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Postcard Design Specifications
Print dimensions and other design specifications, and USPS postal regulations
If you plan to use our online design system, all customizable designs are already set up according to USPS regulations, and we will walk you through all the details you need to know, but you may find it useful to review this page for your reference.
If you are creating your own design files for postcards, rather than using our customizable designs, following these basic design specifications will ensure that your order moves through production without delay, that your order prints as you intend, and that your postcard meets the necessary US Postal Service guidelines for mailing.
Preparing Your Files
If you have not already done so, please review our guide to Preparing Your Files for acceptable file types and file specifications. This page covers important terminology and file setup, including:
Failure to follow these guidelines will result in a delay in printing and extra charges.
US Postal Service Requirements for Mailing
If you are using our mailing services, the United States Postal Service requires that certain areas of the address side of the postcard be left white for addressing, postage, and bar coding. This includes background color, text, and any photos/images. The dimensions and exclusions vary based on the postcard size, so please adhere to the exclusion areas defined in the layouts below.
If you are choosing address-only service, and plan to mail your cards yourself, the only exclusion you will need to follow is for the addressing area. To find out more about USPS requirements for your mailing, we recommend visiting your local post office or the official US Postal Service Web site.
Postcard Design Specifications
Standard Size
Trim Size: 4.25" x 5.6"
Inner Margin: 0.25" within the trim edge
Bleed: 0.25" beyond trim edge
Bleed Size: 4.75" x 6.1"
USPS excluded areas (address side, addressing & mailing orders only)
Postage/Indicia: 1.5" x 1.25" anchored from top right trim corner
Bar Coding: 4.75" x 0.625" from bottom right
Addressing: 2.75" x 1.625" from top right of Bar Code
Downloadable Starter Files
Microsoft Publisher:
RegularPostcard.pub
All other design programs:
RegularPostcard.png
RegularPostcard.pdf
Jumbo Size
Trim Size: 5.5" x 8.5"
Inner Margin: 0.25" within the trim edge
Bleed: 0.25" beyond trim edge
Bleed Size: 6" x 9"
USPS excluded areas (address side, addressing & mailing orders only)
Postage/Indicia: 1.75" x 1.25" anchored from top right trim corner
Addressing and Bar Coding: 4" x 3" from bottom right
Downloadable Starter Files
Microsoft Publisher:
JumboPostcard.pub
All other design programs:
JumboPostcard.png
JumboPostcard.pdf