Standard Envelopes

Submission specifications for Standard Envelopes

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 8 mm safety margin from the top.

Keep all important text and images at least 4 mm away from the edge of the finished size, with an exception for the top part. The top 8 mm is not printable, this space is needed for the machine to process your envelopes.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions for Standard Envelopes

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

• An envelope is a paper casing for a letter or card that can be printed according to your own needs or style. The envelopes are available in various sizes, with or without window and with a gummed strip or self adhesive closure.
• This product can be used:
• • Send invoices or documents
• • For invitations to events

Why can the upper 11mm not be printed on an envelope?

• During the printing process, the machine holds the envelope to keep it in place. It holds the upper 11 mm of the envelope, which means it cannot be printed on.

Which envelope size should I choose?

• Don't want to fold your A4 (210x297)?
  EA4, 220x312 mm: Send an A4 without folding it
  C4, 229x324 mm: Send multiple A4's without folding them
  
  Sending business communication?
  EA56, 220x110 mm: Size of a trifolded A4
  C56, 229x114 mm: Size of multiple trifolded A4's
  EA5, 220x156 mm: Size of a once folded A4 (with few mm extra on the sides)
  C5, 229x162 mm: Size of multiple once folded A4's
  
  Sending a greeting card?
  C6,162x114 mm: Greeting cards come in different sizes, but the standard ones fit in the C6.

What is the fastest possible turnaround?

• 4 working days
• The turnaround depends on the combination of size, material, printing and quantity. 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). In this way the product can be put into production on time. The deadline is always communicated in the yellow bar on the product page, above the "Add to shopping cart" button. 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. 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.
• 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.

What is the difference between Offset (litho) and Digital printing?

• Offset Lithography printing (Litho): Litho printing makes it possible to provide larger quantities at unbeatable prices. Images and text are created with wet ink and transferred to each page with aluminium and rubber plates. This method is more extensive than its 'digital’ counterpart, but is the most cost-effective option when you order bigger printed batches.
  
  Digital printing method: The ‘Digital’ option is the most well known method of printing. It uses four colours (CMYK) with toners and inks to print digital files. This option is cheaper than ‘litho’ printing for smaller quantities, because there are less starting costs, fewer components involved, and no ink drying time necessary when printing.
  
  Note: If you want the design printed to the edge of the envelope, choose Litho (larger quantities).

Which carriers are used for the delivery?

• For the delivery of Standard Envelopes, 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).

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

• The Standard Envelopes that is chosen in most cases can be selected via our website.
• If your material type, weight, quantity, size or other specification is not listed, you can request a quotation. We will send you an offer within 1 working day.

What is full colour printing?

• Full colour printing is almost always used when there are many colours in a design. Pictures, for example, are designs with a lot of colours. Full colour exists of the following colours: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (black). The colours are mixed while printing, so almost any colour can be created with CMYK.

Which papertypes are used for the production of envelopes?

• 120gsm offset: EA4, C4 - 90gsm offset: EA5, C56, C5 - 80gsm offset: C6, DL, C56
• 80gsm offset: A budget offset paper.
• 90gsm offset: The most chosen offset paper type, especially for letterheads.
• 120gsm offset: Mainly chosen when a writable stock is needed.

What is a gummed or self-adhesive strip?

• Gummed strip: The gummed strip is situated on the envelope flap. Simply moisten the strip for convenient closing. Gummed envelopes are compatible with automated machines.
• Self-adhesive strip: Envelopes with self-adhesive strips are extremely easy to close. Simply remove the protective film to reveal the self-adhesive strip.

What is the size of the window on the envelope?

• The dimensions of the windows on the envelops are: C6: 90 x 35 mm (left window) EA56: 90 x 35 mm (left window) C5: 90 x 45 mm (left window) C4: 105 x 40 mm (left window)