Postcards

Submission specifications for Postcards

Add 3 mm bleed.

To allow leeway for cutting differences in production, always add a bleed of 3 mm around all edges of your design. Make sure colours, background pictures and layouts extend into the bleed area so as to avoid leaving white lines as a result of cutting tolerances.

Keep 4 mm safety margin

Keep all important text and images at least 4 mm away from the edge of the finished size. Exclusive finishes need to be within the safety margin.

Resolution of at least 300 dpi.

Make sure the resolution of the images and graphics in your artwork are at least 300 dpi.

Use CMYK as the colour mode.

Prepare your files using CMYK as the colour mode, not RGB. Use colourmode FOGRA39 (ISO Coated v2) for coated papertypes and colourmode FOGRA47 (PSO Uncoated ISO12647) for uncoated papertypes. If you are unsure of the colour mode of your file, don't worry we can always convert this for you. Keep in mind this can cause the colours to differ from the original file.

Use the right values for full colour black.

Use Rich Black (C:63% M:52% Y:51% K:100%) for larger areas and text to get a deep black colour. Do not use this value for text smaller than 15 pt or plain text. This can only be used in full colour printing. For designing black smaller texts use 100% black.

Save your files in uneditable, print-ready file formats.

Save your files in uneditable, print-ready file formats (PDF (1.4 or higher), TIFF, EPS, JPG). Deliver your files in one layer: the background layer.

Convert fonts to outlines or embed all the fonts.

Make sure you convert fonts to outlines or embed all the fonts when saving it to PDF.

Fonts should be at least 6pt.

Fonts should be at least 6 pt.

Make sure the ink coverage isn't higher than 300%.

Force Colour Images to CMYK with a 260% ink limit (in Photoshop > Convert Colour Profile > Photoshop 5 Default CMYK). Make sure the ink coverage isn't higher than 300%.

Check line thickness.

Lines should be at least 0.25 pt. Negative lines should be at least 0.5 pt.

Check your artwork on overprint.

Make sure no elements in your artwork are set on overprint unless you want this effect in your design. You can read more about overprint in our Help Centre.

Using a border/frame is not recommended

Keep in mind that a minimal cutting deviation will be immediately visible in your product. The design will then no longer be centred, which may look strange.

Frequently Asked Questions for Postcards

Can I write on my postcard ?

• It depends on the material you choose. The postcards that can be written on the back are:
  - Standard Cards (290 gsm)
  - Glossy (300 gsm)
  - Eco paper (300 gsm)
  The rest of the cards are not writable on the back.
  
  Note: Please keep in mind that water-based inks and stamps may easily smudge. For the best result, use quick drying, oil-based or alcohol-based inks.

Will my Postcards be folded?

• No, your Postcards will not be folded.
  Looking for folded cards? Check out our greeting cards.

What materials can I choose from?

• The Metallic Materials, which are gold, silver and white, have a lovely glittery look.
• Kraft Material is made from 15 % recycled pulp with visible fibres and has a natural brown colour. If you go for this material, keep in mind that white and unprinted are will appear as the background.
• Pearl Marble is 300 gsm with a lovely fine glittery look and sparkles on an off-white background. This material is often used for extra special memories, messages or events.
• Standard is 280 gsm thick and has a perfectly white colour. It is the best universal option as it is suitable for every design.
• Glossy material is 300 gsm thick and comes with an extra layer of glossy lamination, which is great for a design with photos as it will bring the memory to life.
• 300 gsm biotop: this paper has a classic look and is environmentally friendly.
• 
  Note: Please keep in mind that due to the specificity of these materials, your design may appear slightly different when printed and the material texture may show through.
  

What is this product exactly? And what can I use it for?

• Postcards are paper cards which you can print on. There are a range of sizes and materials to choose from.
  
• This product can be used:
• • Promote discounts or events
• Personally communicate with customers
• Notify others of your upcoming events

What is the fastest possible turnaround?

• The fastest possible turnaround for Postcards is:
• Nextday
• Please note: Only applicable for products which require your design: To make sure that your order is delivered at the indicated time, it is important that we receive your file with your design for the product, on time (also called cut-off time). This way, the product can be moved into production on time. The deadline is always communicated at the final step when putting your product together and in the box on the right which details your entire order.
• The cut-off time for your printed item may vary. This depends on the combination you choose. This has to do with the manufacturing technique and / or the order quantities.
• Please note: The product delivery shifts a day every time the deadline for submission has passed. This is also the case if the file is rejected by us and corrected artwork isn't supplied before the next cut-off time.

Which production techniques do you use?

• For the production of Postcards, we use the following technique(s):
• Digital printing: Uses four colours (CMYK) with toners and inks to print digital files. This option is comparable to a large home printer, and is cheaper than Litho printing for smaller quantities. This is because there are fewer starting costs, fewer components involved, and no ink drying time required.

Which carriers are used for the delivery?

• For the delivery of Postcards, we use our most reliable carriers which, in most cases, are UPS or DPD.
• We also use DHL and our own courier service. However, these carriers are only used for certain products (depending on the size, the turnaround and the quantity).

Will my postcards be printed on both sides?

• No, your postcards are not automatically printed on both sides. We offer three possibilities for your postcards: Blank backside: Your postcards will be printed on one side only. Note: You only have to send us the file for the front side. Personalised backside: Your postcards will be printed on both sides. Both sides do not need to have the same design. Standard backside: Your postcards will be printed on both sides. The front will have your design, and the back will have a standard postcard design. Note: You only have to send us the file for the front side.

Will my pictures look darker once printed ?

• What you see on your screen is backlit by computer monitors and is made up of RBG colours. Print uses the CMYK colour space, and the physical product is light absorbing, so may appear darker than we see on our screens.

I can't find the product I'm looking for. Can I request a quotation?

• If your material type, weight, quantity, size or other specification is not listed, you can request a quotation. We will send you our offer within 1 working day. Depending on the complexity this can take a bit longer.