- 9 standard sizes, including 4" × 6" and 5" × 7"
- Coated, laminated, or uncoated paper options
- Thick cardstock with premium upgrade options
- Optional silk or soft touch finishes
- Direct mailing available (250+ qty.)
- Oder quantities from 25 to 100,000
- Fast turnaround options available (1-3 days)
- Easy to customize design templates available (browse here)
Standard Postcards
Features
- 9 standard sizes, including 4" × 6" and 5" × 7"
- Coated, laminated, or uncoated paper options
- Thick cardstock with premium upgrade options
- Optional silk or soft touch finishes
- Direct mailing available (250+ qty.)
- Oder quantities from 25 to 100,000
- Fast turnaround options available (1-3 days)
- Easy to customize design templates available (browse here)
Promote Big Events With High-Quality Standard Postcards
The promotional impact begins when your postcard mailing reaches the homes of consumers. Receiving a promotional postcard can inspire them to check out your announcement online or visit your store to take advantage of a sale or event.
Whether you need the standard 4" x 6" postcard or a different size option, we make it easy for you to design, print, and mail high-quality, professional postcards. Trust UPrinting and you'll soon see what makes us the best postcard printing service for your business.
Standard Postcard Information: Size, Printing, Designing, and Mailing
When printing postcards, choosing the right postcard dimensions matters. Take into account the amount of information you need to include in your postcard — the amount of your content will help you determine the postcard size and in turn how much it will cost to mail your custom postcards.
The Best Sizes for Your Postcard Design
Your postcard’s dimensions are crucial in making them an effective marketing tool. Here are some of our standard postcard sizes that are sure to make an immediate impression:
-
4" x 6" postcards are small enough to make a straightforward and easy-to-read announcement. They’re also easy to keep and can be mailed with a postcard stamp. And while 4" x 6" postcard printing is one of the smaller options, it can still make a big impact.
-
5" x 7" postcards stand out against the smaller, standard postcards sent as personal mail. Their width lets you achieve the right balance between images and compelling copy. Our 5" x 7" postcard printing is perfect for promoting a new business or product line.
-
5.5" x 8.5" postcards have more than enough space for an image-heavy or extremely visual design. They’re recommended for postcards announcing a sale or special deal available in store for a limited time.
- 6" x 9" postcards are the biggest option among our popular postcard sizes. They’re suitable for postcards with more than three images or text-heavy content where you need to relay more information in a straightforward, visual manner.
Choose the Orientation That Works for Your Design
Create custom postcards in either a landscape or portrait orientation depending on your design file. If you’re mailing postcards without envelopes, make sure that the back side adheres to USPS’ mailing requirements.
Designing a Standard Postcard
Creating a postcard is not just about making it look good. An effective postcard should not only capture the attention of your audience but also leave a lasting impression. Follow these tips to make your design impactful and memorable:
-
Keep things short and sweet. People want information that’s easy to read and digest. The copy on your postcard should be quick enough to compel customers to read but not too long that it loses their attention.
-
Call your customers to action. Give them a reason to visit your store or website or try your new product. This action can convert your postcard marketing into significant sales.
-
Communicate what you have to offer. Resist the urge to list product features. Instead, show customers how to save money or benefit from your business. For example, let them know that the latest restaurant promotion will save them money (50% off) or how a real estate location can lower their cost of living in the long run.
-
Use large images and bright colors. Your postcard needs to stand out against every other marketing promotion. Make sure that the central image is compelling enough to draw attention and that the colors lead the customer right into your headline, call to action, and contact information.
To learn more about how you can use custom postcards article on designing postcards effectively.
Formatting Requirements for Standard Postcards
You are free to create any postcard design, but we set specific requirements for the layout to help you ensure that everything is within the printable area. Check out our mailing templates, which will guide you with the address, postal markings and indicia placement on the postcard. If you need help with your postcard printing and mailing, feel free to contact us through our live chat box or call us at 1-888-888-4211.
Complimentary File Checks for Error-Free Postcard Printing
Our free file check lets you look at the design before it is sent for printing. This gives you the opportunity to make changes and ensure that your postcards are free from errors.
Note: If you are mailing this product, please confirm that your mail addressing machine can print on the laminated surface. If you’re unsure, please call to request for a sample before placing your order.
Standard Postcards FAQs
Yes. In fact, all standard postcard sizes, from 4" x 6" up to 6" x 11", flat or folded to size, can be mailed.
If you want to write only on the back of the postcard, we recommend choosing the 14 pt. High Gloss (UV) Front, Uncoated Back. If you want to write on both sides of your postcard, we recommend our 14 pt. or 17 pt. cardstock uncoated. Our uncoated options offer excellent writability, whether you use a pen, pencil, or marker. You may also choose cardstock with gloss or matte coating but they can only be written on with ballpoint pens with oil-based ink and permanent markers.
We generally do not offer envelopes with our standard postcards. However, if you need postcards to be mailed out with envelopes, your order will qualify as a custom order. We suggest reaching out to our product consultants via chat or phone for more information. If you need a card that comes with an envelope, you might want to consider ordering note cards instead.
We recommend that you request for a hard copy proof. Hard copy proofs are printed on a material different from the actual paper stock. This will give you a preview of how the color and variations will appear on the final print job of your postcard, depending on the finish selected (AQ, matte, UV). However, we do not offer hard copy proofs for art if your postcard will be printed on uncoated paper.
We can save you from the hassle of distributing postcards with direct mail service, which only adds 2-3 business days to your turnaround time. There’s no need to worry about stuffing envelopes, addressing them to customers, and then making the trip to USPS. With this service, we take care of your order every step of the way. Choose to print standard postcards with direct mail service, and we’ll send you a free file check to avoid errors, then deliver your postcards to your customer’s doorsteps.
Yes, we do. Contact our mailing representative to receive a quote.
If you can’t change the layout of your postcard design to comply with USPS requirements, then you can opt for envelopes. Postcards mailed with envelopes will cost more, but if you just can’t make your postcard fit within the USPS dimensions, this is a workable option.
Your online calculator lets you choose a preferred printing turnaround, usually as fast as one business day. To find out when your postcards will be delivered, input your ZIP code after selecting “Estimate Shipping Cost and Delivery Date” in our online calculator.
To get an idea of when you’ll receive your order, consider the turnaround time (production time) and the shipping time.
For example: 3 business days turnaround + 5 business days for ground shipping = 8 business days.
If you request a free PDF proof, it will be ready within six hours after you place your order. In case there are issues in your file, our team will contact you within 24 business hours. Remember that proofs approved before 5 p.m. PST will go into the printing queue, while those approved after 5 p.m. PST will be placed in the printing queue the following day.
Free Postcards Design Templates
Follow these simple steps to use our standard postcards design templates below:
Size. Color. Material. It's all here, and more.
11 Paper/Stock Options
10 pt. Cardstock Gloss
- Durable cardstock that’s scored prior to folding and easy to hand out
- Glossy finish provides vibrant color printing and extra protection
- Scratch and scuff-resistant coating
10 pt. Cardstock Matte
- Durable cardstock that’s foldable and easy to hand out
- Matte coating produces an elegant, muted hue
- Smooth, low glare finish that’s easy on the eyes
14 pt. Cardstock Gloss
- Stiff, thick cardstock with a gloss finish for sheen and vibrant colors
- Aqueous (water-based) coating adds scratch and scuff resistance
- Paper from sustainable sources
- May be written on but testing is recommended. Ballpoint pens (oil-based ink) and permanent markers work best.
- Most popular choice for Business Cards, Postcards, Hang Tags and Pocket Folders
- Note: We do not guarantee writability or printability of coated paper
14 pt. Cardstock Matte
- Stiff, thick cardstock with a non-reflective matte finish for a classic and elegant look
- Aqueous (water-based) coating adds scratch and scuff resistance
- Paper from sustainable sources
- Non-glossy surface provides better writability but testing is recommended.
- Ballpoint pens (oil-based ink) and permanent markers work best.
- Great choice for Business Cards, Postcards, Hang Tags and Pocket Folders
- Note: We do not guarantee writability or printability of coated paper
14 pt. High Gloss (Front Only)
- Medium weight cardstock with a UV finish on the one side and uncoated on the reverse side
- Requires scoring prior to folding
- Paper from sustainable sources
- Uncoated side is excellent for writing on with any pen or pencil
- Best option for folded Greeting Cards, Invitations and Note Cards
14 pt. Cardstock Uncoated
- Requires scoring prior to folding
- Excellent writability
- Recommended for Appointment Cards, Invitations and Note Cards
- Acid free and archival quality
16 pt. Cardstock Gloss
- Slightly thicker than the 14 pt. cardstock; added rigidity prevents folds and creases
- Provides limited writability using some ballpoint pens or permanent markers
- Colors appear extra vivid and come with a reflective shine
- Achieves a distinct, professional look for your company
16 pt. Cardstock Matte
- Slightly thicker than the 14 pt. cardstock and exudes professionalism and high quality
- Colors come out muted for an elegant, subdued effect
- Ballpoint pens with oil-based ink and permanent markers write best on the surface
17 pt. Cardstock Uncoated
- Ultra thick and stiff uncoated cardstock with a rich premium paper feel
- Paper from sustainable sources, 10% PCW recycled content
- Excellent writability
- Great choice for heftier Business Cards
16 pt. Cardstock Silk
- Slightly thicker than the 14 pt. cardstock; rigid, durable, and high-quality
- Thin layer of plastic lamination adds a luxurious finish and prevents chipping along the edges
- Mimics the premium look and texture of silk, while adding water-resistance and durability
16 pt. Cardstock Soft Touch
- Slightly thicker than the 14 pt. cardstock; durable even with repeated handling
- Ultra-smooth surface that’s luxurious to the touch
- Resistant to smudges and fingerprints
