Editing Printer (computing) (section)

====Variations====
Broadly speaking there are three main types of card printers, differing mainly by the method used to print onto the card. They are:
;Near to Edge:This term designates the cheapest type of printing by card printers. These printers print up to 5&nbsp;mm from the edge of the card stock.
;Direct to Card:Also known as "Edge to Edge Printing". The print-head comes in direct contact with the card. This printing type is the most popular nowadays, mostly due to cost factor. The majority of identification card printers today are of this type.
;Reverse Transfer:Also known as "High Definition Printing" or "Over the Edge Printing". The print-head prints to a transfer film backwards (hence the reverse) and then the printed film is rolled onto the card with intense heat (hence the transfer). The term "over the edge" is due to the fact that when the printer prints onto the film it has a "bleed", and when rolled onto the card the bleed extends to completely over the edge of the card, leaving no border.

Different ID Card Printers use different encoding techniques to facilitate disparate business environments and to support security initiatives. Known encoding techniques are:
;[[Smart card|Contact Smart Card]]: The Contact Smart Cards use [[RFID]] technology and require direct contact to a conductive plate to register admission or transfer of information. The transmission of commands, data, and card status held between the two physical contact points.
;[[Contactless smart card|Contactless Smart Card]]: Contactless Smart Cards exhibit integrated circuit that can store and process data while communicating with the terminal via Radio Frequency. Unlike Contact Smart Card, contact less cards feature intelligent re-writable [[microchip]] that can be transcribed through radio waves.
;HiD Proximity: HID's proximity technology allows fast, accurate reading while offering card or key tag read ranges from 4" to 24" inches (10&nbsp;cm to 60.96&nbsp;cm), dependent on the type of proximity reader being used. Since these cards and key tags do not require physical contact with the reader, they are virtually maintenance and wear-free.
;[[Magnetic stripe card|ISO Magnetic Stripe]]: A magnetic stripe card is a type of card capable of storing data by modifying the [[magnetism]] of tiny iron-based magnetic particles on a band of magnetic material on the card. The magnetic stripe, sometimes called swipe card or magstripe, is read by physical contact and swiping past a magnetic reading head.