FAQ
Frequently asked questions at Carta +
Q1 : Which data format files does Carta+ accept?
We try to support any data format on the market.
Of course, there are some popular formats, and especially guidelines, to ease your cards production processes.
Data formats in preferred order:
- Microsoft Access Databases (any versions)
- Text format (character separated Ex: , ; Tab | or any specified character)
- Text format fixed length
You will need to communicate us the field names and lengths. - Microsoft Excel with the next guidedelines to respect:
– First row will describe column names (with no special characters in Field names: °, #, . , *, &, etc)
– No hidden columns
– No cells with formula’s
– No Excel-formated data
– No macro’s in worksheets
– Only one worksheet per file (if different worksheets, we will need different files) - Xml-files: preferre format: element-centric XML
When using attribute-centric XML, Carta+ will need to realize some integration. Please, ask us a quotation for this kind of file format.
Regarding file names, it is always advised to include some date stamp in there, like e.g. YouRefYYYYMMDD.mdb. - Pictures formats in preferred order: .Jpg, Jpeg, .pcx, .png, .bmp, .gif, Sample ID pictureTo print ID cards with identity pictures:
– All images should have the same dimensions (or proportion) and the same format for all your productions.
– When this is not the case, please ask us for quotation. Carta+ is able to automate the resizing of your ID-pictures. - To personnalize embossed cards :
– Data lenght per line (and field) should not exceed 30 characters (also according to card design).
– Data should be delivered in UPPER CASE (only upper case characters can be embossed).
– If NOT: no special characters like ç, °, #, . , and especially no characters with accentuation like é, à, ù, ï, ë, etc…
Q2 : What is a standard card size?
The standard card size is (from ISO 7810):
- For standard cards H:54mm W:86mm T:0.76mm
- For chip cards the thickness can go to 0.82mm
Q3 : What are the most important specifications from BPost regarding mailings?
Of course, we will not let you go through the 153 pages MassPost-specifications from BPost !
Still you will be able to find it here: http://www.bpost.be/bpost_masspostGuide_EN.pdf
Nevertheless, they are a few hints we would like to share with you regarding the delivery of your data or any mailings items like e.g. enveloppes… Please, contact us for more details.
Q4 : Is Carta+ certified by BPost to send mailings through EMassPost?
The answer is YES!
Carta+ is since a few years now, certified by BPost for Small & Large format mailings through the EMassPost system (with Mail Id barcodes).
Q5 : What about ISO 7810?
ISO 7810 for pvc cardsThe ISO/CEI 7810 International Standard specifies precise features required for identification cards.
The ID card format is well-defined by this standard:
- ID1 Format:
86 x 54 mm (credit card size),
(3 3/8 x 2 1/8”)
Q6 : What is offset?
Offset lithography works on a very simple principle: ink and water don’t mix.
Images (words and art) are put on plates (see the next section for more on this), which are dampened first by water, then ink. The ink adheres to the image area, the water to the non-image area. Then the image is transferred to a rubber blanket, and from the rubber blanket to paper.
That’s why the process is called “offset” — the image does not go directly to the paper from the plates, as it does in gravure printing.
Q8 : What is four colour process?
Four colour process is a way to print on material.
The image you print is based on only 4 standard colours (Yellow Magenta Cyan and Black) These basic colours can generate other colours as f.e.: Green Purple Blue….. etc etc in any appearance.
This way a 4-colour process can print any kind of image.
Of course there are some exceptions like metallic colours.
Q9 : What are pantone colours?
These are the colours that are mixed following a table of ingredients.
These colours are used in companies logos or backgrounds where the exactitude of the colour is very important.
The company Pantone have made a standard of all those different colours, which can be consulted if necessary.
Very important is of course the material on which you have to print. This base has to be white and everyone knows that white is not always white. PVC is some times more blue or yellow. The final color may change to max 3% of the pantone colour where 4 colour process can show a bigger difference.
Q10 : How to get online help from Carta+?
Please, click on http://get.teamviewer.com/cartaplus-online-support to get online help from Carta+.
For the Auto-Id department, contact Mr Beukenhorst.
For IT & data related issues, contact Mr Scribe.