When youare designing a template card best way to start is to make a list of what you intend to accomplish with ID . Is it for access control? Payments? Easy identification? Whatever the case you make a list of the plan to have it. Some examples: Name, Address, City, State, ZIP code, height, eye color, hair color, limit, barcode, photo, logo (s), title, registration number, expiration date, etc.
Once you have decided all the information you want on your ID easiest thing to do is start making a quick sketch with a pencil and paper. This may not be accurate, but it is useful to get a feel for where certain information will go to the ID. Do not forget to always have the option of putting things on the back of the card. Usually you will want to use the back of the ID card barcode, company / organization name and address, and other information that does not fit on the front of the card.
Your next step is to use software such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, or GIMP (free alternative to Photoshop) and create your document. the size of a normal credit card size ID 3.375 x 2.125 ", and I recommend using a resolution of at least 600 pixels / inch. You should create two documents right now - one for the front of the ID and one for the back. You should try to keep each element in your ID layer, and still keep all parts of the map layers (for example, you want May folders for the "header", "Information", "Photo", etc). Having organized this really helps in the long run and changes can be made quickly and efficiently (especially if you're not making one change ).
I recommend leaving some space around the border of your ID, but if you want to have a full bleed (color to the edge of ID), you should make the document somewhat larger (about 1 / 8 "-1 / 4" on all side). That way when you punch your card you will have a color that extends to the edge.