---
type: faq
title: "What happens if my artwork doesn't qualify for Presorted Automation?"
description: "Art missing postal clear zones may mail at a higher non-automation rate, so reserve a 1.25' x 1.25' indicia area and a 4' x 2.5' addressing area."
resource: https://www.4over4.com/faqs/mailing-direct-mail/what-happens-if-my-artwork-doesnt-qualify-for-presorted-automation
tags: ["Marketing Materials", "faq"]
generated:
  by: "process:4over4-mapp-build"
  at: 2026-10-20T21:01:19.542Z
timestamp: 2026-10-20T21:01:19.542Z
sources:
  - resource: https://www.4over4.com/faqs/mailing-direct-mail/what-happens-if-my-artwork-doesnt-qualify-for-presorted-automation
    title: "What happens if my artwork doesn't qualify for Presorted Automation?"
status: stable
---

# What happens if my artwork doesn't qualify for Presorted Automation?

If a design does not leave the clear zones the post office needs, it may not qualify for presorted automation rates. When that happens, there are two common paths. The piece can often still mail, but at a higher, non-automation postage rate. Adjusting the artwork to open up the indicia and addressing areas can bring it back into automation pricing. A mailing service can flag the issue and suggest the smallest change needed to keep your postage low. Reserving a 1.25" x 1.25" indicia area and a 4" x 2.5" addressing area from the start is the easiest way to avoid this.

Art missing postal clear zones may mail at a higher non-automation rate, so reserve a 1.25" x 1.25" indicia area and a 4" x 2.5" addressing area.

[Order Direct Mail Postcards](https://www.4over4.com/product/direct-mail-postcards)

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