COOLQSL
26+ years of experience • 200+ DXCC • premium print
Premium QSL Cardsfor radio amateurs, DXpeditions and clubs worldwide
For over 26 years we have designed and printed QSL cards for individual operators, clubs, contest stations and DXpeditions. We have produced cards for more than 200 DXCC entities.
Need a QSL card quote?
★★★★★ 197 customer reviews worldwide
Sample QSL card from the gallery. Refresh the page to see another project.
26+years of QSL experience
200+DXCC entities served with QSL cards
By hams, for hams
Created by a ham radio operator for ham radio operators
CoolQSL was founded and is operated by SP5ADX – Radek, an active amateur radio operator with more than 30 years of on-air experience.
As a radio amateur, DXer and QSL enthusiast, he understands the needs of operators, contest stations, clubs, special event callsigns and DXpeditions. CoolQSL is not just a general printing company — it is a brand built inside the amateur radio community.
SP5ADX
Radek
radio amateur, DXer, QSL designer and print specialist
- 30+ years in amateur radio
- 26+ years of QSL experience
- QSL projects for operators from 200+ DXCC entities
A good QSL card is not just a printed picture. It is a confirmation, a memory, an operator’s business card and often a part of DXpedition history. The design must be readable, technically correct, print-ready and matched to the character of the station.
QSL Cards
Who are our QSL cards for?
We work with many types of radio amateurs and many different needs — not just one standard card template.
Individual operators
Classic cards with callsign, station photo, antennas, location, map and QSO details area.
DXpeditions and IOTA
Cards for expeditions, island activations, special callsigns and projects that must look prestigious worldwide.
Contest stations
Dynamic designs for contest stations, teams and clubs working major competitions.
Clubs and organizations
Club, event, award and special cards consistent with club identity.
Special event stations
Cards for anniversaries, field activations, meetings and special ham radio projects.
SWL listeners
Cards for shortwave listeners, collectors and people documenting reception reports.
QSL Offer
What QSL cards do we make?
From classic operator cards to expedition, club and contest projects. Each design can be created from scratch or based on supplied materials.
Standard cards
The most popular QSL cards in a classic format for everyday contacts.
Premium cards
Stronger designs with more focus on photography, quality and visual impact.
Folded cards
More space for photos, maps, expedition story, station description and sponsors.
DXpedition cards
Designs for expeditions, IOTA, activations and special callsigns with strong first impression.
Contest cards
Cards for contest stations, clubs, teams and special event operations.
Cards from ADI data
Card preparation or personalization based on log data, depending on the project.
QSL Printing
QSL card printing technology
Single, double and special QSL cards
We print QSL cards as single cards, double/folded cards and, for selected projects, more advanced formats. The front side is printed in full colour and finished with gloss lamination. The reverse side can be full colour or grey scale — for example with the operator photo, station description, map or additional information.
Premium paper
Our standard QSL cards are printed on high quality 350 gsm matte coated paper. The front side is laminated with glossy film for a more elegant look, better feel and extra protection.
Quality instead of the lowest price
We do not base our standard offer on cheap cardboard. We focus on durability and professional appearance. Good paper is less likely to bend, curl or turn yellow. Cardboard can be available only as an option for selected products, after confirmation.
Graphic design
In our designs we use different fonts, styles, vector graphics, shadows, perspective, masks, tonal transitions and special visual effects matched to the character of the station.
Materials
Materials for QSL card design
How to send materials
All materials can be sent via the internet. Initial proofs are usually sent as JPG files for approval. If you have a handmade sketch, you can scan or photograph it and send it together with original photos.
Material quality
For the best print quality we need original high quality photos, maps, logos, scans and graphic materials in the highest possible resolution. Scanned materials should be at least 300 dpi.
Logo and graphics
Logos are best supplied as vector files. If the project includes fonts, all fonts should be converted to curves/outlines to avoid text problems during production.
Card sizes
The standard QSL card size is 140 × 90 mm. Other sizes are possible on request, but please ask for the price before ordering.
Files
Technical file requirements
Accepted file formats
Finished artwork can be prepared in CorelDraw X4 or lower, Adobe Photoshop CS, or as a print-ready PDF. Project components can be sent as JPG files saved at 300 dpi.
Artwork size
Print artwork should be prepared at 144 × 94 mm, including 2 mm bleed on each side. After trimming, the card has the standard 140 × 90 mm size.
Safe margin
Important text, callsigns, logos and graphic elements should not be placed closer than 5 mm from the edge of the card.
Colour and resolution
The colour side should be prepared in CMYK at 300 dpi. The reverse side can be grey scale or full colour depending on the order.
Fonts
All fonts should be converted to curves/outlines. This prevents text from changing when the file is opened on another computer.
Production
Production time
Standard production
Estimated production time is usually 5–7 days after design approval and payment confirmation.
Express option
Express production within 24 hours is possible on request, but only for selected QSL card types and after confirmation.
Proof approval
A ready design proof is sent by email for checking and approval. Printing starts after you confirm that everything is correct.
QSL Stamps
QSL card stamps
Callsign stamps
We produce stamps for radio amateurs, clubs and special event stations. They can include callsign, name, location, QTH data or additional information.
Verification stamps
Stamps for QSL card confirmation, club work, DXpeditions and special events.
Club and DXpedition stamps
Stamp designs can be visually matched with QSL cards, apparel, LED signs and other graphic materials.
ADI / QSO data
QSL cards filled with QSO data from an ADI file
We can print your QSO data directly on QSL cards. You send your .adi log file and we prepare cards with QSO details: callsign, date, UTC, band, mode, report and QSL via information.
Who is it for? Active operators, contest calls, DXpeditions and stations that need a large number of cards prepared quickly.
How does it work? 4–8 QSO can be printed on one card, while the remaining cards can stay blank for later use.
Result: ready-to-send QSL cards with your QSO data, without handwriting all details.
Gallery
Sample QSL cards
Click a card to enlarge it.
Process
How to order?
Send your callsign and idea
Provide callsign, card type, quantity, destination country and general design direction.
Send materials
Photos, logos, maps, vector files, optionally ADI log or example layout.
Design and approval
We prepare a proof. Printing starts only after your approval.
Print and shipping
After approval the card is prepared, printed, packed and shipped.
Merchandise
Other products for radio amateurs
QSL cards are the heart of CoolQSL, but the offer can be extended with matching merchandise for operators, clubs, contests and events.
LED callsign signs
Illuminated callsigns for shack, clubs and gifts.
QSL card stamps
Callsign, verification, club and DXpedition stamps.
QSO labels
QSO labels prepared from your ADI log file.
Ham Radio Clothing
T-shirts, fleece jackets and softshell jackets with your callsign, club logo or DXpedition design.
Mugs and gifts
Mugs, gifts and small ham radio accessories.
Lanyards and badges
Products for clubs, meetings, expeditions and events.
Awards and plaques
Engraved awards, certificates, trophies and plaques.
DX maps and canvases
Shack decorations, maps and personalized graphics.
Reviews
What customers say about CoolQSL
Selected authentic entries from the CoolQSL guestbook. Over 197 entries, 26+ years of experience and QSL cards for more than 200 DXCC entities.
★★★★★
“Great job and great quality. Quite happy with the result and the delivery time.”
★★★★★
“The QSL cards are very nice, excellent quality. Beautiful work.”
★★★★★
“Great work with the QSL cards for my JW operation. Very quick replies and fast layout preparation.”
★★★★★
“I have used your QSL print service three times now. I would recommend and use your service again.”
★★★★★
“Very nice quality and print job. I will recommend CoolQSL to anyone needing the very best printed QSL cards.”
★★★★★
“Excellent QSL cards. Good quality and very well printed. I will order again.”
★★★★★
“Excellent quality on all cards and products. Very highly recommended.”
★★★★★
“I received 3000 QSL cards and stamps. Everything was perfect and I promote your services to my friends.”
★★★★★
“Great job on my QSL cards. I will be back for more.”
★★★★★
“I received the QSL cards on Saturday morning. They are very nice. Great job, thank you.”
★★★★★
“I received the QSL cards this morning. Great job from your side. Thank you one more time.”
★★★★★
“The QSL cards arrived today. Very beautiful cards and very nice job.”
★★★★★
“Thanks for the QSL cards. The cards look fine. Thanks for the fine job.”
★★★★★
“Today I received my QSL cards. Thank you for nice printing. Other hams from our club will order from you.”
★★★★★
“Received all cards today. Top quality and well printed again. Thanks again, I will use you again.”
★★★★★
“I received my callsign LED plate. Fantastic quality, beautiful light and fine finish. I recommend this item.”
★★★★★
“Received all cards in good quality and well printed. Received within two weeks of order.”
★★★★★
“Great job again. Very fast, super quality. Many thanks.”
★★★★★
“Beautiful design for our group. A pearl for all groups to have in their collection.”
★★★★★
“Wonderful jobs for the S.D. Greek Team QSL cards. Thank you for the excellent work.”
★★★★★
“Thanks Radek for all the cards printed for our group so far. We will ask you to print again.”
★★★★★
“You provide such a great service to the radio community. The QSL cards look great and stand out all over the world.”
★★★★★
“Congratulations for quality and design. Soon other QSL cards will be printed here.”
★★★★★
“Thank you for design and printing my cards. I will order again in the future.”
★★★★★
“One of the best QSL printing services I have ever seen. Great prices and great work.”
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order a QSL card design from scratch?
Yes. Send your callsign, photos, logo, map or general idea. We will prepare a proof for approval.
What materials are best for print?
High resolution photos, vector logos and files without heavy compression work best. Better source material means better final print.
Will I receive a proof before printing?
Yes. We send a design proof before printing. Printing should start only after your approval.
Do you make cards for clubs and DXpeditions?
Yes. Clubs, special event stations, contests, IOTA and DXpeditions are one of the key CoolQSL directions.
Can you prepare cards from an ADI log?
Yes, depending on the project we can use ADI log data or prepare personalized QSO details.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes. CoolQSL works with radio amateurs from many countries and supports international projects.
Contact
Contact and order
Send your callsign, photos, club logo, ADI file or project description. We will prepare a proposal, design and quotation.
info@coolqsl.com
facebook.com/qslprintshop