How to Set Up a Direct Mail Postcard Design in Adobe InDesign

how to set up a direct mail postcard design file in Adobe InDesign

Direct Mail Postcard Design Basics

Ensuring that your direct mail postcard design will be printed at the highest quality it possibly can, always starts with how you set up the design file. We will go over how to set up these files in Adobe InDesign.


#1 – Dots Per Inch

When you create a new file, you will want to locate the DPI setting in the presets. Enter 300 DPI in this section so that when complete, your file is of the highest possible quality.

#2 – Bleed

Most postcards will have color or photos printed all the way to the edge. To have this look, you need to include a “Bleed” on your artwork. A bleed is an extra .125″ added to all sides. For example, if you are creating a 5.5 x 8.5 postcard, your design file should be 5.75″ x 8.75″

#3 – Sides

Next Seattle Mailing suggests that your postcards are two sided. To add a second side to your postcard, change the preset labeled “pages” to 2 to make sure you have two sides.

Seattle Mailing Design Services

If you are not able to design your postcard, or would like us to design as well as the printing and mailing, then we are here to help. We have over 45 years of experience in the direct mail industry, and have seen what works and what doesn’t work.

Check out our direct mail design services if you are interested.

Direct Mail Postcard Design Templates

  • 4″ x 6″ Template (coming soon)
  • 4.25″ x 6″ Template (coming soon)
  • 5″ x 7″ Template (coming soon)
  • 5.5″ x 8.5″ Template
  • 6″ x 9″ Template (coming soon)
  • 6″ x 11″ Template (coming soon)

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