Print Vendor Technical Spec
NFC Yearbook Codex · One-page specification for binding, laminating, and applying NFC tags
What's Being Added
NFC stickers (NTAG215/NTAG216) are embedded between printed pages. Each tag is 0.5mm thick, sits between two glued pages, and is imperceptible in the finished book.
The yearbook committee will deliver:
- Pre-programmed, labeled NFC tags (one per portrait + section openers)
- A placement guide PDF showing exact positions
- A How-To-Scan instruction page to be printed on the inside front cover
Placement by Page Type
| Page Type | Tag | Position |
|---|---|---|
| Senior portraits | 25mm round | Bottom-right of each portrait frame |
| Faculty portraits | 20mm round | Bottom-right of each portrait frame |
| Section openers | 25mm round | Upper-right corner of the spread |
| Inside back cover | 30mm round | Center of the autograph page |
An NFC tap icon (3 curved lines, 8–10mm) must be printed next to each tagged portrait so readers know to scan.
When to Apply
After printing, before binding.
Tags are applied to the printed sheet before pages are collated and bound. They sit between two glued pages in the finished book.
Cross-Section
Laminate / UV Coating (~1mm)
Printed Cover Stock
NFC Tag (NTAG215, ~0.5mm)
Adhesive Layer
Backing Page
Total: ~2.5mm
Laminate & Finish Compatibility
| Material | Works? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| UV coating | ✅ Yes | No interference |
| Standard laminate (≤1mm) | ✅ Yes | No interference |
| Matte or gloss laminate | ✅ Yes | No interference |
| Metallic foil | ❌ No | Blocks NFC — avoid over tag zones |
| Holographic foil (non-metal) | ✅ Yes* | Test first |
| Glitter or metallic thread | ✅ Yes | Fabric/textile finishes are safe |
Binding Compatibility
| Method | Works? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Perfect binding | ✅ Yes | Keep tags 15mm+ from spine |
| Saddle-stitch | ✅ Yes | Keep tags 15mm+ from spine |
| Spiral / comb binding | ✅ Yes | No restrictions |
Why 15mm from spine: The glue strip in perfect binding and the staple zone in saddle-stitch can interfere with NFC signal. Tags placed further than 15mm from the spine edge read reliably.
Quantity Reference
| Deployment | Tags | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Small school (75 graduates + 15 faculty) | ~99 | ~$20 hardware cost |
| Large school (300 graduates + 30 faculty) | ~338 | ~$328 hardware cost |
| Add 6–8 section opener tags per deployment | Shared video/playlist links | |
| Add 1 back cover tag per deployment | Time capsule link |
Questions?
Contact: hello@eventbuoy.com
The yearbook committee has the placement guide PDF and tagged/labeled NFC stickers ready for your production run.