How can I add a postcard back to my DIY design?

If you would like add a postcard back to your design we strongly recommend you use one of our already-made, non-foil postcards within our catalog to add your artwork to the front of. Skip personalization of the front, add your postcard details on the back and use our Free Designer Assistance service to request swapping the front artwork with yours. While you can design your own postcard back there are rules you must follow to be USPS compliant:

• When using a First Class Postcard Stamp
  • Rectangular
  • At least 3-1/2 inches high x 5 inches long x 0.007 inch thick
  • No larger than 4-1/4 inches high x 6 inches long x 0.016 inches thick
• When using a First Class Letter Stamp
  • Rectangular
  • At least 3-1/2 inches high x 5 inches long x 0.007 inch thick
  • No larger than 6-1/8" x 11-1/2" x 1/4" thick

When designing your own postcard back, you will need to keep the USPS in mind. We have provided a template for postcard backs with a few areas to keep in mind.

1. "bleed" is the outside edge of the design that will be trimmed after final production. It is intended for background colors, artwork, and images that are meant to be "full-bleed" or "borderless."
2. "cut line" is indicated by a dashed line and indicates where your design will be trimmed after final production.
3. "safe zone" is indicated by a solid green line and indicates the space you are free to design and add important text/elements you don't wish to be "full-bleed" or "borderless."
4. "return address" is the area allotted for your listed return address if you'd like to include it.
5. "stamp area" is where you need to add your stamp - please leave this section clear.
6. "message area" is the area allotted for your custom message. We recommend leaving this as text-only. If any address is listed, they should omit the state or zip code.
7. "recipient address" is the area allotted for your listed recipients' address - please leave this area clear aside from lines used to manually write in addresses.
   • Please note: we do not currently offer recipient addressing for postcards.
8. "USPS markings" is the area allotted for any internal USPS markings when your cards are being processed and mailed - please leave this area completely clear.

Here is the PDF downloadable version that includes a front surface as well: 6X4POSTCARD_TEMPLATE.pdf

Here is an example of one of our already-made postcard backs: 

If you are having trouble with any of the above steps, downloading the template, or have any additional questions, please reach out to our support team.