choose Print Yourself or Custom Printed based on how you want to make your name tags. You can use the filters to narrow down the available options. You can also hover over a design to see what type and size of name tag it works with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    For Print Yourself designs, choose the Avery product number you plan to use, then select Customize This Template.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    3) Personalize your name tags<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Whether you choose to start with a product or start with a design, next comes the fun part. Avery Design and Print Online is our free software for making name tags, labels, and more. In the software you can use blank templates to design from scratch or upload complete designs and place them perfectly for printing on Avery products. The next steps here will show you how to edit an Avery design template to make it work for your event. In the tool you can add names, text, logos, images, colors, QR codes, and customized elements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Click the text box to type new text. Once the text box is selected, you can also make other changes to the font, color, and\/or size using the menu on the left.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n