ID Card Production Software Guide
CardExchange Producer, Zebra CardStudio, and Entrust TruCredential
ID card production software is used to design, manage data, and print professional ID cards for staff identification, student IDs, visitor badges, membership cards, and secure access credentials. These platforms integrate with ID card printers, databases, cameras, and encoding technologies to manage the full credential issuance process.
Three of the most widely used ID card software platforms are:
- CardExchange Producer
- Zebra CardStudio
- Entrust TruCredential
Each platform offers multiple editions designed for different environments—from basic card printing to enterprise credential management systems.
ID Card Software Comparison
| Software | Editions | Best For | Key Capabilities | Market Rating* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CardExchange Producer | GO, Premium, Professional, Business, Enterprise | Flexible card production environments | Database connectivity, encoding, biometric integration | Limited public ratings |
| Zebra CardStudio | Classic, Standard, Enterprise, Professional | Zebra printer environments | Card design, database integration, barcode and smart card encoding | Positive user sentiment |
| Entrust TruCredential | Express, Plus, Professional, Enterprise | Enterprise credential management | Multi-user issuance, smart card encoding, identity system integration | ~4.3 / 5 |
*Ratings are based on available industry sources and enterprise review platforms where available.
CardExchange Producer
CardExchange Producer is a highly flexible ID card production platform used by organisations ranging from small offices to large enterprises. The software supports advanced card design, database connectivity, smart card encoding, and automated card issuance workflows.
It is widely known for its strong database integrations and flexible configuration, making it a popular choice for organisations integrating ID cards with access control or HR systems.
CardExchange Producer Editions
GO Edition
The GO Edition is the entry-level version designed for small card printing environments.
Key features include:
- Internal database for record management
- Up to five card templates
- CR80 card support
- 1D barcode generation
- Magnetic stripe encoding
- Photo capture tools
This edition is ideal for small businesses or organisations printing a limited number of cards.
Premium Edition
The Premium Edition expands functionality with more flexible card design and database capabilities.
Key features include:
- Unlimited card templates and card sizes
- Integration with Excel, Access, and CSV databases
- Batch printing
- Signature capture
- Advanced filtering and record management
This version is commonly used by schools, clubs, and organisations producing moderate card volumes.
Professional Edition
The Professional Edition introduces advanced database connectivity and automation features.
Key features include:
- ODBC connectivity to SQL databases
- Multi-database integration
- Face recognition for photo capture
- Automated card production workflows
- Advanced barcode and security printing
This edition is suitable for medium to large organisations managing multiple ID card programs.
Business Edition
The Business Edition adds smart card and network capabilities.
Key features include:
- MIFARE smart card encoding
- Biometric integrations
- Network licensing support
- Centralised database management
This edition supports multi-department or multi-location card issuance systems.
Enterprise Edition
The Enterprise Edition provides the most advanced capabilities.
Key features include:
- MIFARE DESFire encoding
- Secure SAM modules
- Python scripting for automation
- Document scanning support
- Advanced biometric integrations
This version is designed for large organisations with high-security credential requirements.
Zebra CardStudio
Zebra CardStudio is the official card design and printing software developed by Zebra Technologies for use with Zebra card printers. The platform focuses on simple card design, efficient printing, and native compatibility with Zebra hardware.
The software provides a scalable range of editions suitable for organisations that want straightforward card production with Zebra printers.
Zebra CardStudio Editions
Classic Edition
The Classic Edition is the entry-level card design and printing solution.
Key features include:
- Basic card design tools
- Photo ID creation
- Simple template creation
- Direct printing to Zebra card printers
This version is suitable for basic ID card printing environments.
Standard Edition
The Standard Edition introduces database integration and improved card management.
Key features include:
- Internal database management
- Excel and CSV data imports
- 2D barcode support
- Unlimited card designs
This edition is commonly used by schools and membership organisations.
Enterprise Edition
The Enterprise Edition expands functionality with advanced database connectivity.
Key features include:
- External database support (SQL, Access, MySQL, Oracle)
- ODBC connectivity
- Multiple card projects
- Centralised card issuance workflows
This edition works well for large organisations managing multiple card programs.
Professional Edition
The Professional Edition provides advanced card encoding capabilities.
Key features include:
- Contact and contactless smart card encoding
- MIFARE and DESFire support
- Advanced project management
- Enhanced security printing features
This version is suitable for secure access control and enterprise ID systems.
Entrust TruCredential
TruCredential is a credential issuance platform developed by Entrust Corporation. It is designed for organisations requiring secure credential management and enterprise identity integration.
The software includes tools for card design, photo capture, signature capture, database integration, and credential lifecycle management.
TruCredential Editions
Express Edition
The Express Edition is the entry-level version for basic credential issuance.
Key features include:
- Credential designer
- Photo capture
- Excel data import
- Basic card printing tools
This edition is suitable for small organisations issuing simple ID cards.
Plus Edition
The Plus Edition adds expanded production and data management features.
Key features include:
- Batch printing
- Signature capture
- DSLR camera support
- Microsoft Access and SQL database integration
- Reporting tools
This edition supports more advanced card production environments.
Professional Edition
The Professional Edition is designed for multi-user credential management systems.
Key features include:
- Multi-user issuance support
- Smart card encoding
- Active Directory integration
- Oracle and DB2 database connectivity
- Centralised credential management
This version works well for enterprise organisations with integrated identity systems.
Enterprise Edition
The Enterprise Edition is the most scalable version of the platform.
Key features include:
- REST and SOAP API integration
- Custom development with JavaScript
- Identity system integration
- Credential lifecycle management
This edition is designed for large enterprises and government credential programs.
Software Ratings and Market Perception
Public ratings for ID card production software are relatively limited because the products are typically purchased through resellers or bundled with hardware systems rather than directly through SaaS marketplaces.
Available insights include:
| Software | Approximate Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| CardExchange Producer | Limited public ratings | Widely respected in the ID card industry but few online reviews |
| Zebra CardStudio | Positive user sentiment | High installation retention among users |
| Entrust TruCredential | ~4.3 / 5 | Based on enterprise identity software reviews |
Choosing the Right ID Card Software
When selecting ID card production software, consider the following factors.
Card Volume
Low-volume environments may only require basic editions, while large organisations benefit from enterprise platforms with automation and database connectivity.
Database Integration
Basic systems may use Excel or CSV files, while enterprise environments often require SQL or Active Directory integration.
Security Features
Some organisations only require simple ID cards with barcodes, while others need smart cards, RFID encoding, or access control credentials.
Printer Compatibility
Some software platforms are designed for specific printer ecosystems, particularly in the case of Zebra printers.
Summary
Each ID card production software platform serves a different type of organisation.
| Software | Best For |
|---|---|
| CardExchange Producer | Flexible ID card issuance with advanced database and encoding capabilities |
| Zebra CardStudio | Simple card design and printing with Zebra card printers |
| Entrust TruCredential | Enterprise credential management and identity system integration |
Selecting the right platform depends on card volume, security requirements, database integration needs, and printer compatibility.