Formatting Your Artwork
MailBox Direct accepts seven different types of art files: .jpg, .pdf, .eps, .bmp, .png, .gif, and tif. Artwork files should be designed and submitted in CMYK color mode. Please flatten your files prior to uploading and do not include crop marks.
Artwork files should include an additional 1/8″ (.0125) of bleed past the trim line on all four edges of the postcard design. For example, artwork uploaded for a postcard with a final trim size of 5.5 x 8.5 should be 5.75 x 8.75. Bleed is a printing term that refers to text or graphics that extend beyond the edge after trimming.
The resolution of your artwork files should be 300dpi or 300ppi. The terms dpi and ppi are often used interchangeably and generally mean the same thing. dpi, or dots per inch, refers to the amount of ink dots printed in the 4-color print process. ppi, or pixels per inch, refers to the amount of information stored in a digital file.
The Trim Line represents where the piece will be cut to the final, finished size. 1/8″ inside of the trim line should also be kept clear of important information – this is called the Safe Area. Please reference the Postcard Specification Guides below for more detail.
We recommend that you reference the Postcard Specification Guides below and finalize your artwork files prior to uploading them. A cropping tool is available for minor adjustments after your artwork is uploaded.
4.25 x 6 Specification Guide – PDF
