Postcard Printing: What It Is and How to Prepare Your Cards

Postcard printing is the process of producing printed cards—typically 4x6 inches up to 6x11 inches—for direct mail, handouts, or promotional use. To get a professional result, you need to decide on size, paper stock, finish, and print method (digital vs. offset), then set up your artwork with correct bleed, margins, and resolution before requesting a proof. This guide walks through each decision so you can prepare a print-ready file and avoid costly reprints.

What Postcard Printing Involves

A postcard print job has four main variables:

• Size — Standard sizes are 4x6, 5x7, and 6x9 inches. Larger cards (6x11) are also used for mailers. USPS mailing rates differ by size, so confirm your dimensions before designing.
• Paper stock — Common choices range from lightweight 14pt cardstock to heavier 16pt or 18pt stock. Heavier stock feels more premium but costs more and may affect mailing weight.
• Finish — Options include matte, gloss, and UV coating. Gloss makes colors pop; matte is easier to write on and resists fingerprints.
• Print method — Digital or offset. The right choice depends on quantity and budget (covered below).

Cosmos Communications, a New York City printing company operating since 1933, lists postcard printing and postcard mailing among its services, alongside direct mail, catalog mailing, and business card printing. Their production team can be reached at 718-482-1800 ext. 222 or [email protected] for a quote.

Digital vs. Offset: Which Print Method to Choose

Choose digital if you need a small quantity (typically under a few hundred), fast turnaround, or are testing a design. Choose offset if you're printing thousands of cards, need exact brand color matching, or want the lowest per-unit cost at scale.

Cosmos Communications offers both digital and offset printing, so you can request a recommendation based on your quantity and timeline.

How to Set Up Artwork Correctly

Getting the file right the first time prevents reprints. Follow these specifications:

Bleed

Add 0.125 inches (1/8") of bleed on all sides. This means your document should be 0.25 inches larger in both width and height than the finished size. For a 4x6 card, design at 4.25 x 6.25 inches. Background colors and images must extend into the bleed area so no white edges appear after trimming.

Margins (Safe Zone)

Keep all text and critical elements at least 0.125 to 0.25 inches inside the trim line. Anything closer risks being cut off.

Resolution

Use 300 DPI at final print size for all images. Images pulled from the web are typically 72 DPI and will look pixelated when printed.

Color Mode

Convert files to CMYK for print. RGB colors may shift when printed. If you need exact brand colors, provide Pantone values and ask whether offset printing is available for your job.

File Format

Submit print-ready PDF files with fonts embedded, or supply native files with all linked images and fonts included.

Key Factors That Affect Quality and Cost

• Quantity — Higher quantities lower the per-unit cost, especially with offset.
• Paper stock — Heavier or specialty stocks increase cost.
• Finish — UV coating and specialty finishes add cost but improve durability and appearance.
• Color — Full-color (4-color process) on both sides costs more than one-sided or single-color printing.
• Mailing services — If you're mailing, costs include postage, addressing, and list management. Cosmos Communications offers postcard mailing and direct mail services, so you can bundle printing and mailing.

Reviewing a Proof and Avoiding Common Mistakes

Before approving a full run, always request a proof. Check:

1. Trim and bleed — Confirm no text falls outside the safe zone and backgrounds extend to the bleed edge.
2. Color accuracy — Compare the proof to your brand colors. Screen colors are not reliable.
3. Resolution — Zoom in on images to check for pixelation.
4. Spelling and contact info — Errors are permanent once printed.
5. Mailing panel — If mailing, verify the address area meets USPS requirements.

Common mistakes include forgetting bleed, using low-resolution images, leaving text too close to the edge, and submitting RGB files. Each of these can result in a rejected file or a poor-quality print.

Getting a Quote

Cosmos Communications provides quotes by phone or email. Their site states: "Call our production team directly at 718-482-1800 for a fast quote!" You can also reach them at 718-482-1800 ext. 222 or [email protected]. Their address is 43-01 22nd Street, 1st Floor, Suite 102, Long Island City, NY 11101. Pricing is not listed on their site, so you'll need to request a quote with your specifications: size, quantity, paper stock, finish, and whether you need mailing services.