How to Successfully Design the Perfect Apple Enhanced Pass

Apple Enhanced Passes are transforming mobile ticketing with bigger artwork, Live Activities, and passes that actually feel alive in Apple Wallet. They're a massive opportunity to create something that builds excitement every time a fan glances at their phone.

We're sharing the technical specs, design principles, and insider knowledge you need to create passes that look professional and make your fans proud to show them off.

Understanding Your Canvas

Your Apple Enhanced Pass uses a 1074 x 1344px canvas, but the layout includes overlays that affect how your design displays:

• Total canvas: 1074 x 1344px

• Visible display area: 1074 x 984px

• Seatblock overlay: 1074 x 360px (covers bottom 26.8%)

• File size limit: 3MB maximum

Important Note: These specifications are current as of this release. Apple may update dimensions or display requirements with future software releases. We'll monitor for changes and update you if/when new design information becomes available.

The Three Design Zones

Header Zone (Top ~10%)

The top portion gets covered by a black gradient containing system-generated event location and date information. Keep this area clean or use background elements that work with the overlay.

Design Zone (Middle ~60%)

This is your main visual real estate. Place logos, primary artwork, and key branding elements here where they'll remain fully visible and impactful.

Seatblock Zone (Bottom ~30%)

The bottom 360px gets covered by seat information. Use this space for background patterns, textures, or design elements that enhance the overall look but don't need to be fully visible.

Design Best Practices

File Optimization

• Export images compressed to stay under the 3MB limit

• Use PNG format 

• Test file sizes before finalizing designs

Strategic Layout

• Focus primary content in the middle 60% zone

• Plan for the seatblock overlay from the start

• Keep the Header Zone clutter-free

Visual Hierarchy

• Use bold, clear visuals that communicate quickly

• Maintain sufficient contrast for readability

• Keep branding prominent in the safe zone

Common Pitfalls

❌ Placing critical information where overlays appear 

❌ Exceeding the 3MB file size limit 

❌ Forgetting to account for the seatblock coverage 

❌ Using low-resolution images that appear pixelated 

❌ Overcrowding the design with too many elements

Tools and Resources

Paciolan Ticket Designer 

Preview your exact design with overlays in place, test different layouts, and make real-time adjustments before going live.

Canva & Illustrator Template (PAC Community Exclusive) 

We've created a custom Canva and Illustrator templates with proper dimensions and zone guidelines. This template includes safe zones clearly marked and is available exclusively in PAC Community to help you design with confidence.

Final Thoughts

Your fans and patrons are going to see this pass multiple times. On their lock screen. In their wallet. At the gate. Make it count.

Apple Enhanced Passes aren't just tickets - they're mini billboards for your brand that live in the most personal space on earth: someone's phone. Get the design right, and you've got someone pulling out their phone to show off your beautiful pass. Get it wrong, and you've missed a massive opportunity to make a lasting impression.

The technical stuff matters, sure. But what really matters is creating something that makes people excited to attend your event. Something that builds anticipation every time they glance at their phone.

Ready to turn your tickets into experiences? Head to PAC Community, grab our resources, and start designing passes that fans will actually want to show off.