A standard ticket format refers to the layout and information included on tickets for events, transportation, etc. Having a standard ticket format allows the venue or service provider to include necessary details, ensure readability and security, and maintain consistency across all tickets. While there is no single universal standard, there are some common elements that tickets often contain.
Common Ticket Format Elements
Here are some of the key pieces of information and features typically found on standard format tickets:
- Ticket name/type – States the general category or title of the ticket such as “General Admission,” “VIP,” “Roundtrip,” etc.
- Ticket number – Unique number assigned to each individual ticket for reference.
- Barcode/QR code – Scannable code to quickly validate, track, and prevent duplication of tickets.
- Event/Location – Details about the specific event, destination, venue, or service the ticket is for.
- Date/Time – Specifies the date, time, and any other timing details like gates open.
- Seat number – Designated seat location for reserved seating at venues.
- Section/Row/Gate – Further location details beyond just a seat number.
- Price/Cost – How much was paid for the ticket.
- Restrictions – Age limits, allowed/prohibited items, or other stipulations.
- Seller logo – Logo representing the company/venue issuing the ticket.
Beyond these basics, standard tickets often include additional service, legal, and informational details such as:
- Contact information – Website, phone number, mailing address, and other contact details for questions, changes, etc.
- Terms & Conditions – Legal fine print and disclaimers about ticket use, transfers, refunds, liability and more.
- Sponsor logos/ads – Logos and ads from event sponsors and partners.
- Security features – Foil, watermarks, holograms, UV ink and more to prevent counterfeiting.
- Order number – Reference number for the specific ticket purchase order.
- Issued date – Date the ticket was printed and issued.
Ticket Format by Type
While all tickets have some variation of the basic elements above, the specific ticket format can vary considerably depending on the type of ticket it is. Some examples include:
Concert/Event Tickets
- Large customized artwork and graphics representing the performer/event.
- Bright, bold colors and fonts that are eye-catching.
- Includes seating directions to the section, row and seat.
- Often double-sided with additional event details on back.
Transportation Tickets
- Focus on pragmatic departure and arrival details like gates, platforms, stops, etc.
- Includes route maps and schedules when applicable.
- Lists baggage restrictions and allowances for flights.
- Shows fare class for airlines tickets.
Gift Cards/Vouchers
- Highlight where/how the card can redeemed – online, in-store, etc.
- Format like a credit card with magnetic strip and signature space.
- Includes customer service contact details for balance inquiries.
- Notes any fees, restrictions or expiration dates.
Digital Tickets
- Downloadable online with minimal graphics and a focus on text details.
- Contains instructions for accessing, displaying, and validating the ticket.
- Offers options for transferring and managing tickets digitally.
- Provides links/QR codes to download companion assets like venue maps.
Standard Paper Ticket Format
For physical paper tickets, there are some common standard formats that are widely used:
Roll Tickets
- Printed on a continuous roll of paper and individually torn off.
- Often have perforated edges for easy separation.
- Allow printing large volumes of sequentially numbered tickets.
- Cost effective format for high volume events.
Sheetfed Tickets
- Printed in bulk on large sheets of card stock.
- Must be individually cut after printing.
- Higher quality and durability than roll tickets.
- Heavier paper allows for more striking designs.
Fanfold Tickets
- Printed on continuous accordion-folded stacks.
- Folded alternating front and back sides.
- Easily separates into individual tickets.
- Combines durability of sheetfed with simplicity of roll.
When designing and printing paper tickets, some other standard considerations include:
- Numbering – Sequential ticket numbers printed onto each ticket.
- Perforations – Added for easy separation into individual tickets.
- Ink – Bright vivid inks and spot colors make designs stand out.
- Dimension – Standard ticket sizes include 2×6 in., 2.625×6 in. and 3.5×8.5 in.
- Stock – 14pt to 28pt card stock is commonly used.
- Coating – Aqueous, UV, or plastic coatings add durability.
Digital Ticket Formats
For digital tickets, some of the most common delivery formats include:
- Simple way to deliver tickets that can be printed or viewed on devices.
- Can include embedded security features.
- Ideal for at-home printing – provides PDFs with crop marks.
- Universally compatible file format.
JPG
- Basic image format for digital tickets.
- Easy to email and view on mobile devices.
- Typically watermarked and optimized for online use.
- Basic security but susceptible to screenshots.
Mobile Ticket Apps
- Custom branded mobile apps to store, access, and validate tickets.
- Allow transfers between users and centralized management.
- Tap to enter with digital ticket verification.
- Higher security with identity checks and encrypted barcodes.
Email Delivery
- Tickets delivered directly via email.
- Can include QR codes, barcodes, and links to access.
- Easily forwarded to recipients.
- Adds convenience but not as secure.
Common Ticket Security Features
To prevent counterfeiting and unauthorized duplication, standard ticket formats incorporate a variety of security features including:
- Watermarks – Faint images embedded into the ticket background.
- Holograms – Foil patches that shift color and design based on angle.
- Foil Stamping – Metallic foil used for logos, text, and designs.
- Guilloche Patterns – Intricate interwoven designs printed in the background.
- UV Printing – Invisible inks that fluoresce under blacklight.
- Microtext – Tiny high resolution text printed on the ticket.
- Serial Numbers – Unique codes printed on each ticket.
- Barcodes – Scannable 1D and 2D barcodes to validate authenticity.
For digital tickets, common security features include:
- Encrypted barcodes and QR codes
- animated backgrounds that move/change
- Personalized Identifiers and User Accounts
- Dynamic security watermarking
- Blockchain ticket verification
What Makes a Good Ticket Format?
Some key principles for an effective standard ticket format include:
- Readability – Clear fonts and adequate white space.
- Scannability – Barcodes, QR codes easy for devices to read.
- Consistency – Uniform layout across all associated tickets.
- Durability – Sturdy paper and inks.
- Security – Tamper-evident features to prevent copying.
- Relevance – Designs and details tailored to the event.
- Accessibility – Legible text size and contrast for those with disabilities.
- Compact – Concise text and space-saving elements.
Achieving these requires thoughtful design considerations around things like paper selection, ink colors, font choices, element positioning, anti-counterfeiting features, and more.
Examples of Standard Ticket Formats
To illustrate some standard ticket formats in practice, here are a few examples:
Movie Ticket
| CINEWORLD | Admit One |
|---|---|
|
AVENGERS: ENDGAME Screen 3 – 7:30pm 04/25/20 |
Ticket: 020492 Row F, Seat 14 John Smith |
This movie ticket has a basic layout with the theater name, movie details, seat assignment, date, ticket number, and space for the customer name.
Concert Ticket
| METALLICA WORLD TOUR | |
|---|---|
|
Date: July 10, 2023 Doors: 7:00pm Venue: Soldier Field |
Section B3 Row 12 Seat 14 PAID |
This concert ticket highlights the band and tour name at the top with large text. The layout focuses on key details like date, time, and seating location.
E-Ticket Boarding Pass
| E-TICKET | |
|---|---|
|
Passneger Name John SMITH |
Flight Info UA1104 YUL->LAX |
|
7A/W31B2 Boarding: 2:15PM |
|
This e-ticket boarding pass highlights the passenger’s name, flight details, seat assignment, and boarding time in a compact format.
Choosing a Ticket Format
Selecting the right ticket format involves weighing factors like:
- Event type – Concerts, conferences, festivals, etc. have different needs.
- Volume – Digital or roll tickets for high volumes.
- Budget – Cheaper formats like thermal print vs. higher-end options.
- Durability – Thicker stock and coatings for reusable tickets.
- Design – Limitations and capabilities of the format for graphics.
- Security – Required anti-counterfeiting measures.
- Environment – Digital or recycled paper options.
Venues, event promoters, transit operators and other ticket issuers should consider all these factors and strike the right balance for their specific needs. While sticking to established best practices for standard ticket formats, there is still flexibility to stand out.
Benefits of a Standard Ticket Format
Having a thoughtfully designed standard ticket format offers many benefits such as:
- Professional, consistent appearance.
- Includes essential info for customers.
- Simplifies production and operations.
- Allows use of security features.
- Easy scanning and validation.
- Avoids confusion and mistakes.
- Meets accessibility standards.
- Reflects brand identity and style.
With emerging technology expanding possibilities for digital ticketing, the core elements of an effective ticket format remain essential no matter the medium.
Conclusion
Standard ticket formats bring order and organization to ticketing operations. While details vary by the type of ticket, key elements like consistent layouts, scannable codes, visible identifiers, and security features are hallmarks of a properly formatted ticket. Digital formats provide added convenience and security when implemented thoughtfully. With a smart, intuitive ticket format, venues and customers benefit from a smooth, reliable ticketing experience.