How to Make a Postcard: DIY Design & Printing Tutorial
To make a postcard, design your artwork at 4 x 6 inches, print it on sturdy cardstock, and trim the edges. Then add a stamp, and it's ready to mail. Postcards still work well as quick notes, small art prints, and package inserts.
But if you're looking to make more than just a regular postcard, this detailed guide is for you. You'll learn how to make stunning postcards from start to finish, including designing, printing, finishing touches, and everything else you need to know.
Postcard Sizes to Start With
The first step is to choose your postcard size. The standard size is 4 x 6 inches (102 x 152 mm). It is easy to design and easy to mail.
Here are all the common postcard sizes worth knowing:
● 4 x 6 inches: the everyday standard
● 4.25 x 6 inches: the largest size that still gets the postcard postage rate
● A6 (105 x 148 mm): the common international size
● 5 x 7 inches: more room for art, but costlier to mail
● 3 x 5 inches: best as a package insert
A6 looks close to 4 x 6, but the two differ slightly and need different templates.
Choose your size by purpose. Mailed cards need the standard sizes. However, if you're going to hand them out, you have more freedom.
Confused about the right postcard size? Go with 4 x 6 inches. It suits photos, illustrations, and short messages. If you need more detailed information, our postcard size guide has the full chart, pixel sizes, and mailing rules.
How to Make Your Own Postcards
Gather these supplies. You may already own most of them.
For designing:
● Pencil, ruler, and eraser
● A computer or tablet
● A design app such as Canva or Photoshop
For printing:
● A home printer
● Cardstock: 250 to 300 gsm
● A paper trimmer, or scissors and a ruler
● A postage stamp
Buy a few extra sheets just in case, for test prints and mistakes. Thin paper bends in the mail and lacks the feel of a real postcard, so choose heavy cardstock. It also feels sturdier and more professional in the hand.
Matte cardstock works best for pen ink. If you want the colors to pop, go with glossy cardstock.
How to Design a Postcard
Good design starts with the right canvas. So set it up before you draw a single line.
If you want a head start, platforms like Canva and Adobe Express offer ready-made postcard templates. Simply pick one you like and then swap in your own photos and text.
But if you want to design one from scratch, here's how to do it.
1. Set the canvas: Use 4 x 6 inches (or your choice of size).
2. Add bleed: Extend the canvas by 0.125 inch on every side. It's optional, but it's highly recommended to avoid white edges.
3. Mark a safe margin: Keep text, faces, and other important details away from the edges.
4. Create the front: Use a drawing, a photo, or a collage.
5. Build the back: Put your message on the left and the address lines on the right. Leave a small box at the top right for the stamp.
6. Keep the address side clean: Use a plain, light background. Busy art makes addresses hard to read.
7. Export the file: Save the design as a PDF, PNG, or other high-quality format.
If you're adding a border, leave enough space between it and the edge. Even slight trimming errors can make a border look uneven, so keep it comfortably inside the safe area.
That covers designing on a computer or tablet using design software. You can also do the same thing by hand. Simply sketch all the details on a 4 x 6 inch card, and you'll have your own handmade postcard.
Before you print, view the design at actual size on your screen. Fix any spacing or text issues you spot before finalizing the design.
How to Print a Postcard
Print a test page before you use good paper. It saves ink and cardstock.
Getting both sides of the postcard to line up correctly may take some trial and error. A ready-made postcard template can make this easier. Follow the steps below in order for the best printing results.
1. Review the test print: Check the size, margins, and color.
2. Set the printer: Choose actual size instead of "fit to page," and pick the best quality and the correct paper type.
3. Print both sides: Print the front, then flip the sheet, then print the back. A duplex printer does both in one pass.
4. Let the ink dry: Wet ink smudges, so wait until it dries. Glossy paper needs extra time.
5. Trim the edges: Cut along the crop marks. Use a paper trimmer, or scissors with a ruler, for clean lines.
6. Add the stamp: Pick a stamp and stick it in the box at the top right.
That's it. Your DIY postcard is ready. Print one card first and hold it in your hand before you print the rest.
Stack cards only after they dry fully. You can also slide a sheet of paper between them for extra safety. Store your finished postcards flat in a dry place until you're ready to use them.
Creative Postcard Design Ideas You Can Try
With just a few small changes, you can make a postcard feel special. Here are a few creative design tips you can try.
Holographic lamination: Press a self-adhesive holographic laminating sheet onto the front. It's the easiest way to give your postcard a shiny, collectible look. Keep it off the address side, and wait for the ink to dry completely before you laminate.
Stickers: You can use various kinds of stickers to add color fast. Choose flat ones, and keep them well away from the address and stamp.
Washi tape: It's perfect for adding borders, corners, or stripes.
Clean borders: Love a minimalist look? A plain margin can make any design look finished. It also hides small trimming errors.
Rounded corners: Use a corner punch to give a polished look in seconds.
Photo and handwritten note: Pair a printed photo with a short message. What better way to add a personal touch than with your own handwriting?
Avoid buttons, puffy stickers, wax seals, and anything raised, because they add bulk to your postcard.
Once you're comfortable, try different sizes and ideas. Test any new material on a scrap card first, and make that a habit before every batch.
How to Order Custom Postcards from Vograce
Home printing works well for a few cards. But for bigger batches or special finishes, ordering from us is a better idea.
You can order custom postcards starting from a single piece, and they work well for conventions, thank-you notes, and shop inserts.
Here's how you can do it:
Start by visiting our custom postcard printing page. Then choose a postcard type, such as standard, holographic with raised foil, or heat-sensitive.
Scroll down a little on the product page, and you will find the sizes, file requirements, and, most importantly, the template.
Download the template and build your own artwork on it. This keeps your design matched to the product size.
Check the file requirements too. Upload your artwork in an accepted file format, use CMYK color mode, and ensure it meets the 300 DPI and minimum pixel requirements. You can find the exact specifications on the product page.
Once your design is ready, upload your file and select your options. This is where you set the printing type, size, material, quantity, and other customizations.
Depending on the postcard type, we offer single-side printing, double-side printing with the same design, and double-side printing with a different design in various sizes and materials. Explore all the options before placing your order.
Most postcards also come with an online editor. After uploading your file, preview the look of your custom postcards and make any changes you need.
Once you're happy with the result, simply add the postcards to your cart and check out. You will receive professionally made custom postcards right at your doorstep.
This way, you can completely focus on the designing part and leave everything else to our team.
Want a twist in your custom postcard? The heat-sensitive postcard changes color with warmth.
Planning to mail your cards? Stick with 4 x 6 inches to qualify for the standard postcard postage.
Our low MOQ makes it possible to order a sample first, hold it in your hand, check the colors and finish, and then place your full run.
And that's the whole process. You design your artwork, upload the file, pick your options, and get custom postcards delivered. It beats hours of printing, trimming, and trial and error at home.
Whether you're an artist preparing for a convention, a small business owner creating package inserts, or simply making personalized gifts, custom printing gives you more room to experiment. Choose a finish that complements your artwork, and turn your designs into postcards that are ready to share, sell, or send to someone special.
