What size should a custom photocard be?

The classic size is 55 × 85 mm, the same as a K-pop album photocard, so it fits standard sleeves and 35pt toploaders. instax mini (54 × 86 mm) and square (64 × 64 mm) also work.

What resolution does my photo need?

At 300 ppi, a photocard is 650 × 1004 pixels. Most phone photos are much bigger than that, so cropping is rarely a problem.

Can I print custom photocards without a home printer?

Yes. Export a PDF with crop marks and send it to a print shop, or in Japan print it at a 7-Eleven, Lawson or FamilyMart convenience store.

12 custom photocard ideas for pets, friends and more

Photocards started as the surprise inside a K-pop album, but the format works for anything you want to hold in your hand. A card the size of a photocard fits in a wallet, a phone case or a binder pocket, and it feels more special than a regular print. Here are 12 ideas for custom photocards beyond idols, each with a quick tip on format, finish or stickers.

All of them follow the same recipe: frame the photo at real size, decorate lightly, print at 100 % scale and cut along the marks. If you have never made one, start with our guide on how to make photocards at home.

Which format should you choose?

Format	Size	Best for
Photocard	55 × 85 mm	Portraits, one person or pet, anything for a binder or toploader
instax mini	54 × 86 mm	A retro instant-film feel; prints edge to edge on SELPHY card paper
Square	64 × 64 mm	Group photos, collages, big stickers

The photocard size page compares them side by side, to scale.

12 custom photocard ideas

1. Your pet as the bias

The most popular idea for a reason. Make a full “album set” of your dog or cat in different moods. Tip: photocard format, a paw or heart sticker in one corner, and the pet’s name on the back.

2. Best friends set

One card per friend, same design, different photo, like a group’s member set. Tip: duplicate the first card and swap the photo so every card matches.

3. Couple photocards

Two cards that belong together: one each, to keep in a wallet or phone case. Tip: mirror the sticker layout so the cards look complete side by side.

4. Travel memories

One card per city or per day of a trip, collected in a small binder. Tip: use the square format for landscapes and add the date as a small detail.

5. School year and class photos

A card for each classmate, or one for each school trip. Tip: matte cardstock, so friends can sign the back like a yearbook.

6. Graduation cards

A portrait in cap and gown, handed out to family and friends. Tip: a gloss finish for the photo and a single star or sparkle sticker; keep it elegant.

7. Wedding favors

Small cards of the couple at each place setting, with the date on the back. Tip: print at a print shop on 300 gsm coated paper with matte lamination for a premium feel.

8. Birthday party favors

Cards of the birthday person for every guest, like freebies at a birthday cafe. Tip: plan the quantity: 9 photocards fit on an A4 sheet and 8 on US Letter.

9. Family portraits

Grandparents, cousins, the whole table at a holiday dinner, each in their own card. Tip: old family photos look lovely in photocard format; keep stickers minimal so the photo leads.

10. Baby’s first year

One card per month, collected in an A5 binder as a growing album. Tip: keep the same sticker in the same place on every card, so the series reads as one.

11. Concert and event memories

Your own photo from a show, the venue or your ticket moment, made into a keepsake card. Tip: add a holo sticker as the hero, and print on holographic vinyl if you want real shine.

12. Your own art or selfies

Drawings, digital art, outfit photos or a selfie you love. Tip: your own creations are the safest choice for freebies, since you hold all the rights.

Finishing touches that make it feel real

Paper: glossy photo paper for bright colors, or 200–300 gsm matte cardstock for an official feel.
Corners: round them with a 3–4 mm corner punch.
Protection: a soft sleeve and a 35pt toploader. A card printed at 55 × 85 mm fits exactly like an album card.
Stickers: one shiny hero, the rest matte or gloss. The stickers page shows the four finishes.

Making them with mallow

mallow, our upcoming photocard app for iPhone and iPad, starts from a blank card at real size in all three formats, includes a free 18-sticker kit, and prints true to size on inkjet, laser, SELPHY, Zink, instax mini Link or through a print shop. The printing guide explains each option.

A quick reminder for cards with photos of artists: those photos belong to their owners, so keep those cards for your collection or free fan sharing. Custom photocards of your own life are all yours.