What is a zed card?
A zed card, also written Z card, is another name for a model's composite card. It is a short page with several photos that show your range, your measurements and your contact details. Agencies and clients use it to judge your look and your size quickly.
Zed card vs comp card: is there a difference?
Not in what the card does. Comp card is short for composite card, and a zed card is the same kind of card under a different name. Which word people use depends on the country, the agency and the person you are talking to. If someone asks for either, they want a one-page summary of you with photos and details.
If you are ever unsure, ask what they would like to see. Some agencies have a preferred size or format, and it is worth checking before you send anything.
What goes on a zed card
- Photos. Three to five clear, recent photos: a headshot, a full length, a profile or three-quarter view and one with more personality.
- Measurements. Height, bust or chest, waist, hips, shoe size, plus hair and eye colour.
- Contact details. An email, a phone number if you are comfortable sharing it, and your agency's details once you have one.
What to put on a comp card goes through each item, and model measurements shows how to take them properly.
Printed or digital?
A zed card can be printed or digital. Printed cards follow ordinary paper sizes, and a digital one is shared by link or QR code. Most models are better off with a digital card as their main one, and a PDF they can print when someone asks. The differences are in digital comp card, and sizes are in comp card size.
How to make a zed card for free
- Choose three to five photos that look like you today.
- Write your measurements and note the units.
- Pick a layout that suits your photos. You can see all seven on the model comp card examples page.
- Add your details and share the link, QR code or PDF.
FYND does all of this free, in minutes. How to make a comp card has the full walk-through.
What a zed card is not
It helps to separate a zed card from three other things people mix it up with.
- A headshot is one photo of your face. A zed card has several photos plus details. See comp card vs headshot.
- A portfolio is a longer collection of your best work, often a book or a PDF. A zed card is a one-page summary. See comp card vs portfolio and the model portfolio book.
- Digitals are plain, unretouched photos that show how you look with no styling. They are usually the first thing an agency asks a new face for, and a zed card is built later from your best photos.
How agencies and clients use it
A booker looks at a zed card for a few seconds. In that time they are asking three things: does this person fit the job, what size are they, and how do I reach them. A card that answers all three in one glance is easy to say yes to, and a crowded or unclear one is easy to skip.
Agencies also use composite cards when they send talent to clients, which is why many have their own format. Once you are signed, the agency may replace your card with theirs. Until then, yours is your own calling card.
Printing a zed card
Most models now share a digital card by link or QR code and print only when asked. If you do print, follow the paper size the agency or casting prefers. Common choices are half letter, letter, A5 and A4, as explained in comp card size. Print on good paper, check the photos at full size for sharpness, and carry a few clean copies to in-person meetings.
Zed card mistakes to avoid
- Too many photos. Three to five strong ones beat a crowded page.
- Old or heavily retouched pictures.
- Missing or wrong measurements. Out-of-date numbers waste a booker's time.
- No clear contact. If a booker cannot reach you easily, you lose the job.
- A cluttered design. Choose clear over clever.
A quick checklist
- Three to five recent, clear photos with a strong lead image.
- Height, measurements, hair and eye colour, with the units named.
- A contact you check often.
- A clean layout with room around the photos.
- A digital link or QR code, plus a PDF ready to print.
In short
A zed card is the same thing as a comp card or composite card: one page with your best photos, your measurements and your contact details. Whichever name someone uses, give them clear, recent photos and honest numbers. You can make your free comp card in a few minutes.
What people ask
What is a zed card?
A zed card, or Z card, is another name for a model's composite or comp card: a short page with photos, measurements and contact details.
Is a zed card the same as a comp card?
Yes, they do the same job. Which name is used depends on the country, the agency and the person you are speaking to.
What does a zed card include?
Three to five photos, your height and measurements, hair and eye colour, and your contact details or your agency's.
Can I make a zed card for free?
Yes. FYND lets you make a comp card free, with seven designs, a link, a QR code and an A4 PDF.
Do I need a zed card before I have an agency?
It helps. A card puts your photos, measurements and contact details in one tidy page you can send when you submit to agencies.
