Standard Postcards

Yes. In fact, all standard postcard sizes, from 4" x 6" up to 6" x 11", flat or folded to size, can be mailed.

Postcards are typically designed to be mailed without an envelope, provided they are printed on at least 10 pt cardstock. Since mailed postcards are exposed to sorting machines and weather, some minor wear is to be expected. For added durability, consider using thicker cardstock, which helps prevent bending and tearing during handling. You may also choose a gloss or matte coating to provide extra protection against moisture and scuffs.

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.

The minimum font size we accept is 5 pt. However, factors such as font style, background color contrast, and the chosen stock can affect how clearly the text prints. We recommend that strokes and lines be at least 0.25 pt thick. Since design elements can influence print quality, it is best to have our Prepress specialists review your files to confirm whether the line thickness is suitable for production.

You may notice slight differences between the colors on your screen and the final printed piece. This occurs because computer monitors use RGB color mode, which optimized for digital display, while printers use the CMYK color mode, where ink absorbs into paper and colors often appear less vibrant.

To achieve the most accurate color results, prepare your file in CMYK and request a printed proof whenever possible. If your design file is set to RGB, convert it to CMYK before submitting it for print. You can also request a free PDF proof from your supplier; a printed proof allows you to check colors before full production. If you have a printer at home or your office, run a test print to preview how the colors will appear. Using ICC profiles to align your design software with your printer’s color output also helps ensuring color accuracy.

To ensure the front and back orientation of your print is correct, use a free design template from our website. Our design templates include clear markings for front and back panels, as well as bleed and safe zones. Pay close attention to layout terms such as Head-to-Head (both sides read in the same direction) and Head-to-Toe (one side is upside down relative to the other). If the artwork is submitted upside down, we typically adjust the file to a right-reading orientation. You may also request a free PDF proof. We recommend that you carefully review the digital proof, rotate and flip it as needed to confirm proper alignment before approving it for printing.

The address and stamp areas are not automatically added to the postcard. They will only be included if you select a mailing-ready template or choose our direct mailing service. If you're designing the postcard yourself, you must leave a 2" x 4" space on the back with a white background, as we cannot print the address over any artwork. Please ensure the file is prepared in landscape orientation to match the mailing template. The indicia should always be placed on the open side, unless specific instructions are provided in coordination with our Mailing team.

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.