Please read Turnaround and File Setup before placing your order.

Description

Postcards can be printed 1 or 2-sided and are often mailed. They come in a wide variety of sizes and on a broad range of heavier substrates. Different coating choices and optional rounded corners add to your unique design.

1 & 2 Color printing does not allow for bleeds. For more information, see the "File Setup" tab.

Recommendations

The most common order options are 6" x 4" and 8.5" x 5.5" on 100# Gloss Cover stock. Often, 1 & 2 Color Postcards are printed in 1 or 2 colors, including a Pantone color, on both sides (1/1, 1/2, 2/1, 2/2).

For higher quantities and additional stock choices, please check out our 4-Color Offset Postcards.

Marketing Tips

Postcards are one of the most popular marketing tools. Whether mailed or left on display, the broad range of size choices caters to many marketing messages. Postcards are available in various sizes to fit your budget, convey your message, and command attention. When mailed, they help your message reach a target audience. Postcards are also one of the most popular marketing items displayed in a retail environment and make great marketing takeaways with product or upcoming event information.

Postcards can also be a great product for people to buy as souvenirs or to mail.

A wide variety of coating and square or rounded corner options add to your unique design and help your postcard grab attention.

Consider adding a QR code to your design to link directly to additional online information. This can be a great way to provide more detail than you would want to cram onto your Postcard. Since a QR code can link to an online message, you can change the online message without the need to reprint the QR code.

Standard Sizes

Our standard size, listed below, is the most popular in the industry:

• 3.5" x 8.5"
• 4" x 6"
• 4" x 9"
• 4.25" x 5.5"
• 4.25" x 6"
• 5" x 7"
• 5.5" x 8.5"
• 6" x 9"
• 6" x 11"
• 6.5" x 9"
• 6.5" x 11"
• 8.5" x 11"
• 8.5" x 14"
• 9" x 12"
• 11" x 17"

Any Trim Size

You can order custom sizes by using the "Any Trim Size (Edit Below)" option in the pricing calculator. First select the standard size option which is larger in both dimensions (height and width) than your desired custom size. In the "Any Trim Size (Edit Below)" box on the pricing calculator (shown below), type in your desired dimensions. Please remember if you are ordering "Any Trim Size" for a product that is folded, "Any Trim Size" dimensions are for the product before it is folded.

Be mindful of the custom trim when submitting a file to prevent any part of your design from being trimmed away. It's extra important to look at a proof when ordering custom trim.

12 Pt. Gloss Cover

You may be familiar with this type of stock from post cards or greeting cards.

This thick stock has a gloss coating on the front and an uncoated paper finish on the back.

14 Pt. Gloss Cover

You may be familiar with this type of stock from presentation folders.

This thick and stiff stock is coated on both sides with a glossy finish.

110# White index

You may be familiar with this type of stock from postcards or stationary cards.

This sturdy paper has a smooth, white surface finish on both sides.

67# White Vellum Bristol

You may be familiar with this stock from postcards, response cards.

This paper offers a soft finish while the Vellum surface is great for most laser and inkjet printers if you want to personalize your print.

7.4 White Uncoated Reply Card

You may be familiar with this type of stock from postcards and response cards.

This paper is industry standard for reply cards and is guaranteed to meet postal regulations.

2/2

Two colors on both sides of the sheet, including Pantone colors. This option can reproduce exact Pantone colors. A typical example of this is brochures with specific corporate or team colors.

Please note:
In order to reproduce Pantone colors, we will use ink of that specific color. Pantone colors in your file must be specified as the Pantone color you desire. Do not convert the Pantone color to CMYK. While many Pantone colors can be reproduced using blends of CMYK inks, this approach is only available when you order 4-Color Offset or Digital. This is because our 1 & 2 color presses have a maximum of two ink stations.

While many colors can be built as a blend of other colors (for example, red and yellow combined create orange), our 1 & 2 Color printing requires that your files specify that you want orange (Pantone #165) and not a mix of red and yellow.

We get rave reviews for our 1 & 2 Color printing. Following the guidelines above will make it easy for you to get what you want. If you don't know the Pantone color equivalent for the color you want, you can find a Pantone sample book at most art and design stores.

2/1

Two colors on the front and one color on the back, including Pantone colors. A typical example of this is a flyer.

Please note:
In order to reproduce Pantone colors, we will use ink of that specific color. Pantone colors in your file must be specified as the Pantone color you desire. Do not convert the Pantone color to CMYK. While many Pantone colors can be reproduced using blends of CMYK inks, this approach is only available when you order 4-Color Offset or Digital. This is because our 1 & 2 color presses have a maximum of two ink stations.

While many colors can be built as a blend of other colors (for example, red and yellow combined create orange), our 1 & 2 Color printing requires that your files specify that you want orange (Pantone #165) and not a mix of red and yellow.

We get rave reviews for our 1 & 2 Color printing. Following the guidelines above will make it easy for you to get what you want. If you don't know the Pantone color equivalent for the color you want, you can find a Pantone sample book at most art and design stores.

2/0

Two colors on the front, including Pantone colors, and no printing on the back. A typical example of this is letterhead.

Please note:
In order to reproduce Pantone colors, we will use ink of that specific color. Pantone colors in your file must be specified as the Pantone color you desire. Do not convert the Pantone color to CMYK. While many Pantone colors can be reproduced using blends of CMYK inks, this approach is only available when you order 4-Color Offset or Digital. This is because our 1 & 2 color presses have a maximum of two ink stations.

While many colors can be built as a blend of other colors (for example, red and yellow combined create orange), our 1 & 2 Color printing requires that your files specify that you want orange (Pantone #165) and not a mix of red and yellow.

We get rave reviews for our 1 & 2 Color printing. Following the guidelines above will make it easy for you to get what you want. If you don't know the Pantone color equivalent for the color you want, you can find a Pantone sample book at most art and design stores.

1/0

One color on the front, which may be a Pantone color, and no printing on the back. A typical example of this is letterhead.

Please note:
In order to reproduce Pantone colors, we will use ink of that specific color. Pantone colors in your file must be specified as the Pantone color you desire. Do not convert the Pantone color to CMYK. While many Pantone colors can be reproduced using blends of CMYK inks, this approach is only available when you order 4-Color Offset or Digital. This is because our 1 & 2 color presses have a maximum of two ink stations.

While many colors can be built as a blend of other colors (for example, red and yellow combined create orange), our 1 & 2 Color printing requires that your files specify that you want orange (Pantone #165) and not a mix of red and yellow.

We get rave reviews for our 1 & 2 Color printing. Following the guidelines above will make it easy for you to get what you want. If you don't know the Pantone color equivalent for the color you want, you can find a Pantone sample book at most art and design stores.

What is Pantone?

Pantone and PMS are terms often used in the printing industry to refer to the PANTONE&reg MATCHING SYSTEM&reg -- a trademark of Pantone, Inc., a subsidiary of X-Rite, Inc. The PANTONE MATCHING SYSTEM is the definitive international reference for selecting, specifying, matching and controlling ink colors. This system is often used as a way to specify an exact color, such as a corporate identity color.

No Coating

This product prints in a professional, finished quality.

Explanation of Turnaround Time

Turnaround times begin when the proof is approved. All times are based on standard business days Monday through Friday excluding federal holidays. For orders shipping to the blue zone, please use the Eastern time zone (New York). For orders shipping to the red zone, please use the Pacific time zone (California). Please see the below map:

Please note that turnaround time does not include shipping or mailing time. You may select from available production turnaround times and your preferred shipping time as you place your order.

Our products are the same great quality for every turnaround time we offer.

Next Day Turnaround

If you order a proof (Online PDF or Hard Copy Proof), your turnaround time begins as soon as you approve your proof in our system. If you order "No Proof, Run As Is" (only recommended if you are certain you want us to print what you sent as is), your turnaround time will be based on the guidelines listed below. Once your order is in imposition, you should receive an email with your estimated order completion date (does not include shipping or mailing).

Guidelines

Next Day Shipped Orders
Orders will ship the next business day if you follow the guidelines.

Files uploaded after the cut off time will be processed the following business day.

2-3 Day Turnaround

If you order a proof (Online PDF or Hard Copy Proof), your turnaround time begins as soon as you approve your proof in our system. If you order "No Proof, Run As Is" (only recommended if you are certain you want us to print what you sent as is), your turnaround time will be based on the guidelines listed below. Once your order is in imposition, you should receive an email with your estimated order completion date (does not include shipping or mailing).

Guidelines

2-3 Day Shipped Orders
Orders will ship between 2 business days after 4:00 p.m. and 3 business days if you follow the guidelines.

Files uploaded after the cut off time will be processed the following business day.

5 Day Turnaround

If you order a proof (Online PDF or Hard Copy Proof), your turnaround time begins as soon as you approve your proof in our system. If you order "No Proof, Run As Is" (only recommended if you are certain you want us to print what you sent as is), your turnaround time will be based on the guidelines listed below. Once your order is in imposition, you should receive an email with your estimated order completion date (does not include shipping or mailing).

Guidelines

5 Day Shipped Orders
Orders will ship 5 business days after 4:00 p.m. if you follow the guidelines.

Files uploaded after the cut off time will be processed the following business day.

Rounded Corners

Rounded corners use extra finishing to convert regular square corners into rounded corners. Rounded corners represent 1/4 of a circle. We offer them in 4 sizes. Sizes are described by the radius of the full circle.

If you prefer rounded corners on only 1, 2, or 3 corners, please submit a custom estimate.

Shrinkwrap and Rubber Bands

Shrinkwrap is a thin, plastic wrapping designed to group the items you order into desired quantities. Additionally, it helps your order arrive in tip-top condition because it reduces rubbing during shipping. It is called "shrinkwrap" because after the plastic is placed around each bundle, it is shrunk with gentle heat for a better fit.

Orders can also be grouped using rubber bands.

Options:

Please note that if your order quantity and the number of pieces per package will result in more than 200 individually shrinkwrapped packages, your order may require an additional 1-2 days for fulfillment.

For other quantities, please submit a custom estimate.

1 & 2 Color Quantity

To see available quantities, click on the "Quantity" dropdown menu in the pricing calculator.

To request a custom estimate, click "Estimates" at the top of the page.

We typically print more than the quantity ordered. Because printing is a manufacturing process, the total finished quantity may vary. We usually ship a few more than you order, but sometimes quantities can vary +/- 5%. Standard industry procedure is to consider this range shipment in full.

Please Select Template Below:

PDF stands for Portable Document Format. This template can be imported into: InDesign, Quark Express, Illustrator, Corel Draw, and many other content creation programs.

JPEG stands for Joint Photographic Experts Group and is a basic raster file format. This template is recommended for Photoshop.

EPS stands for Encapsulated PostScript. This template is recommended for advanced Illustrator users only.

For detailed information about advanced file setup, please click here Click Here

Create Your Own Templates

Video tutorials coming soon!

File Preparation

In order to ensure your files are print-ready, we recommend that you upload them in PDF format. When you generate a print-ready PDF, your computer will use the settings in Adobe Acrobat Distiller or any other PDF generating programs you may use. Please make sure that these are set properly before generating your PDF file. Click here to see our preferred PDF settings.

If you are uploading PDF files created in Photoshop, please be sure all layers are flattened.

We also accept .JPG (JPEG), .EPS and .TIF (TIFF) file types, however PDF is the preferred format.

Check your file to make sure it meets our file creation guidelines. This will help speed up the production of your project and give your printed piece the best results.

1. Use a minimum resolution of 300 dpi for image files.


2. All fonts need to be outlined or embedded. For more information on fonts, please Click Here


3. Specify trim area with crop marks. (Don't place crop marks inside the work area.) For more information on crop marks, please Click Here


4. Artwork should have 5/16" (0.3125") space in from the trim line for grippers. 1 & 2 color printing does not allow for borders unless you choose custom trim.

For detailed information about advanced file setup, Click Here

File Orientation

Please click the link below for an explanation of file orientation.

View File Orientation

No Bleed - See Specifications

Artwork should have 5/16" (0.3125") space in from the trim line for grippers. 1 & 2 color printing does not allow for borders unless you choose custom trim.

For detailed information about advanced file setup, please Click Here

Proofs and File Check

We offer three proof options:

1. Online PDF Proof: You will be sent a link to view your proof via email. Please keep in mind that this is only a proof for content and positioning; the color on your screen may vary from the color of your final product, depending on your monitor and viewing conditions.


2. Hard Copy Proof: The Hard Copy Proof can either be picked up on-site or shipped to you. Please keep in mind that this is a proof for content and positioning and is not printed on your actual job stock. Color may vary slightly when printed on the stock you ordered. When ordering a Hard Copy Proof, you will receive a complimentary Online PDF Proof, as well.


3. No Proof, Run As-Is: This option is for the industry professional who is certain their project is ready to hit the press and does not require the additional security of a proof.

File Check:

If our prepress department sees anything questionable with your file, we will contact you via email with our concerns. Should prepress email you, please note that your job is not considered fully submitted until you respond to this email. This should be factored into your turnaround time.File check does not apply to No Proof, Run As-Is. No Proof, Run As-Is jobs print from the exact file(s) you upload unless it is not possible to print because your supplied file does not match the specifications ordered.

How to check your Online PDF:
The black crop marks indicate the final trim size. The Red line ( Dashed ) indicates the (Score) The Green line ( Dashed ) indicates the (Perf). The Red Line (Solid) indicates the ( Cut or Trim ) line. The verbiage on the file, this will indicate the page position after folding.

Please Note: The charge for our technical team to review your file when first submitted is included in the price of your order. If they note technical concerns with your file, they may email you with their concerns so you can upload a corrected file. If subsequent uploads still contain errors, you may be charged an additional prepress fee to review your file again.

Design Online

You can create a personalized design in just a few minutes. Once you click the "Start Your Design" button, you're taken to a huge library of design templates. You can search by specific category or select "generic" for personal use. Making changes to the text, font size and uploading a picture or logo on your chosen template is as easy as using a basic computer program. After you're done making changes, you are able to instantly view an online proof and order it for print.

There are professional design templates for almost any personal and business need.

Assisted Design

If you like one of the Design Online templates but would prefer not to handle the designing yourself, this option is ideal. Simply let us know which template you like and supply the information you would like to appear on your design. We will handle the rest!

Keep in mind that the images on the template will remain the same. Only text can be edited and basic logos added.

There are professional design templates for almost any personal and business need.

Check out all your Design Online template options.

Custom Design

We create fully custom designs that help represent your company, brand or product in a professional way. Custom Design includes consulting to come up with a concept and design revisions, so you're truly part of the process. You can also add either a basic or corporate custom designed logo to your design.

There are 3 design packages to meet your needs:

1. Full Custom Design:

With this option you get complete, professional custom design for the product of your choosing. This includes consulting to discuss the concept, images, text, and revisions.

2. Full Custom Design plus a Basic Logo

With this option you get the complete design just like Custom Design Option 1 plus a basic logo. Basic logo design consists of a single font with a simple icon. See the examples under the "Logo Samples" tab.

3. Full Custom Design plus a Corporate Logo

With this option you get the complete design just like Custom Design Option 1 plus a corporate logo. Your corporate logo design has no limit to font styles so long as they are in our library. You also get a fully designed graphic to accompany your text. See the examples under the "Logo Samples" tab.

To see Custom Design pricing, number of images and revisions for this product, select "Custom Design" on the dropdown menu in the calculator and click the link underneath the menu.

Keep in mind that this price is estimated and includes limits on the amount of images and revisions that can be made before incurring additional charges. We will notify you prior to performing any services that cost more money.

Basic Logo Samples

Corporate Logo Samples

How to Use Custom Design Video