9 PRACTICAL GUIDES

Postcard production, understood.

Choose postcard sizes, cardstock and bleed templates, then set up the address side so your mailing clears USPS rules the first time.

Start with Postcard sizes for mailing: USPS limits and file dimensions, the overview for this topic. Each guide after it answers a separate buying, preparation or troubleshooting question.

Concept illustration: a mail carrier bag with colorful postcards in standard and oversized sizes spilling out beside a classic blue mailbox.START HERE

Postcard production · 6 MIN READ

Postcard sizes for mailing: USPS limits and file dimensions

USPS postcard pricing covers cards from 3.5 x 5 to 4.25 x 6 inches. See which sizes mail as letters or flats, the ratio rule, thickness and file sizes.

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Concept illustration: two postcard formats in contrasting green and coral laid side by side.

Postcard production · 5 MIN READ

4x6 vs 5x7 postcards: size, postage and which to choose

A 5x7 postcard has 35 square inches, 46% more than a 4x6, but with stamps it pays letter prices. Compare space, USPS rules, cost and uses before you choose.

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Concept illustration: large landscape postcard with abstract botanical art on desk.

Postcard production · 5 MIN READ

6 × 9 postcard printing: size, postage rules and file setup

Plan 6 × 9 postcard printing: current USPS card dimensions and thickness, why 6 × 9 is not an EDDM flat, bleed and pixel sizes, and where the address goes.

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Concept illustration: closeup of substantial postcard edges and paper sample fan.

Postcard production · 5 MIN READ

Best cardstock for postcards: thickness, weight and finish

The best postcard cardstock feels sturdy but stays under 0.016 inch thick for USPS postcard rates. Compare thickness, finishes and writing surfaces.

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Concept illustration: uncoated postcard beside fountain pen and small ink test swatches.

Postcard production · 5 MIN READ

Can you write on glossy postcards? Choosing a writable surface

Why ballpoint ink skips on glossy postcards, which pens work on gloss, matte and uncoated stock, and how to order a card with a writable back.

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Concept illustration: postcard artwork with layered coral and green edge extensions.

Postcard production · 6 MIN READ

Postcard bleed template: file sizes, safe area and setup

Postcard bleed explained: add 0.125 inch per side, so a 4 x 6 card is built at 4.25 x 6.25 inches. File sizes, safe areas and pixels for eight sizes.

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Concept illustration: back of minimal postcard with simple blank address lines no text.

Postcard production · 5 MIN READ

Postcard address layout: where the address and postage go

Lay out the address side of a postcard with the USPS read area, barcode clear zone and postage space reserved, then design the message area around them.

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Concept illustration: neatly bundled landscape mailers beside neighborhood map illustration.

Postcard production · 5 MIN READ

EDDM postcards: USPS requirements and a print checklist

USPS requirements for EDDM postcards: flat size rules, the 3.3 ounce limit, 200 to 5,000 pieces a day, indicia placement, bundling and a print checklist.

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Concept illustration: front and back postcard proof pair with asymmetric geometric artwork.

Postcard production · 5 MIN READ

Double sided postcard proof: how to check the front and back

How to proof a double sided postcard: flip direction, page order, trim, safe area, the USPS address side and every date, price and link on both sides.

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