Pvc Card Template Psd Better | Epson L805

The Epson L805 is a popular choice for high-quality PVC ID card printing due to its specialized 6-color ink system and native CD/DVD printing capabilities. While primarily a photo printer, users can repurpose it into a cost-effective ID card solution by using specific Photoshop (PSD) templates, an aftermarket tray, and compatible inkjet-coated PVC cards.  Essential Setup for PVC Printing 

To use a PSD template with the L805, you must "trick" the printer into recognizing the ID card tray as a standard CD/DVD tray. 

Alternative Drivers: Many professionals recommend installing the Epson Stylus Photo R260 or R290 drivers instead of the standard L805 driver to unlock specialized tray settings.

Hardware Requirements: An aftermarket ID card tray is required to hold two pre-cut PVC cards.

Media Choice: Only use inkjet-coated PVC cards; thermal or standard plastic cards will not absorb the ink and may damage the print head.  Using the PSD Template 

A dedicated PSD template ensures your design aligns perfectly with the physical card slots on the tray.  PVC ID Card Printing Guide for Epson L805 (Free Template) epson l805 pvc card template psd

Printing PVC cards on an Epson L805 Go to product viewer dialog for this item.

requires a specific configuration to treat the printer like a CD/DVD printer, as it uses the same mechanical tray feed system for ID cards. 1. Photoshop (PSD) Template Setup

To ensure your design aligns perfectly with the physical card on the tray, your PSD file must follow these specifications:

Canvas Size: Set your canvas to A4 (210mm x 297mm), as the Epson driver typically expects this size for tray-based printing.

Card Dimensions: Each ID card within that layout should be 85.6mm x 54mm (the CR80 standard). The Epson L805 is a popular choice for

Resolution: Set to 300 DPI minimum for professional clarity.

Guides: Leave a 3mm bleed or "safety zone" away from the edges to avoid critical text being cut off by mechanical shifting. 2. Essential Driver Configuration Epson L805

often requires a "trick" to enable PVC card printing options in the driver menu. Driver Switch: Many users install the Epson Stylus Photo R260/R290 Go to product viewer dialog for this item. or

driver to unlock specific "CD/DVD" tray options that are more compatible with third-party PVC trays. Paper Type: Select CD/DVD or Printable Disc. Source: Set to CD/DVD Tray. Paper Size: Choose A4 (do not select borderless). 3. Printing Best Practices PVC ID Card Printing Guide for Epson L805 (Free Template)

1. Understanding the PVC Card & Sheet Format

• Standard card size (CR-80): 85.6mm × 54mm (≈ 3.375″ × 2.125″)
• Corner radius: Usually 3–4mm (critical for realistic previews)
• Typical PVC sheet: A4 (210×297mm) or Letter, with 3×2 or 3×3 cards per sheet
• Gap between cards: 2–4mm (for cutting/slitting)
• Bleed area: Extend design 2–3mm beyond the card cut line

1. Premium Epson L805 Templates (Recommended for Professionals)

Sites like GraphicRiver and Creative Market sell pack of 10-50 PSD templates for under $10. These often include smart layers, bleed guides, and pre-set print actions for the L805. Standard card size (CR-80): 85

4.1. Template Automation

A robust PSD template should be built as an "N-Up" document.

• Step 1: Create an A4 canvas (210mm x 297mm).
• Step 2: Import the single card design as a Linked Smart Object.
• Step 3: Duplicate the Smart Object 2 or 3 times onto the A4 canvas, aligning them exactly with the PVC sheet’s perforations.

Why Smart Objects? When the user updates the name on the "Master" card design, all instances on the A4 sheet update instantly. This allows for rapid printing of multiple different IDs on a single sheet, saving expensive PVC media.

8. Downloadable PSD Template Example

If you can’t find a pre-made template, here’s a quick self‑build specification you can recreate in 2 minutes:

• Document: 210×297mm, 300dpi, RGB
• Card size: 85.6×54mm, corner radius 4mm
• Layout: 3 columns, 2 rows (landscape cards)
• Margins: Top 12mm, Left 12mm, Gap between cards 4mm
• Layers:
  • [Cut line] – rounded rectangle, stroke only (red)
  • [Bleed] – rounded rectangle expanded 3mm, fill none
  • [Design 1] … [Design 6] – your artwork layers

Step 3: Add a White Base Layer (Crucial for Epson L805)

Epson L805 uses dye ink, which is transparent on clear PVC. If you are printing on transparent PVC, you must have an opaque white layer behind your design. Since the L805 cannot print white ink, you have two options:

• Use white PVC cards instead of clear.
• Design with a solid white background in your PSD.

7. Recommended PVC Sheets for Epson L805

• Neenah Inkjet Printable PVC Sheets (A4, 3×2 cards)
• Apex PVC Inkjet Cards (CR-80, printable on both sides)
• JCL Solutions Universal PVC Sheets

Always check the packaging says “For inkjet printers” – otherwise the ink will not absorb.

6) Troubleshooting common issues

• Colors too faded/saturated: check color management (one place should control colors), use correct ICC profile, run test strips.
• Banding or streaks: run printhead cleaning cycles; align head via printer utility.
• Paper jamming/curving: let paper acclimate to room temperature/humidity; feed one sheet at a time; use the printer’s rear feed if available.
• Edge white margin: ensure 100% scale and correct paper size; inks typically don’t print to true edge on many desktop printers—use bleed and trim manually.