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How to Make Admission Tickets: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Jayanshu Badlani
March 17, 2025
14 Mins
min read
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If you are planning an event, big or small, you need to think about admission tickets. These little tickets do more than let people in.

They help you keep track of guests, stop gatecrashers, and make your event look professional.

Whether it’s a school play, a fundraiser, or a music concert, having proper custom admission tickets can make a big difference.

The event ticketing market is growing fast. The global ticketing industry was valued at $60.33 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach $105 million by 2033. (Market Stats Ville)

In the old days, people made admission tickets by hand. They would design, print, and hand them out one by one.

But today, things have changed. With online admission ticketing tools, you can make tickets faster, smarter, and safer.

These tools let you design beautiful DIY admission tickets in minutes, even if you are not a designer.

In this guide, you will learn how to make admission tickets from start to finish. We will show you the full process, from choosing the right tool to designing, printing, and even scanning your tickets on event day. Whether you want to go fully digital or still love paper tickets, we’ve got you covered.

Ready? Let’s dive in and make your ticket-making journey easy and fun.

A. Traditional vs Modern ticketing

Feature Traditional Admission Ticketing Modern Admission Ticketing
Forgery Protection Low – Traditional admission tickets can be copied or faked easily. High – Digital security measures (such as QR Codes) make them hard to copy.
Processing Speed Slow – Designing, printing, and handing out tickets takes time. Fast – Make and send thousands of custom admission tickets in minutes.
Lost Ticket Recovery Hard – If someone loses a ticket, they need a new printout. Easy – Digital tickets can be re-sent anytime.
Security Weak – No way to check if a ticket is real or fake. Strong – NFC, barcodes, or QR Codes track and stop fake tickets from being used.
Scalability Limited – Handling more people means printing more tickets, which takes time. Unlimited – Send digital tickets instantly, with no extra effort.
Distribution Method Paper-based – Print and hand out tickets in person. Digital – Send tickets via email, SMS, or as a downloadable PDF.
Administrative Workload High – Staff must print, check, and distribute every ticket by hand. Low – Everything is automatic, saving time and effort.
Cost-effectiveness Expensive – Printing and manual work add up fast. Budget-friendly – No printing costs, just simple online distribution.
Tracking and Reporting No tracking – Hard to know how many tickets are used. Real-time tracking – See how many tickets are sold and used.

Not too long ago, making admission tickets was a hands-on job. You had to design them yourself, print stacks of them, and pass them out in person.

If you made a mistake, it often meant starting all over again. It worked for small events, but it was slow and tricky—especially if your event grew bigger than expected.

That’s why admission ticketing today looks so different. Instead of doing everything by hand, most people now use online tools to create custom admission tickets.

These tools let you pick from ready-made designs or start fresh if you want something unique. You can add your event name, date, and other details in minutes—no need to be a designer.

Tip: Keep ticket designs simple. Clear text, readable fonts, and high-contrast colors make custom admission tickets easy to scan and understand. Avoid cluttered designs that may confuse attendees.

One of the biggest worries with old-fashioned admission tickets was security. Since anyone could copy a simple paper ticket, it wasn’t always easy to know who had a real one.

Modern admission ticketing does a better job of keeping track. Each ticket can have a QR Code or any other form of security feature, making it harder for fake ones to slip through.

Another reason people love DIY admission tickets is how quickly they can be shared. You can email them, send them through text, or post them in a private group.

It’s faster, cheaper, and way less stressful than printing piles of paper and hoping you made enough.

Next, we will walk through each step to show you exactly how to make admission tickets for your event.

Admission ticket with QR Code for a laughter event
World Laughter Day Admission Ticket

B. How to make admission tickets: step-by-step process

Making admission tickets is not as hard as people think. You don’t need to be a designer or a tech expert.

With today’s online tools, you can make custom admission tickets from scratch in minutes—all you need is your event details and a bit of creativity.

Here’s the simple process to follow:

How to make admission tickets using Ticket Generator
Homepage of a Ticketing Software
Sign-up page for Ticket Generator with free ticket offer
Sign-In Page of Ticketing Software
Event management dashboard for ticket creation and tracking
Ticketing Software Dashboard

1. Sign up and log in

Start by creating an account on the admission ticketing platform. This only takes a minute. Once you log in, you’ll land on your dashboard. 

This is where you’ll build your DIY admission tickets from start to finish.

Even if this is your first time, you’ll find everything easy to understand. The platform guides you step by step.

Enter event details to make admission tickets online
Create an Event - Step 1
Customize ticket type and validity for event entry
Create an Event - Step 2

2. Add your event details

Before you make your tickets look nice, you need to add the basics — the name of your event, the date, the venue, and anything else your guests should know.

This is also where you can set up different ticket types. Maybe you have general tickets, some VIP passes, or special media invites.

Adding all of that now keeps your admission tickets clear and organized later.

One of the good things about using online custom admission tickets is that nothing is final. You can change details anytime until you actually print or send the tickets.

Editing an admission ticket layout with QR Code
Ticket Design Editor

3. Choose and edit your ticket design

Once your details are ready, it’s time to make your admission tickets look the way you want. You’ll get access to templates designed for events like yours.

Pick one you like and then customize it. Add your logo, change the colors to match your theme, and adjust the fonts if you want.

Tip: Test your ticketing system. Before launching ticket sales, check that all links, payment methods, and QR code scanning work correctly to avoid last-minute issues.

If you already have a design you love, you can upload that instead.

Your custom admission tickets should match the vibe of your event.

But remember — clear is always better than fancy. Guests should be able to read everything without guessing.

Create an event registration page for ticket sales
Event Page Setup

4. Create an event page 

Some platforms also give you an option to make a small event page. This can hold extra details — like parking info, dress code, or the event schedule.

If your DIY admission tickets link to this page, your guests have all the answers they need in one place. It’s not required, but it’s a smart extra step for larger events.

Track and manage event tickets for guests
Guest Ticket Management

5. Generate and send your tickets

Once your tickets look good and all your details are correct, you can generate them.

The platform will give you a PDF if you want to print your admission tickets yourself. Or, you can send them straight to your guests through email or text message.

That’s the nice thing about online admission ticketing — you’re not locked into one way. Printed tickets work well for formal events. Digital DIY admission tickets are perfect for casual ones.

6. Update your tickets if plans change

Let’s be honest — events rarely go exactly as planned. Maybe the venue changes, or you need to push the start time back.

With custom admission tickets made online, you don’t have to stress. Just update the ticket details and send the new version to your guests.

No wasted paper, no need to start over.

Real-time analytics for admission ticket sales and usage
Ticket Analytics Page

7. Track sales and ticket performance

Here’s where online admission ticketing really shines. As soon as your tickets go out, you can track how many have been sold, who bought them, and if they arrived at the event or not.

This data helps you plan better. If sales are slow, you can send reminders or run a promo. If a certain ticket type is selling faster than others, you’ll know to print more of that kind.

With traditional admission tickets, you’d never have this kind of data. But with online custom admission tickets, all the numbers are right at your fingertips.

Validate event tickets using an online ticketing tool
Ticket Validator Interface

8. Check tickets at the door

When event day arrives, your admission tickets help you stay in control right at the entrance.

Guests can either bring printed tickets or show them on their phones. Either way, checking them is quick and easy.

Since you made the tickets yourself, you know exactly what they should look like. If your platform supports ticket scanning, it gets even better.

You can scan each ticket as guests arrive. Once a ticket is scanned, it automatically expires — meaning it can’t be used again or copied by anyone else.

That’s the beauty of DIY admission tickets made online. You decide how they work, how they’re checked, and how you keep your event safe.

From the moment you create your first ticket to the second your last guest walks in, you’re fully in charge.

Live events are fueling industry recovery. After the pandemic, ticket sales surged, especially in sports, with the global sports ticket market forecasted to grow at 13.9% CAGR from 2023 to 2030. (Grand View Research)

C. Best online ticket generators

Making admission tickets is easy with online tools. They help save time, cut costs, and stop fake tickets. Here is a simple comparison of the top ticketing platforms.

Feature Ticket Generator Ticket Tailor Eventbrite Ticketspice Ticketleap
Pricing $0.25–$0.60 per ticket $0.22 (per ticket) + VAT (only when paid upfront), $0.60 (per ticket) + VAT (if not paid upfront) $0.61 + 6.95% (per ticket) $0.99 + 2.9% + $0.30 (per ticket) $1 + 2% of the ticket price
Custom Templates Available Available Available Available Available
QR Code Check-In Available Available Available Available Available
Customer Support Available Available Available Available Available
Free Trial The first 10 tickets are free The first 5 tickets are free No fee for free events N/A No fee for free events
Payment Methods Stripe, PayPal Stripe, PayPal, Square Credit/Debit Card, PayPal Credit Card, Pay by Cheque or PO Google Pay, Apple Pay
Reporting & Analytics Available Available Available Available Available
API Integration Available Available Available Available N/A

Which One Should You Choose?

The pricing is different for each platform. Ticket Generator is the cheapest, starting at $0.25 per ticket. Eventbrite and TicketLeap cost more since they add extra fees.

All platforms offer custom admission tickets. You can add logos, colors, and designs to match your event. They also have QR Code check-in to keep events safe from fake tickets.

Each platform has customer support if you need help. Some also offer free trials. Ticket Generator and Ticket Tailor allow you to create a few tickets for free. Eventbrite and TicketLeap do not charge for free events.

Tip: Promote early bird pricing. Offering discounts for early buyers encourages quick sales and helps predict attendance numbers in advance.

The payment options are also different. Stripe and PayPal are common. TicketSpice allows cheque payments, while TicketLeap supports Google Pay and Apple Pay.

Every platform provides real-time tracking. You can see how many tickets have been sold and how many people have checked in. Most tools also work with other apps through API integration, except TicketLeap.

If you want affordable DIY admission tickets, Ticket Generator is the best choice. It has low prices, secure QR Codes, and an easy setup.

Ticket Tailor has flexible prices, while Eventbrite is better for big events. Choose based on your budget and event size.

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D. Digital ticketing trends you shouldn't ignore

Ticketing keeps changing, and exciting things are coming soon. These new trends promise to make events safer, quicker, and easier. Here are some new ways admission tickets might work in the future.

1. Face and fingerprint checks

Soon, events might replace regular admission tickets with face or fingerprint scanning. Guests could enter quickly by scanning their faces or fingers. This will stop fake tickets and speed up entry lines.

2. Blockchain ticketing

Future custom admission tickets might use blockchain, the same tech behind cryptocurrency. These tickets would be super secure, impossible to copy, and easy to track. This helps guests avoid fake tickets and unfair prices.

Tip: Choose a reliable ticketing platform. A good system like Ticket Generator ensures secure ticketing, easy distribution, and smooth check-ins, making event management stress-free.

3. Interactive AR tickets 

Imagine DIY admission tickets that use Augmented Reality (AR). Guests could scan tickets to see event maps, previews, or special offers. AR would make tickets more fun and useful.

4. Wearable ticket devices

Soon, guests might enter events with smart wristbands or rings instead of traditional tickets. A simple tap could let you in quickly. These devices might also store payment details and personal preferences for an improved experience.

5. Smart event analytics

New technology might help event organizers predict attendance patterns. Organizers could see busy times, know how many staff to hire, and reduce long lines. This would make events smoother and better planned.

The future of admission ticketing is safer, faster, and more enjoyable. Face checks, blockchain security, AR tickets, and wearable devices will improve guest experiences. Events adopting these new trends will offer easier entry and smarter planning.

E. Case studies: Real-life examples of admission ticketing

Every event has challenges. Lost tickets, long lines, and fake tickets can cause problems. Here are real-life examples of how modern admission ticketing helped solve these issues.

Concert admission ticket with barcode and event details
Midnight Music Band Concert Ticket

1. A music festival that stopped fake tickets

Problem: A music festival used traditional admission tickets. Some guests lost their tickets. Others bought fake ones from resellers. The long entry lines made people upset.

Solution: The organizers switched to custom admission tickets with QR Codes. Tickets were sent by email. At the event, guests scanned their QR codes at the gate.

Results: Entry was 50% faster. The system blocked fake tickets. Guests had fewer complaints, and the festival ran smoothly.

Custom admission ticket for a charity and donation event
Charity Event Fundraiser Ticket

2. A charity event that needed paper and digital tickets

Problem: A charity gala had guests of all ages. Some wanted printed DIY admission tickets. Others preferred digital tickets. Organizers struggled to manage both.

Solution: They introduced hybrid ticketing. Guests could choose to print their ticket or use a digital one with a QR code. Both worked at check-in.

Results: Attendees liked having a choice. Entry was smooth, and ticket mistakes were fewer. The event was better organized.

How to make admission tickets for a conference event
Conference Day 2024 Admission Ticket

3. A conference that needed better attendance tracking

Problem: A business conference used traditional admission ticketing. Organizers could not track attendance. Some guests skipped the event after registering. Others gave their tickets to someone else.

Mobile ticketing is now the most popular choice. In 2022, mobile devices accounted for 53.8% of online ticket sales revenue, overtaking desktop purchases. (Grand View Research)

Solution: They switched to an online ticket system. Each ticket had a QR Code. Only registered guests could check in. The system tracked attendance.

Results: Organizers knew who attended. They sent follow-up emails to guests. Ticket transfers without permission were stopped.

How to make admission tickets for a theater show
Theater Performance Comedy Show Ticket

4. A theater that wanted to cut costs

Problem: A small theater spent a lot on printed admission tickets. They also needed extra staff to check tickets.

Solution: They switched to online admission ticketing. Tickets were emailed, and guests scanned QR codes at the entrance.

Results: Printing costs were gone. Fewer staff were needed. The theater saved time and money.

Modern admission ticketing helps events run better. It stops fake tickets, makes check-ins faster, and cuts costs.

Whether going fully digital or using a mix of paper and digital, event organizers get more control and a better experience for guests.

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QR Code

F. FAQs: Common questions about admission ticketing

Event organizers often have questions about admission ticketing. Here are answers to the most common ones.

1. Can I design tickets without any design skills?

Yes. Many online platforms offer ready-made templates. You can customize DIY admission tickets by adding your event name, date, and logo. No design skills are needed.

2. How do online tools prevent ticket fraud?

Modern admission ticketing platforms use QR Codes and unique serial numbers. These make it hard to copy or fake a ticket. Once a QR Code is scanned, it cannot be used again.

3. What if I need both printed and digital tickets?

You can use hybrid ticketing. Some guests can print their custom admission tickets, while others can use a digital version. Both can be scanned at the entrance.

4. How do I track ticket sales and attendance?

Online admission ticketing platforms provide real-time reports. You can see how many tickets have sold, who has checked in, and track attendance without manual work.

5. Can I change ticket details after selling them?

Yes. Many platforms allow updates to event details. You can change the date, time, or venue and resend the tickets to guests.

6. What happens if a guest loses their ticket?

Digital tickets can be re-sent anytime. If a guest loses their printed admission ticket, they can download a new one or show the digital version on their phone.

7. Are online tickets more eco-friendly than paper ones?

Yes. Digital custom admission tickets reduce paper waste. They also eliminate the need for printing and shipping, making them a greener choice.

8. Can I set up different ticket types for my event?

Yes. You can create different categories like General, VIP, or Student tickets. Each type can have its own price and entry rules.

9. How do I scan tickets at the event?

You can use a smartphone or tablet with a QR Code scanner. Some platforms also offer apps that check DIY admission tickets instantly, making entry faster and more secure.

These FAQs cover the most common concerns about admission ticketing. Whether you are hosting a small gathering or a large event, digital tools make ticketing simple and efficient.

G. Conclusion

Creating admission tickets is now easier, faster, and more secure. Instead of dealing with lost tickets, fraud, and long check-in lines, modern admission ticketing tools let you manage everything effortlessly.

With Ticket Generator, you can design custom admission tickets, add security features like QR codes, and track attendance in real time. Whether you need digital, printed, or hybrid tickets, it provides a simple and cost-effective solution.

If you want a hassle-free way to handle event ticketing, try Ticket Generator and make your next event smooth and professional.

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Jayanshu Badlani

Jayanshu is a passionate marketer. He has a strong background in statistics and brings new ideas to SaaS and event technology. He is an experienced writer and excels at using data to find practical solutions. Jayanshu's analytical skills, from his studies, help him create new solutions. He can simplify complex ideas for diverse audiences. His practical insights and data skills make him a valuable guide in this fast-changing field.

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