Watch the setup walkthrough
A short walkthrough of how to set up a printed envelope around the seams and flap. Then grab the correctly-sized example below.
Quick file checklist
Tap each item as you confirm it before uploading.
00 / 08 doneWhat makes a press-ready envelope file
Start from the size template
Envelopes come in standard sizes such as A-line (A2, A6, A7), #9 and #10. Each has its own template showing the flap, glued seams and printable area, so begin there.
Work around seams and the flap
Unlike a flat sheet, an envelope has folded edges and glued seams that do not hold ink evenly. Keep solid backgrounds and important content clear of seams and the flap fold.
Leave room for mailing
If the envelope will be mailed, leave the address block and postage or indicia area clear. The template marks the zones to keep open for USPS.
Bleed is limited
Full-bleed printing is restricted on envelopes because of the seams. Follow the template, which shows where art can safely run to the edge.
Color and resolution
Build in CMYK, place images at 300 dpi at final size, embed or outline fonts, and export one press-ready PDF on the template.
Templates and how to use them
Download the template
- Open the price calculator and choose your size and options.
- Download the template that matches your specs, or resize the closest one to fit.
- Open it in Adobe InDesign or Illustrator, or in Canva.
Add your artwork
- Start from the template for your envelope size and style.
- Keep solid art and key content off the glued seams and flap fold.
- Leave the address block and postage area clear if you are mailing.
- Add bleed only where the template allows, then export one press-ready PDF.
Your questions, answered
Common options include A-line invitation sizes (A2, A6, A7) and business #9 and #10 envelopes. Each has its own template, so pick your size before you design.
Bleed is limited on envelopes because of the glued seams. The template shows where art can run to the edge and where to hold back.
Seams are folded and glued, so ink can crack or print unevenly there. Keep solid color and important content off the seams for a clean result.
Leave the center-right address block and the top-right postage area clear if you are mailing. Put the return address in the upper-left front.
Yes. Ask about our mailing services and we can address, sort and send your envelopes through USPS.