Photo Postcards

Submission specifications for Photo Postcards

Add 3 mm bleed.

To allow leeway for cutting differences in production, always add a bleed of 3 mm around all edges of your design. Make sure colours, background pictures and layouts extend into the bleed area so as to avoid leaving white lines as a result of cutting tolerances.

Keep 4 mm safety margin

Keep all important text and images at least 4 mm away from the edge of the finished size. Exclusive finishes need to be within the safety margin.

Resolution of at least 300 dpi.

Make sure the resolution of the images and graphics in your artwork are at least 300 dpi.

Use CMYK as the colour mode.

Prepare your files using CMYK as the colour mode, not RGB. Use colourmode FOGRA39 (ISO Coated v2) for coated papertypes and colourmode FOGRA47 (PSO Uncoated ISO12647) for uncoated papertypes. If you are unsure of the colour mode of your file, don't worry we can always convert this for you. Keep in mind this can cause the colours to differ from the original file.

Save your files in uneditable, print-ready file formats.

Save your files in uneditable, print-ready file formats (PDF (1.4 or higher), TIFF, EPS, JPG). Deliver your files in one layer: the background layer.

Convert fonts to outlines or embed all the fonts.

Make sure you convert fonts to outlines or embed all the fonts when saving it to PDF.

Fonts should be at least 6 pt.

Fonts should be at least 6 pt.

Use the right values for full colour black.

Use Rich Black (C:63% M:52% Y:51% K:100%) for larger areas and text to get a deep black colour. Do not use this value for text smaller than 15 pt or plain text. This can only be used in full colour printing. For designing black smaller texts use 100% black.

Make sure the ink coverage isn't higher than 300%.

Force Colour Images to CMYK with a 260% ink limit (in Photoshop > Convert Colour Profile > Photoshop 5 Default CMYK). Make sure the ink coverage isn't higher than 300%.

Check line thickness.

Lines should be at least 0.25 pt. Negative lines should be at least 0.5 pt.

Check your artwork for overprint.

Make sure no elements in your artwork are set on overprint unless you want this effect in your design. You can read more about overprint in our Help Centre.

Frequently Asked Questions for Photo Postcards

What is this product? And what can I use it for?

• Photo Postcards are paper cards which you can print on. There are a range of sizes and materials to choose from.
  
• This product can be used:
• • Promote discounts or events
• Personally communicate with customers
• Notify others of your upcoming events

What is the fastest possible turnaround?

• The fastest possible turnaround for Photo Postcards is:
• Next day
• Please note: Only applicable for products which require your design: To make sure that your order is delivered at the indicated time, it is important that we receive your file with your design for the product, on time (also called cut-off time). This way, the product can be moved into production on time. The deadline is always communicated at the final step when putting your product together and in the box on the right which details your entire order.
• The cut-off time for your printed item may vary. This depends on the combination you choose. This has to do with the manufacturing technique and / or the order quantities.
• Please note: The product delivery shifts a day every time the deadline for submission has passed. This is also the case if the file is rejected by us and corrected artwork isn't supplied before the next cut-off time.

Which production techniques do we use?

• For the production of Photo Postcards, we use the following technique(s):
• Digital printing: Uses four colours (CMYK) with toners and inks to print digital files. This option is comparable to a large home printer, and is cheaper than Litho printing for smaller quantities. This is because there are fewer starting costs, fewer components involved, and no ink drying time required.

Which carriers are used for the delivery?

• For the delivery of Photo Postcards, we use our most reliable carriers which, in most cases, are UPS or DPD.
• UPS
• We also use DHL and our own courier service. However, these carriers are only used for certain products (depending on the size, the turnaround and the quantity).
• The Photo Postcards chosen in most cases can be selected via our website.
• Depending on the complexity, this can take a bit longer.

Will my postcards be printed on both sides?

• No, your Photo Postcards are not automatically printed on both sides. We offer three possibilities for your Photo Postcards:
  Blank backside: Your Photo Postcards will be printed on one side only. If you choose this option, you only need to send us the file for the front side.
  Personalised backside: Your Photo Postcards will be printed on both sides. You can print different designs on each side.
  Standard backside: Your Photo Postcards will be printed on both sides. The front will have your design, and the back will have a standard postcard design. If you choose this option, you only need to send us the file for the front side.

What materials can I choose from?

• 285 GSM artboard + high grade UV varnish: This paper combines clear white paper with the robustness of carton. The UV varnish layer protects the paper and adds a shiny coating which results in a beautifull and profesionnal look.

Will my Photo Postcards be folded?

• No, your Photo Postcards will not be folded.
  Looking for folded cards? Check out our greeting cards.