Business card printing - portrait or landscape?

A great deal has truly already been written about business cards. More and less frequently visited websites address the design of the perfect business card and advise you on how to receive or hand it over. But have you ever thought about which business card orientation is the most commonly used and what its benefits or drawbacks are?

We did it for you, and while surfing the internet and various discussion forums, we came across some interesting findings. Not only do the pre-made graphic templates of online tools prefer a landscape business card orientation, but this layout is also in demand when creating custom business cards. The reasons are prosaic, and we can already reveal to you now that conservatism has nothing to do with it; rather, it is a matter of practical considerations.

We have much more in common with our neighbors than we realize

In addition to creative business cards with unusual shapes and dimensions, the most common business card size we encounter here is the standard 90 x 50 mm.

A similar situation exists in neighboring countries, where these dimensions are also widely used. To the west of us, that is in Germany, but also in Switzerland or in other Western European countries, business card printing in the 85 x 55 mm format is preferred.

However, that is only one side of the coin. The second is the fact that at least here, but most likely also among our neighbors, the most commonly used business card has a horizontal orientation. A landscape business card is such a proven classic that, as a rule, it can hardly ever go wrong or offend, but on the other hand, it must be admitted that it usually does not impress either. On the contrary, a portrait-oriented business card is more likely to attract attention or even take your breath away. However, it seems that the ability of portrait-oriented business cards to impress is too little for them to surpass landscape-oriented business cards in popularity.

Landscape business cards offer more

Several advantages speak in favor of business cards with a standard shape and orientation. On landscape business cards, all essential information can easily be placed, including the company's horizontal or vertical logo. A longer first or last name, job title, company details, contact information, or the currently preferred QR code will not be a problem either.

The front side of the business card can offer contact information, while the back side can be more creative.

But that is far from everything. The traditional shape of business cards fully complies with etiquette while also fitting the dimensions of business card holders and stands. With landscape business cards arranged in binders, you will appreciate the excellent readability and easy handling. With the well-executed graphic design of these business cards, of course you do not have to worry about failing to make an impression. Proof of our words is the fact that business cards in landscape orientation are printed by a wide range of professions. We can mention doctors, lawyers, financial advisors, as well as officials or tradespeople.

Portrait business cards tend to score points more with creative professions

We also don’t have to write off portrait business cards.

The business card does have certain weaknesses when it comes to placing information, and you often have to rotate it while reading, but as we have already hinted several times, it can surprise or even shock, and therefore, despite its "shortcomings," it may be tailor-made for artists or for people working in marketing.