SwiftID Card Software from HID Global

*** PLEASE NOTE ***

As of Q1 2021, the SwiftID feature of the Fargo Workbench Utility will no longer function, and HID/Fargo has discontinued support for this application. This is due to the end of support for the Adobe Flash application and development environment, which was required for SwiftID to function. Following Adobe’s decision, Microsoft opted to remove support for Adobe Flash from all supported versions of the Windows operating system. HID/Fargo has no current plans to develop a free alternative to Swift ID. Instead, they are recommending former users consider the Asure ID Solo Edition to meet their card design and printing needs. Asure ID Solo will allow for the importing of any prior card designs created in SwiftID, easing the transition to this alternative and widely used application.

Please feel free to contact Safe-Card ID Services for more information, or to obtain a license for the Asure ID Solo Edition software. Email: safecard@safecardid.com or phone: +1 704-535-5200, or +1 888.485.4696 toll-free.

SwiftID is an ID-card design program that comes free with new Fargo DTC1250e, Fargo DTC4250e, and Fargo DTC4500e printers. The software is a no-frills option for designing and printing basic cards. SwiftID is installed with the Fargo Workbench Utility program, which is included on the product CD/DVD packed with each printer. The Workbench Utility can also be downloaded for free directly from the HID/Fargo website.

SwiftID offers basic card-design and printing options for items such as visitor cards or loyalty cards. There is no database available with this application, meaning that it does not store card data after printing. Instead the program erases data when you begin a new card or exit the program. Therefore, we do not recommend SwiftID if you have to retain, recall and reprint cards.

SwiftID also relies on some features built into each printer’s firmware. As such, only one user or PC can access it at a time, a significant limitation for a network-connected printer. In these cases, users will have to develop a method to ensure only one user prints cards at a time. (Ethernet connectivity is optional on the DTC1250e, and standard on the DTC4250e and DTC4500e).

Prerequisites for use of SwiftID include use of Windows 7, 8.1 or 10 on the host PC, and an installed copy of the Fargo Workbench Utility. HID/Fargo’s technical support group handles support for both applications directly.

Additional Limitations:

In addition to the items mentioned above, SwiftID has a limited font selection available and no ability to print bar-codes. It also cannot encode mag-stripes or proximity access or smart cards. Clients with these additional requirements are advised to purchase Asure ID, a more advanced software offering from HID Global.

Need more info?

For additional information about SwiftID, or current Fargo printer models and options, please contact our ID experts toll-free at +1 888.485.4696 (from US & Canada), or +1 704.535.5200 (elsewhere).