ComputerWorld reported in 2018 that Macs comprised 10 percent of personal computers. With the rise in Mac use, ID card printer solutions are keeping pace. While not as slim as a decade ago, the choices for ID card printers with Mac iOS print drivers and Mac-compatible software programs have improved with the times.
Many systems are Windows-based, so you need to make sure the printer you choose contains Mac iOS drivers, and the software is Mac-compatible. Here are a few tips to help make sure you get the right ID card solution for your needs.
ID Card Printers
More ID card printer manufacturers are turning out Mac-compatible solutions beyond Evolis, Fargo, and Nisca. Added to that list are Magicard, Zebra, ScreenCheck and IDP. Many manufacturers have systems that can work on either Windows or iOS, making them compatible for organizations that use a combination of PCs and Macs.
One key to look for when purchasing an ID card printer is what version of iOS it's compatible with. Some manufacturers have a hard time keeping up with Apple's frequent updates because developing a new iOS print driver can take months to accomplish.
Another consideration when choosing a Mac-compatible solution is the connection. Do you need a Thunderbolt-compatible card printer to connect to your computer? Most Mac printers come with USB connectivity, and some have an ethernet port to connect the printer to a network. So, if you need Thunderbolt, you may have a hard time finding an option.
You still have your choice of Mac-compatible single- or dual-sided printers and printers that encode magnetic stripes or smart cards. You can also get laminating modules for some ID card printers compatible with Mac iOS.
ID Card Software
If you have a small ID card program where you only print a dozen cards a year, you could probably get away without purchasing ID card software. But any ID card solution that prints more than that could benefit from a Mac-compatible ID card software program.
The difference between using Photoshop (or your word processing program) is ID card software is one of time and effort. ID card software automatically sizes your photos, crops them to fit your design, and imports them into the template. When you work with Photoshop, for example, you must manually complete all those steps. It takes a lot of time to design and create an ID card from scratch, while software automates the process for you.
Today's software programs come in a variety of versions. You can get simple, entry-level software programs that design and create professional ID badges for programs printing up to a hundred a year. If you issue more than a hundred cards, look at advanced ID card software programs. You need one that includes internal and external databases to store your cardholder data and more functionality to print cards in batches. The most advanced software programs are network-based and can encode smart cards, magnetic stripes, and more.
You can find Mac-compatible software programs to cover all your ID card needs and your budget.
ID Cameras
Another piece of Mac-compatible hardware you need is an ID camera that works with both your hardware and software. Some small companies use an inexpensive digital camera, but they must upload the photo from the camera to a computer. Then they must edit and resize the picture and import it into their ID card design program. While those steps are conceivable, it's not the best use of someone's time.
Choose a Mac-compatible ID camera with TWAIN technology. This allows you to see a live version on your computer screen of the ID photo before snapping the picture. You can make sure the picture is perfect before you capture it by clicking the mouse. It automatically uploads the picture into the software program, resizes and crops it, and centers it. An ID camera automates the photo process so all you need do is point and click. However, choose an ID camera with Mac drivers and to check its iOS compatibility.
Final Thoughts
A secure Mac-compatible ID card solution is to choose a complete system that comes bundled together. This gives you all components you need, both hardware and software, that is guaranteed to work with a Mac. You get the printer, software, camera, consumables, and other supplies you need to produce professional ID cards and badges on a Mac.
Contact one of our ID Experts at 212-889-2530. We will walk you through your choices and help you find an ID card solution that is Mac-compatible. We'll also make sure it meets or exceeds your business and security needs and fits your budget. Remember, our experts are vendor agnostic, so you get the best solution at the best price to create professional ID cards and badges.