Postcard Design Specifications

This guide provides detailed technical specifications and design guidelines for creating postcards that will be mailed by SendSquared. Following these guidelines ensures your postcards meet USPS requirements and mail successfully.

important

When SendSquared handles your postcard mailing, specific postal zones must be respected to ensure successful delivery.

Standard Postcard Size - 6" × 4.25"

Front Side

Back Side

Key Restrictions (Back Side)

• 2.75" Bottom Area: Cannot contain a full address with state and zip code
• 4.00" × 2.25" Address Area: Must be left empty for recipient address
• Blue Dashed Line: Separates the open area from the restricted postal zones

Large Postcard Size - 8.5" × 6"

Front Side

Back Side

Jumbo Postcard Size - 11" × 6"

Front Side

Back Side

Note: The 11" × 6" postcard uses the same zone layout as the 8.5" × 6" postcard, with only the overall dimensions being different.

Postal Zone Dimensions

Required Clear Areas (Back Side Only)

Zone	6" × 4.25"	8.5" × 6"	11" × 6"
Stamp/Indicia Area	1.5" × 1"	1.5" × 1"	1.5" × 1"
Address Area	4" × 2.25"	4" × 2.25"	4" × 2.25"
Postage Meter Clear Area	3.25" × 1.5"	3.25" × 1.5"	3.25" × 1.5"
Bottom Restricted Area	2.75" height	N/A	N/A
Barcode Clear Area	Bottom 5/8"	Bottom 5/8"	Bottom 5/8"

note

All dimensions are standardized by USPS requirements and remain consistent across postcard sizes. These areas must remain completely clear of any design elements.

Zone Descriptions

FULL BLEED AREA (Green Border)

If your art BLEEDS (extends to the edge of the paper after trimming) you must extend the art 1/8" past the TRIM LINE to the GREEN area shown. Any image or text inside the green area will be cut off.

TRIM LINE (Black Dashed Border)

This is where your postcard will be cut. The final size will be exactly as specified for each postcard size.

SAFETY AREA (Red Dashed Border)

Your text should not extend beyond the RED SAFETY area on all sides. Keep all important content within this zone.

OPEN AREA – PUT COPY / INFO HERE

This is your primary content area for marketing messages, images, and information.

MAILING ADDRESS AND STAMP AREA

• The larger area is where the recipient's address will be printed
• Must be kept completely clear - do not place any design elements here
• The smaller area in the top right is reserved for the stamp or postal indicia

POST OFFICE ADDRESS SCAN AREA (Blue Dashed Line)

Critical Warning:

• Placing a full address (other than your intended recipients) anywhere below the dashed line could result in the postcard being mailed to that address
• Any address in this area cannot contain a zip code OR must be in REVERSE TYPE

Standard Postcard Sizes & Specifications

Postcard Size	Dimensions	Bleed Size	Required Pixels (Full Bleed)	USPS Compliance
Standard	6" × 4.25"	6.25" × 4.5"	1875 × 1275 px	✓ First-Class Rate
Large	8.5" × 6"	8.75" × 6.25"	2775 × 1875 px	✓ First-Class Rate
Jumbo	11" × 6"	11.25" × 6.25"	3375 × 1875 px	Letter Rate Required

Required Pixel Dimensions

Files must be submitted at the exact pixel dimensions listed above (measured from the full bleed edge). Files that are smaller or larger than these specifications will be rejected.

USPS Postal Regulations

Specification	Minimum	Maximum
Height	3.5 inches	4.25 inches*
Length	5 inches	6 inches*
Thickness	0.007 inches	0.016 inches

*For First-Class postcard rate. Larger sizes require letter rate.

Return Address Specifications

Return Address Guidelines:

• Must be no larger than 5.5pt font size
• Place in upper left corner of address side
• Should not interfere with address block or postal markings

File Preparation Checklist

• Submit files at exact pixel dimensions (see specifications table above)
• Add 0.125" (1/8") bleed on all sides if design extends to edge
• Keep all important text/images within the safety area
• Submit files at 300 DPI resolution for optimal print quality
• Use CMYK color mode for accurate color reproduction
• Submit high-resolution JPG files
• Ensure address area has high contrast (dark text on light background)
• Do not place any full addresses with zip codes in scan area

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Placing design elements in the address block area
• Using dark backgrounds in mailing zones
• Including full addresses with zip codes below the scan line
• Forgetting to include bleed for full-bleed designs
• Using font sizes smaller than 8pt for important information
• Placing critical information too close to trim edges

Design Zone Summary

Understanding the Color-Coded Zones

1. Green Border - Full Bleed Area

   • Extends 0.125" (1/8") beyond trim on all sides
   • Background images/colors should extend to this line
   • Content here WILL be trimmed off

2. Black Dashed Border - Trim Line

   • The actual finished size of your postcard
   • This is where the cutting happens

3. Red Dashed Border - Safety Area

   • 0.25" (1/4") inside the trim line
   • All important content must stay within this area
   • Text outside this area risks being cut off

4. Address & Postal Areas

   • Must remain completely clear of design elements
   • High contrast required for postal scanning
   • Specific size requirements must be followed

Best Practices

1. Start with the correct template size including bleed area
2. Design with zones in mind - know where you can and cannot place content
3. Test print at actual size to verify all elements are properly positioned
4. Use high contrast in address areas (dark text on light background)
5. Keep it simple in postal zones - less is more

Need Help?

• Review designs before printing large quantities
• Contact SendSquared support for design templates
• Request a proof for color-critical projects
• Consult with local post office for specific mailing requirements

Related Documentation

• Postcard Templates
• Send Postcard Campaign
• Postcard Troubleshooting