Discussion: More on Evaluating Microprint Quality and Legibility
Following up on our earlier discussions about microprint, I wanted to focus on how we can use this feature to identify high-quality novelty IDs. We know it should be sharp, but what specifically should we be looking for in the text itself? And are there any common "errors" that vendors make when implementing microprint? Let’s talk about identifying pro-level microprinting. How do we spot the best?
The text in the microprint is often the state name, the year of issue, or other official jurisdiction identifiers. One common error is using the wrong text or simply repeating a generic string. A high-quality vendor will have done their research and will use the exact text required by the official specifications. Let’s talk about precision.
Identification Tips for High-End Microprint
- Text Accuracy: Does the microprint text match the official jurisdiction specifications? (e.g., "Iowa" versus "Novelty ID").
- Line Consistency: The microprint should form a continuous, sharp line. Any breaks or "fuzziness" is a sign of a lower-quality printer.
- Integration: On the best cards, the microprint is woven into the background design in a way that is virtually invisible without magnification.
I’ve noticed that some of the newer US state IDs use microprint in some very clever ways, such as forming the borders of text boxes or data fields. Has anyone recently examined their cards for these more subtle microprint features? Which vendors are currently leading the pack in microprint accuracy? Let’s share our "identification" findings!