> ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.captrid.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # Printing ID Cards > Use the Print Wizard to select a template, map fields, choose people, and export print-ready ID cards as PDF. The Print Wizard guides you through producing physical ID cards from your session or Master List data. You choose a template, map fields, select people, preview the result, and export a print-ready PDF. ## Where to start You can open the Print Wizard from two places: | Source | How to open | Best for | | --------------- | ------------------------------------------------------ | ----------------------------------------------------- | | **Session** | Open a session → **Card Design** tab → **Print Cards** | Printing cards for a specific photo day or event | | **Master List** | Open a Master List → **Print Cards** button | Printing or reprinting cards from your central roster | ## Step 1: Choose a template The wizard shows templates that are compatible with your data source — meaning their variable fields match (or can be mapped to) the fields in your session or Master List. Print Wizard showing a list of compatible card templates with preview thumbnails * **Session templates** linked to this session appear first * **Organisation templates** that match your fields appear below * Templates with missing field matches are filtered out automatically If you don't see the template you want, check that its variable fields align with the fields in your session or Master List. You can update variable names in the [Card Template Designer](/admin-guide/creating-card-templates). ## Step 2: Map fields If the template's variable names don't exactly match your data fields, the wizard asks you to map them. For each template variable, choose which data field should fill it: | Template variable | Mapped to | | ----------------- | ---------- | | `{{first_name}}` | First Name | | `{{last_name}}` | Last Name | | `{{student_id}}` | Student ID | | `{{year_level}}` | Year Level | Fields with matching names are auto-mapped. You only need to handle mismatches. You can also set **default values** for variables that don't map to any field — for example, a school name or year that's the same for everyone. ## Step 3: Select people The wizard shows a list of people from your session or Master List. You can: * **Search** by name or UID * **Filter** by field values (e.g. year level, department) * **Select all** or pick individuals * **Check print readiness** — people missing a photo or required fields are flagged Print Wizard people list with checkboxes, search, and readiness indicators showing which people are ready to print Only people with an approved photo can be printed. If someone is missing a photo, they'll appear in the list with a warning but won't be included in the PDF. ## Step 4: Preview Before exporting, you can preview how each card will look with real data. The preview shows: * Front of the card (and back, if it's a dual-sided template) * The person's photo, name, and mapped field values * Any missing fields highlighted Use the preview to catch issues before printing an entire batch. Print preview showing a rendered ID card with photo, name, student ID, and year level filled in from session data ## Step 5: Export PDF Click **Export PDF** to generate a print-ready file. The PDF arranges cards according to your template's page setup — typically multiple cards per A4 or letter-size page with crop marks. For dual-sided templates, the PDF interleaves front and back pages so you can print double-sided. ### Large batches For batches over 200 cards, the PDF may take a moment to generate. The wizard shows a progress indicator and the file downloads automatically when ready. ## Printing tips CaptrID exports standard PDF files — you can print on any printer. For professional-quality ID cards, use a dedicated ID card printer (CR-80 format) with PVC card stock. For paper-based cards, any colour laser printer works well with heavy card stock. If your template has a back design, the PDF alternates front and back pages. Use your printer's duplex (double-sided) setting, or print fronts first, then flip the stack and print backs. Yes. Open the Print Wizard, select just the person you need to reprint, and export. You don't need to reprint the entire batch. Card templates expect photos in a specific aspect ratio (usually 3:4 portrait). If the source photo has a different ratio, it may be cropped to fit. You can adjust the photo placeholder size in the [Card Template Designer](/admin-guide/creating-card-templates). ## What's next? Design card layouts with the drag-and-drop template editor. Issue Google Wallet IDs instead of (or alongside) physical cards.