How to Submit Art to PostcardMania

Garbage In, Garbage Out Rule

We reserve the right to refuse to print art that does not follow our art guidelines. If we feel your art will print poorly, but you want to use it anyway, you may be required to sign a waiver before we proceed.

Accepted Filetypes

PDF, AI, INDD package, PSD, JPG, EPS, TIFF, BMP. If you have a different art file type, please check with your campaign coordinator.

Image Quality

For the best print quality, always provide the highest-resolution images available.

Do not use images pulled from websites. While they may look acceptable on a monitor or home printer, they are typically too low in resolution for professional printing and will produce poor results on a commercial press.

If you don't have a high-resolution digital file, you can provide a quality original photograph or printed piece, and we'll scan it for you. The better the original image, the better the final printed piece.

Stock Images

If you would like to choose specific images to use on your design, please visit stock.adobe.com and save the file number or thumbnail preview of the images you would like to use and send this information to your campaign coordinator.

Scanning Images

• Scan at the final print size
• Use 300-350 dpi for color or grayscale images
• Use 1200 dpi for one-color bitmap images
• Avoid scanning printed materials whenever possible
• Obtain permission before reproducing copyrighted materials.

Digital Photos

Most modern smartphones and digital cameras produce excellent print-quality images when set to their highest quality settings. If you're unsure whether your image is suitable for print, send it to your account manager for review before placing your order.

What Does 'Print Ready' Mean?

A print-ready file contains all specifications required for professional printing and can be produced without additional edits.

Document Size

• Standard Postcard: 6 x 4.25
• Double Postcard: 8.5 x 6
• Rack Card: 9 x 4
• Custom sizes available (additional charges may apply).

Bleeds & Safe Area

If artwork extends to the edge, add 1/8 inch bleed on every side.

A 6 x 4.25 postcard with full bleed should be built at 6.25 x 4.5.

Keep text and important artwork at least 1/4 inch inside the bleed edge or 1/8 inch inside the trim edge. Avoid borders around the edge of your design.

Color Setup

Submit artwork in CMYK only. RGB and Pantone colors should not be used unless specifically requested.

Color Expectations

Monitor and office printer colors will not exactly match commercial CMYK printing. If color accuracy is critical, order a printed color proof. PDF proofs are intended for layout approval and are not exact color representations.

Rich Black

For large black backgrounds, use Rich Black:

C40 M0 Y0 K100

Body text should remain 100% Black (K100).

Image Resolution

Images should be 300 dpi at final print size. Use original high-resolution files whenever possible.

Mailing Layout

If PostcardMania is mailing:

• Reserve a 3.875 x 2.25 inch mailing area in the lower-right corner.
• Keep the area white or very light for the mailing address to be printed.
• Do not place ZIP Codes or return addresses within 2.75 inches of the bottom edge.

If you are mailing yourself:

• Leave the bottom 5/8 inch clear for the USPS barcode.
• Do not place ZIP Codes or return addresses within 2.75 inches of the bottom edge.

Final File Review

Before printing, we verify document size, bleeds, safe margins, color mode, image resolution, and mailing requirements.

If artwork falls outside our print guidelines and is likely to produce poor results, we may recommend revisions or require approval before proceeding.