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Set up your postcard file
Make your file the trim size plus 0.125 inch on every side. Keep words and logos 0.25 inch inside the trim. Use photos at 300 ppi. Leave a 4.5 x 2.75 inch white box in the top right of the back for the mailing panel. We add the postage mark there.
Sizes
| Card | Trim (finished) | File size with bleed | Safe area for text |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6.25 x 9 (most popular) | 9 x 6.25 in | 9.25 x 6.5 in | 8.5 x 5.75 in |
| 8.5 x 7 | 8.5 x 7 in | 8.75 x 7.25 in | 8 x 6.5 in |
| 8.5 x 11 | 11 x 8.5 in | 11.25 x 8.75 in | 10.5 x 8 in |
| 8.5 x 12 | 12 x 8.5 in | 12.25 x 8.75 in | 11.5 x 8 in |
| 9 x 12 | 12 x 9 in | 12.25 x 9.25 in | 11.5 x 8.5 in |
| 8.5 x 14 | 14 x 8.5 in | 14.25 x 8.75 in | 13.5 x 8 in |
The checklist
- Bleed: 0.125 inch past the trim on all sides. Backgrounds and photos run into it.
- Safe zone: words, phone numbers, and logos 0.25 inch inside the trim.
- Photos: 300 ppi at the size they print. Under 150 ppi will look blurry.
- Color: CMYK. Bright screen colors (RGB) print a little duller.
- Fonts: embedded in the PDF, or turned into outlines.
- File type: print-ready PDF is best (PDF/X-1a). PNG or JPG also work.
- Two pages: front first, back second.
The mailing panel
On the back, leave the top right corner white: 4.5 inches wide and 2.75 inches tall, measured from the trim edge. USPS needs room there for the postage mark and “Local Postal Customer”. We add both for you.
Mailing panel
4.5 x 2.75 in
Leave white
4.5 x 2.75 in
Leave white
Your message, offer, and photos go here
Not sure? Upload it on the order page. Our file check reads the size, bleed, photos, and panel in seconds and tells you what to fix. Or start from one of our templates, already set up.