Visual Artwork Templates with measurements
Below are templates that show the measurements of each size postcard we offer. The mailing area is only needed on one side of your postcard, and only if you plan to have us mail your card through the USPS. Please make note of the SAFE AREA and makes sure to keep all important text and images that you do not want cut off within that area. No artwork marks, crop marks or color bars are needed.

Accepted File Formats :

PDF Files are our preferred format.
The reason we prefer this file is that the file is totally self contained. All text, graphics and fonts are part of the single PDF file making it the fastest to proof and print. It also compresses the file for easier uploading or emailing. For color accuracy make all files CMYK. RGB is acceptable but we cannot guarantee color match.

Please save all PDF files at 300DPI and embed all fonts. Any fonts that are being used for areas that will have our Variable Input Technology must be included separately with your file. No artwork marks, crop marks or color bars are needed, so make sure to shut them off.

You will need Adobe Acrobat Distiller (not Adobe Acrobat Reader) to create a PDF or many programs can export your file as a PDF. If you don't have Distiller, Adobe offers an way to create a PDF online.
Click here to visit Adobe.com.

Other acceptable formats are:

Adobe Photoshop CS3 or below:
.TIF, .EPS or .PSD @ 300 dpi resolution or greater. For color accuracy make all files CMYK. RGB is acceptable but we cannot guarantee color match.
Please flatten your Photoshop document prior to sending to avoid any font substitutions.

Adobe Illustrator CS3 or below:
Make sure to use high resolution (300DPI) images, not images from the internet. Save as an .EPS file format. All fonts must be converted to outlines to avoid font substitutions. For color accuracy make all files CMYK. RGB is acceptable but we cannot guarantee color match.

Adobe InDesign CS3 or below:
Make sure to use high resolution (300DPI) images, not images from the internet.Please use the Package feature to collect all fonts and graphics with the job. ZIP(PC) or Stuff(MAC) the entire folder and upload. For color accuracy make all files CMYK. RGB is acceptable but we cannot guarantee color match.

EPS Image Files:
Make sure to use high resolution (300DPI) images, not images from the internet. ZIP(PC) or Stuff(MAC) the image and upload. All fonts must be converted to outlines to avoid font substitutions. For color accuracy make all files CMYK. RGB is acceptable but we cannot guarantee color match.

JPEG Image Files:
Make sure to use high resolution (300DPI) images, not images from the internet. ZIP(PC) or Stuff(MAC) the image and upload. For color accuracy make all files CMYK. RGB is acceptable but we cannot guarantee color match.

TIF Image Files:
Make sure to use high resolution (300DPI) images, not images from the internet. ZIP(PC) or Stuff(MAC) the image and upload. For color accuracy make all files CMYK. RGB is acceptable but we cannot guarantee color match.

Microsoft Office Programs 2004 or below:
We have had great success converting customers Word and Powerpoint files into a print ready file. Make sure to use high resolution (300DPI) images, not images from the internet for your layout. For color accuracy make all files CMYK. RGB is acceptable but we cannot guarantee color match. ZIP(PC) the entire folder and upload.

Microsoft Publisher 2004 or below:
Make sure to use high resolution (300DPI) imagse, not images from the internet. For color accuracy make all files CMYK. RGB is acceptable but we cannot guarantee color match. ZIP(PC) the entire folder and upload .Because of the incompatibility of Microsoft Publisher files and the print process, some features in Publisher may not print accurately. Please review your Postcard Services proof carefully to make sure it matches your original design.

Other specifications:

Resolution
The higher the resolution the better the print quality. A higher resolution is particularly useful for printing logos, images, and other graphics. A higher resolution also helps obtain smoother edges on rounded text and graphics.

We require a 300 DPI image for maximum quality. If your resolution is lower than 300 DPI we cannot guarantee the sharpness of your final print.

Font Usage
All fonts must be converted to outlines whenever possible to avoid font substitutions, for PDF files make sure to include all fonts in the file.

Any fonts that are being used for areas that will have our Variable Input Technology must be included separately with your file.

Bleed, Trim And Safe Area
BLEED: In order to get color to the edges of your postcard, you need to have bleed area. All sizes require a 1/8" or a 0.125" extra of color that will be cut off during trimming.

TRIM: This 1/8" or a 0.125" area will be cut off during trimming. Borders may appear uneven after trimming.

SAFE AREA: To make sure none of your information is cut off by the trimmer, please keep all text and non-bleed images, 1/8" or .25" in from the Trim Edge of the postcard for safety.

Variable Data - Personalization
If you are submitting artwork for use, you must submit PDF formatted files only.

We need one PDF file with all of your variables in place and another PDF file with all of the variables removed. Our designers will produce a Variable Proof and it will be sent to you for approval.

Other specifications continued:

Compression Of Files
Compress all files with zip utility. (ie: WinZip, Stuffit) before emailing to avoid corruption of files.

Upload Artwork Server for artwork:
First, compress all files with zip utility. (ie: WinZip, Stuffit) before emailing to avoid corruption of files. Keep file size under 16 MB if possible.

Please send email notification with file name to
sales@postcardservices.com to notify Graphics Dept.

or E-mail artwork to:
sales@postcardservices.com

Not sure what to do? Call!
866-571-3111

To avoid all artwork problems, you can always use our Online Postcard Designer instead and your postcard will be perfectly formatted. Try it today!