How to Make a Free Custom Show Placard (Step-by-Step)
Travis Johnson – TMB Creator
Want a professional show placard without paying a designer? You can build one in minutes on TagMyBuild—and it’s free. The placard exports as a print-ready 8.5×11” PDF and includes your title, photos, detail sections, shop shout-outs, and a big QR code that opens your car’s digital garage.
TL;DR (Quick Start)
Create a free account: the Spectator account gives you one car in your garage and full community access.
Build your placard from your car page: open QR Options → Print → Custom Placard.
Set colors, fonts, title, details, photos, shop logos, and generate your PDF.
Looks professional: Clean design that matches your build.
Explains your build fast: Key specs and mod highlights at a glance.
Scannable: The QR sends people straight to your photos, videos, and mod list.
Free to generate: No designer fees, no waiting.
What You’ll Need
A TagMyBuild account (free option available as Spectator).
Your car added to your garage (make/model/year, a hero photo helps).
Optional: shop logos, a secondary photo, and a short details blurb.
Upgrading gives you more garage slots and perks: • Enthusiast — 2 cars, community features, printable placards, and the ability to order clear QR stickers for $10 per car. • Collector — up to 5 cars, social tools, and pro-level presentation with $10 QR stickers per car.
(Note: For Spectator, you’ll be asked for billing details during signup; you won’t be charged unless you purchase or upgrade. Stripe processes payments and details aren’t stored on TagMyBuild.)
Details #2: More notes (setup, power figures, tire sizes, noteworthy mods).
Format idea:
Stage 2 • Coilovers • 18×9.5 +35
285/35R18 • BBK • E85 Tune
8) Add Photos
Hero photo (big): Rows 1–2, columns 1–2.
Secondary photo: Row 3, column 3 (optional).
The builder auto-centers and scales images to fit.
9) Shop Shout-Outs (Optional)
Type your shop list (alignment selectable).
Upload shop logos (up to 6). The grid auto-sizes and centers them.
10) Place the QR (Automatic)
The placard template puts a large QR in the bottom-right block.
Scanning takes people to your car’s digital garage with photos, videos, and mods.
11) Generate & Print
Click Generate PDF.
Print on standard 8.5×11” paper or cardstock.
Slide into a simple clear sign holder for car shows.
Example Placard Layout (What You’ll See)
Top: Big title (Make • Model • Year).
Left/Center: Large hero photo.
Right (top): Details #1.
Right (middle): Secondary photo.
Bottom left/center: Shop shout-outs + logos.
Bottom right: Accent square with large QR code.
Tips for a Placard That Pops
Use short lines: Bullets are easier to skim at shows.
Keep contrast high: Dark outline + light text = readable.
Hero first: Lead with your best angle photo.
Credit your shops: Add logos to look pro and say thanks.
QR + Sticker: Pair the placard with a window QR so people can scan anywhere.
Want a Clear QR Sticker Too?
Pair your placard with a clear, weather-resistant QR sticker so people can scan your build without the placard present. Learn more on the product page for the official QR sticker.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the placard builder really free? Yes. You can create and print the custom placard PDF at no cost. Start with the Spectator account if you’re new.
Do I need a paid plan to use the placard builder? No. Free users can generate a placard. Paid plans (Enthusiast and Collector) unlock more garage slots and community features—and you can order clear QR stickers for $10 per car.
Can I change fonts and colors later? Yes. Reopen QR Options → Print → Custom Placard, tweak settings, and generate a fresh PDF.
What paper should I use? Standard 8.5×11” works fine. Cardstock looks great and stays rigid in a sign holder.
Ready to make your placard? Visit TagMyBuild or join now, add your car, and generate your free PDF in minutes.
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