Postcard Printing Specifications and Layouts

			Related Links • Business Card specification and layouts • Preparing files for printing • Address File Specifications

expresscopy.com prints three sizes of postcards: regular size (5.6" x 4.25"), jumbo size (8.5" x 5.5"), and giant size (8.5" x 11"). If you use our Platinum™ Mailing service, the US Postal Service requires some areas to be clear of text or design elements, which we have defined in our layout mockups. There are also a few other measurements you must take into consideration if you plan on designing your own postcards.

You must supply both a front and a back, either in one file or as separate files, for each postcard.

File Types Accepted
expresscopy.com accepts files in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format, or Postscript (.PS or .PRN). Microsoft Publisher and Word files can be converted using our online PDF Converter before order submission, or by using our Order Wizard, which will automatically convert uploaded files to PDF.

All files received should be considered "print-ready".

Content area
Although the finished size of a postcard is 5.6x4.25" (regular size), 8.5x5.5" (jumbo), or 8.5x11 (giant), the usable content area is a bit smaller. We recommend a 0.25" (1/4") inner margin around all four corners. Type, pictures, and graphical elements should be inside this area. The quarter inch is used as a safety margin when the cards are cut. Type or graphics too close to the edge may be cut off if they are too close to the edge, which is why we recommend 1/4" inner margin.

Although we recommend a 1/4" inner margin, we will accept files with margins as small as 1/8". However you accept full responsibility for unsatisfactory results caused by margins under 1/4".

The only exception to this is when an element "bleeds" off the edge of the page. This can be a background color or image, or photo that extends to the edge of the trimmed card. If any side of your postcard has an element that extends to the edge of the card, you must use the "bleed" layout, which has a couple of extra requirements.

Bleeds
Graphics or colors going to any edge of your postcard are known as a "bleed". If your postcard has a bleed on any side, you must follow the measurements in our "bleed" layout (bottom of page).

If you are setting your document up for a bleed, there are two more measurements to be aware of. We recommend that all bleeds extend around the entire card one quarter inch (0.25") past the final trimmed size. That means a regular size bleed postcard width would be .25" bleed + 5.6" card + .25" bleed, for a total of 6.1" wide; the height would be .25" bleed + 4.25" card + .25" bleed, for 4.75" total height. Please see our bleed postcard layout samples for more info.

The second measurement refers to the color or image that you want to reach the edge of the trimmed card. During the cutting process, there is a margin of error, and the cut may occur somewhat inside or outside of the actual "trim" line. To ensure that the image or color reaches the edge of the postcard after it's trimmed, we recommend you extend the element at least one fourth of an inch (0.25") past where the card will be cut. If you do not provide this, any variation whatsoever in the trim will result in unsightly gaps between the color/image and the actual trimmed edge.

Although we recommend a 1/4" bleed, we will accept files with bleeds as small as 1/8". However you accept full responsibility for unsatisfactory results caused by bleeds under 1/4".

Note: under some conditions, lamination on items with a full bleed may result in film peeling away from edges.

Crop marks and imposition
When cutting, we follow small marks outside the corners of the trim area of the card. These are called crop marks, and you can provide them if you wish. They are not mandatory.

Note: expresscopy.com has changed the "imposition" requirement so that you should now supply a one-up file rather than multiple-up designs. This means you do not need to duplicate your postcard design and worry about providing crop marks and spacing it out. expresscopy.com will handle all imposition.

Postcard design files supplied with incorrect bleeds, images cut off, or text too close to the edge (e.g. within the inner margin area) may result in delay of printing, as well as possible additional charges if we need to modify your file.

For information on pricing for postcard printing visit our pricing section.