Shop & Compare Zebra Photo ID Systems

Each Zebra system includes everything you need to get your card printing program up and running. Choose a system for any card application or budget and receive ID card software, blank plastic cards, an ID card printer ribbon and even a camera that comes included! If you need help finding the right system for your needs, our ID Professionals are here to assist you!

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Shop Zebra ID Card Systems By Capability

Single-Sided

Print on one side of a card

Dual-Sided

Print on both sides of a card

Laminating

Increase card durability

Have questions about Zebra ID systems? We have answers!

Why choose a Zebra ID system?

Our Zebra ID systems provide everything you need to quickly and easily get your card printing program up and running. While Zebra printers can be purchased as stand-alone pieces of equipment, the printers do not come with all of the necessary supplies to begin making cards. It's very important, especially for first-time card printer users, to also get the supplies necessary for card production.

Our bundled systems contain supplies and equipment that seamlessly work together. Most Zebra systems include a printer, software, ribbon, camera, and cards. Plus, each system can easily be customized to varying needs. For example, you can change the type of card, add printer features (such as encoding), upgrade to a more advanced ID camera or ID software, and add extended warranty and/or loaner coverage.

Not only can a system make your purchase decision easier, it is also easy on the pocketbook. Buying a bundled Zebra ID system costs less than if the items were purchased individually! ID systems are a convenient and economical way to establish a card printing program at your organization.

What's the difference between a single-sided and a dual-sided Zebra system?

Simply put, a single-sided printer prints on one side of your cards and a dual-sided printer prints on both sides of your cards in one process. Choose a single-sided Zebra printer if you will be creating ID cards with limited cardholder information. Choose a dual-sided Zebra printer if you want the front of your cards to remain clean and uncluttered; printing some of your card-holder info on the back of your cards will keep the front of your cards looking their best!

Many customers ask if it is possible to print on both sides of the card with a single-sided printer by manually flipping the cards and sending them back through the printer. While technically it is possible, it's not recommended. Printing on both sides of the card with a single-sided printer will expose the printhead to dust, debris, and oil from your fingertips, which can cause expensive printhead damage. Plus, damage to a printhead from non-standard use will void warranty coverage, costing you more in the long run.

What is a retransfer system?

Many experienced card printer users are familiar with the white border that direct-to-card printers leave around the edge of cards. Retransfer printers, on the other hand, produce "over-the-edge" prints that cover the entire surface of your cards. Direct-to-card printers print directly to the surface of cards. Any uneven surface of a card - including coming in contact with the edge of a card - can cause expensive printhead damage.

Retransfer printers, like the Zebra ZXP Series 9, print your card image to a clear retransfer film that is then fused onto the surface of the card. With this process, the printhead does not come in direct contact with your card, allowing you to print over the edge of your cards and to a wider variety of card surfaces including proximity cards, smart cards, pre-punched cards and key tag cards. Another benefit: retransfer printers produce imagery with rich, vibrant, saturated colors.