Postcards remain one of the most effective tools for direct mail marketing, event promotions, and personal greetings. Easy to design, affordable to print, and quick to distribute, postcards are a smart way to get your message across. Here’s a quick guide to help you print them like a pro.

📏 Standard Postcard Sizes

Postcards come in several industry-standard sizes:

  • 4″ x 6″ – Ideal for quick messages and lowest postage rate
  • 5″ x 7″ – Offers more design space, still mail-friendly
  • 5.5″ x 8.5″ – Great for promotions or detailed visuals
  • 6″ x 9″ – High-impact size, perfect for marketing campaigns
  • Custom Sizes – Tailored to specific needs or branding

💳 Common Types of Postcards

  1. Standard Postcards – Used for personal or business messages
  2. Marketing Postcards – Designed with offers, discounts, or CTAs
  3. Photo Postcards – Often used for travel, holidays, or photography promos
  4. Die-Cut Postcards – Custom shapes for extra visual interest
  5. Folded Postcards – Extra space for storytelling or multi-part messages

🎨 Popular Finishes

  • Gloss Coating – Vibrant colors and shine, ideal for images
  • Matte Finish – Non-reflective and elegant, easier to write on
  • UV Spot Coating – Emphasizes logos or key areas with shine
  • Soft-Touch Laminate – Velvety texture for premium feel

💡 Consider adding a QR code that links to your website or portfolio.

❌ What Not to Do on a Postcard

  • Don’t use low-resolution images – They’ll print blurry.
  • Avoid too much information – It can feel overwhelming.
  • Never use hard-to-read fonts like cursive or overly stylized ones.
  • Don’t forget contact info – Double-check your phone number and email.
  • Avoid edge-to-edge dark backgrounds unless you’re printing professionally — they can smudge easily.

🖼️ Sample Layout of Postcard (Feel Free to Visualize or Share with a Designer)

🖨️ Ready to Print?

When you’re ready to print, make sure your file:

  • Is in CMYK color mode
  • Has at least 300 DPI resolution
  • Includes crop marks and bleed areas

You can save it as a PDF, AI, or EPS file — those are commonly accepted by print shops.

Conclusion

Whether for business or personal use, postcards are powerful tools when designed and printed with care. With the right size, type, finish, and a few expert tips, you’ll create postcards that make a lasting impression.