How to Set Up Your Evolis Primacy Card Printer and Start Printing Instantly

When it comes to efficient, professional ID card production, the Evolis Primacy Card Printer stands out as a powerful card printing machine trusted by schools, corporations, retailers, and companies worldwide. Originally produced in France, the Primacy Card Printer is a durable option that will last for a long time. Whether you’ve just unboxed your Primacy 2, are still using a trusty Primacy 1, or are considering an upgrade, this guide will take you step by step through setting up your printer and printing your first batch of cards the right way.

The Primacy 2 is the upgraded version of the Primacy 1 card printer and has faster printing speeds, enhanced printing features and advanced security features. If you still have the Primacy 1 card printer, it's a good idea to upgrade to these amazing features.

Why the Primacy is a great choice for a Card Printing Machine

The Evolis Primacy line is designed for on-site, high-volume, full-colour card production. It offers:

• Fast print speeds (up to 280 colour cards single-sided/hour on Primacy 2 and 170 colour cards dual-sided/ hour on Primacy 2). The Primacy 1 has a lot fewer cards per hour, 200 colour cards single-sided/hour and 150 colour cards dual-sided/ hour.

• Crisp edge-to-edge quality (up to 600 dpi on Primacy 2 and 300 dpi on Primacy 1).

• Robust connectivity (USB & network-ready).

• Powerful encoding options (magnetic, contact/contactless chip).

• Modular upgrades—add dual-sided printing, lamination, or security features as you grow.

But the real magic is in how quickly you can move from box to badge—and that’s exactly what we’ll cover below.

What You’ll Need to Get Started

Before you begin, make sure you have:

• Your Primacy 1 or Primacy 2 card printer (and power supply).

• A USB cable or network cable (Ethernet, for Primacy 1 or 2 Expert/Duplex).

• A Windows or Mac computer (most common; Linux drivers are also available).

• CardPresso software (XXS edition included; higher editions for advanced users).

• Plastic cards (PVC, composite, or other compatible stock).

• A colour or monochrome ribbon (Evolis High Trust).

• Your card design files (from CardPresso, Canva, or other design tools).

Step 1: Unboxing and Physical Setup

1. Unbox Carefully:
   Remove the printer, cables, input/output hoppers, and all packaging. Place the printer on a clean, stable desk near your computer.

2. Plug In the Power:
   Connect the power cable to the printer and plug it into a wall socket. Always use a surge protector for added safety.

3. Connect to Computer:

   • • For USB: Use the included USB cable to connect the printer to your PC or Mac.

     • For Network (Primacy 2 Expert/Duplex): Plug an Ethernet cable from your network switch or router to the printer’s LAN port.

4. Load Cards and Ribbon:

   • Open the printer lid.

   • Insert the colour or mono ribbon—make sure it clicks into place.

   • Load blank cards into the input hopper (front or rear, depending on your model).

5. Close All Lids and Hoppers:
   Ensure everything is securely closed—the printer won’t initialise if a lid is left open.

Step 2: Installing Drivers & Evolis Premium Suite

1. Download the Latest Drivers:

   • • Visit Evolis Support or use the CD/USB provided. Select which card printer is yours from the Evolis Support list of Card Printers.

     • Download and run the Evolis Premium Suite installer under driver and firmware (Windows/Mac).

2. Follow the Setup Prompts:

   • • Select your printer model and connection type (USB/Ethernet).

     • The wizard will detect your printer, install drivers, and configure default settings.

3. Printer Registration:
   Register your printer for warranty, software updates, and technical support. Card Monster will provide customer support!
4. Check Printer Status:

• • • Open Evolis Print Centre (installed with Premium Suite).

    • Your printer should appear as “Ready.”

    • Double click on your "Ready" card printer and run a test print (from the Tools tab) to confirm all is working.

Step 3: Setting Up CardPresso Card Printing Software

CardPresso is one of the world’s leading card design and printing suites. Trusted by banks, universities, and corporations for its user-friendly interface and powerful features.

CardPresso Editions

• XXS: Free with every Primacy. Great for basic ID/photo cards and CSV imports.

• XS: Adds barcodes, photo capture, and conditional printing.

• XM: Database connectivity (MS Access, SQLite), multi-layouts.

• XL: Advanced database (MS SQL, MySQL, Oracle), ODBC, Smartcard scripting.

• XXL: Full-featured, for card bureaus and large enterprises.

Explore the full CardPresso Edition Comparison

Initial CardPresso Setup

1. Install CardPresso:
   Use the CD or download from cardpresso.com.

2. Activate Your Edition:
   Enter your serial/key (usually found on a sticker or email). XXS is free with every Primacy, but you can upgrade as needed.

3. Create Your First Card Template:

   • Use the drag-and-drop editor to add logos, photos, text, and barcodes.

   • For photo IDs, enable webcam capture or import photos in bulk.

   • Link data fields to a CSV or your staff/member database for easy mail-merge printing.

4. Print Test Card:

   • Select the Evolis Primacy printer.

   • Insert a blank card, choose your template, and print.

Pro Tip:

If you need only static cards or want to start with simple designs, you can use Canva to create your card artwork. Download the design as a high-res PNG or PDF and import it into CardPresso for printing. Note: Canva is limited in dynamic database integration and variable data printing. You can print directly from Canva as a PDF if you are more familiar with the platform. However, it is advised that if you want more capabilities, then you must create your design on CardPresso. Here is a video showing you how to use Variable Database Printing. However, it is limited in it's capabilities.

Step 4: Customising Printer Settings for Your Needs

The Evolis Premium Suite Print Centre allows you to fine-tune settings for print quality, speed, security, and encoding.

• Card Type: Set card thickness and material (PVC, PET, composite).

• Print Mode: Choose colour, monochrome, or dual-sided (if using Primacy Duplex).

• Security Options: Enable digital erasing, Kineclipse (if available), and ribbon save modes.

• Encoding Setup: If you use magnetic, contact or contactless cards, configure encoders in the driver.

• Lamination: If you’ve upgraded with the CLM module, adjust lamination type and patch size.

Don’t forget to clean the printer regularly using official Evolis cleaning kits—this keeps printheads, rollers, and card paths clear of dust for crisp, reliable output.

Step 5: Printing Cards—Your First Batch

1. Open CardPresso and select your card template.

2. Import Data:

   • For simple jobs, type directly into the template.

   • For bulk printing, import your CSV/database (e.g., staff list, visitor log, student roster).

3. Preview Each Card:
   Check all variable fields and images.

4. Print Settings:

   • Make sure the correct ribbon is loaded.

   • Check card orientation and dual-sided settings (if using Duplex).

   • Set the card count and start printing! Make sure to select the Evolis Primacy Card Printer when you print your design.

5. Collect Your Cards:
   Finished cards drop into the output hopper. If any errors occur (jam, ribbon out), follow the on-screen prompts to resolve and continue.

Optional: Adding Security, Branding & Automation

• Holographic Overlays:
  Upgrade your ribbon for added tamper-proof features. Perfect for secure IDs and credentials. This is an easy feature to use. You will have to print your card in colour or monochrome first, and then you can print the hologram overlay over it. Have a look at our step-by-step process in this blog post from step 6 on how to do this.

• Database Automation:
  With CardPresso XM or above, connect live to your HR or student database for auto-printing on demand.

• Batch Processing:
  Automate your card runs and issue hundreds of cards without operator intervention.

• Encoding:
  Write magstripes, chip data, or encode RFID for access control, payments, and more.

How Does Primacy Compare? Should I Upgrade?

Not sure if you have the latest model? We break down every difference, from print quality to upgrade paths, in our Primacy 1 vs. Primacy 2 comparison.

In short:

• Primacy 2 offers faster speeds, better print quality (up to 600dpi), more security (Kineclipse, digital erasing), and lamination.

• Primacy 1 is still a solid card printer, but upgrade options are limited due to discontinuation and slow key availability. Limited security features and upgrading from a simplex to a duplex because of discontinuation. 

We recommend Primacy 2 for new buyers and businesses expecting to grow, but both are supported by Card Monster.

Common Troubleshooting

• Printer not detected: Check cables, restart printer/computer, ensure driver is installed.

• Poor print quality: Clean printhead/rollers, use new ribbon, check card stock. Remember to clean your card printer after every ribbon change or 250-300 cards printed to maintain your card printer to the best level and reduce unnecessary repairs and maintenance. 

• Card jams: Remove cards, check for debris, reload and try again.

• Error messages: Use the Evolis Print Centre for diagnostics and contact Card Monster for fast support.

Why Buy Your Primacy from Card Monster?

• Official Evolis partner for South Africa. We have gold level status for being a reseller of Evolis. 

• WhatsApp and email support for installation and troubleshooting. Contact Card Monster for any trouble you may be having. 

• On-site setup and training available.

• Genuine ribbons, cleaning kits, and security overlays are in stock. We only supply the best products at Card Monster. You should only use Genuine ribbons for your card printer to ensure that the printer is well-maintained and looked after with no costly repairs from non-genuine ribbons that damage your card printer.

• Trade-in programs for upgrading your old Primacy.

We’re not just selling a box—we help you every step of the way.

Final Thoughts: Your New Card Printing Machine in Action

Once your Primacy printer is set up, you’ll have the power to print professional, secure cards for your staff, customers, or members on demand, in minutes. With CardPresso’s range of features, or even Canva for simple cards, you’ll be producing ID cards, visitor passes, access badges, and branded loyalty cards that truly represent your business.

The best part? You’re in control: no more waiting for outside suppliers, no courier delays, no batch minimums, just your cards, right when you need them.

Please contact us for anything you may need help with.