Unlock Results with eddm postcard sizes: A Complete Direct Mail Guide

EDDM postcards need to stay within USPS’s size boundaries to snag saturated mailing rates. The shortest side can’t dip below 6.125 inches, and the longest side must top out at 15 inches.

Quick Overview Of EDDM Postcard Sizes

USPS Size Thresholds

Key dimensions defined by USPS include:

• Minimum Dimensions: 6.125″ × 11″ for retail saturated rates
• Maximum Dimensions: 12″ × 15″ for flat-rate mailers
• Popular EDDM Formats: 6.5″ × 9″, 8.5″ × 11″, 8″ × 10″

These limits make sure your postcards slide right through USPS automation bins, speeding up delivery and keeping costs low.

Popular Formats And Their Advantages

Choosing the right format comes down to budget, design goals, and target neighborhoods:

• 6.5″ × 9″ offers the lowest postage and full compatibility with automation
• 8.5″ × 11″ gives you more real estate for images and copy without bumping up fees
• 12″ × 15″ turns heads with a premium flat-mailer feel

Weigh your design complexity against route requirements to pick the best fit.

EDDM Scale And Impact

Since its launch, EDDM has moved over 33 billion pieces and generated more than US$5 billion in revenue. Last year alone, it handled nearly 3 billion mailpieces, driving US$588 million in sales. Learn more about these findings.

Key EDDM Postcard Size Summary

This table shows the minimum, maximum, and common EDDM postcard dimensions with postage class eligibility.

Dimension Description	Size (inches)	Notes
Minimum Postcard	6.125 × 11	Retail saturated rates
Maximum Flat	12 × 15	Bulk mail class
Common Format	6.5 × 9	Lowest postage per piece
Common Format	8.5 × 11	Wider branding area

By keeping these sizes handy, you can quickly confirm eligibility and postage class for any campaign.

Why Size Consistency Matters

Uniform dimensions simplify bundling and USPS sorting. This cuts down on manual handling fees and avoids delivery delays.

Benefits of consistent sizing:

• Streamlined processing at USPS facilities
• Predictable postage costs and route coverage
• Higher neighborhood saturation with scalable prints
• Simplified design templates for multi-route campaigns

Consistent templates also speed up proof approvals and artwork setup.

Check out guide on EDDM printing at 4OVER4 for comprehensive ordering and pricing guidelines.

Size Requirements And Dimensions

Accurate postcard dimensions are the foundation of every EDDM campaign. Nail the short and long edge measurements, and your design sails through printing and USPS processing without extra fees or delays.

Measuring Edges

To measure correctly, decide on portrait or landscape orientation first. Then line up your ruler on the right side.

• Short Edge Measurement: Align the ruler with the shorter side of your artwork.
• Long Edge Measurement: Place the ruler along the longer side.
• Orientation Consistency: Numbers stay the same whether you’re in portrait or landscape.

Getting it right up front saves time, cuts handling fees, and avoids USPS rejections.

USPS Mandated Limits

USPS enforces specific size thresholds for EDDM postcards to qualify for retail saturation rates. Keep your design within these parameters.

Dimension Type	Minimum (in)	Maximum (in)
Short Side	6.125	N/A
Long Side	N/A	11.5
Flat Mail Maximum	N/A	12 × 15

Popular, compliant formats include 6.5 × 9, 8.5 × 11, and 12 × 15 inches. Staying inside these guidelines keeps your mail automation-ready.

“Noncompliant mail sizes can add manual processing fees up to 15%,” says a USPS logistics expert.

Case Study Example

A neighborhood café mailed 2,500 custom EDDM postcards at 9 × 11 inches to spotlight its brunch menu. The result? A 12% uptick in foot traffic.

• They selected 9 × 11 inches to stay under the flat mail maximum.
• They added 0.125-inch bleed margins and 0.25-inch safe zones.
• All edge measurements were double-checked to prevent resizing.
• Final files matched USPS trim specifications before upload.

Vectors larger than 12 × 15 inches are treated as irregular flats, triggering extra handling fees or even returns.

Design teams rely on diagram templates showing 6.5 × 9, 8.5 × 11, and 12 × 15 inch formats to confirm edge placements at a glance. Benefits include:

• Quick visual checks that validate dimensions.
• Easier team alignment on design specs.
• Faster approval cycles without miscommunication.

Access printable template diagrams to ensure your file layout matches USPS requirements exactly. These visual aids help designers avoid measurement mistakes and reduce proof cycles.

And remember: measure twice and confirm printer guidelines before final submission.

Bleed And Trim Examples

Design files must extend 0.125 inches beyond the trim on every edge. For a 6.5 × 9 inch postcard, your bleed becomes 6.75 × 9.25 inches, and all important text sits 0.125 inches inside the trim lines.

• Trim Size: 6.5 × 9 inches
• Bleed Size: 6.75 × 9.25 inches
• Safe Zone: At least 0.125 inches from trim lines

This buffer protects logos and copy from unwanted cuts and ensures a consistent, professional finish.

Why Accurate Sizes Matter

Keeping EDDM postcard sizes precise streamlines production and boosts deliverability. Designers who lock down trim, bleed, and safe-zone rules report 20% fewer file rejections before print.

A clear size strategy also helps you avoid surprise fees and returned mailpieces.

Learn more about postcard printing options at 4OVER4 postcards printing category.

Precise EDDM postcard sizes build a foundation for reliable, cost-effective direct mail.

Postage Costs And Economic Benefits

Choosing the right EDDM postcard sizes can significantly trim your mailing expenses while widening your audience. A standard 4 × 6 inch card often carries a higher per-piece rate than a 6.5 × 9 inch EDDM format once you tap into bulk pricing tiers.

Postage for EDDM currently starts at $0.187 per piece under retail rates.

Compare Cost Per Thousand

• 4 × 6 Postcard Standard: Roughly $550 per 1,000 pieces at retail.
• 6.5 × 9 EDDM Postcard: About $460.20 per 1,000 when routes are bundled.
• 8.5 × 11 Format: Approximately $495 per 1,000 with volume discounts.

“Choosing EDDM formats can cut postage by up to 20% per campaign,” notes a print logistics specialist.

Route bundling and local drop-offs can shave an extra 5–15% off postage. High-volume mailers ordering over 10,000 pieces often qualify for even deeper savings.

Infographic On EDDM Dimensions

This chart highlights the USPS minimum short-side and maximum flat dimensions you need to hit for cost efficiency and eligibility.

Example Campaign Budget

• Quantity 1,000 — 4 × 6 campaign runs about $550; 6.5 × 9 EDDM format sits near $460.
• Quantity 5,000 — Bulk pricing cuts 6.5 × 9 rates to $430 per 1,000, saving $1,000 overall.
• Quantity 10,000 — Automated sorting and bundles reduce rates to $410 per 1,000, trimming $2,100 off standard mail.

Volume Discount Strategies

Mail carriers and providers often apply tiered savings based on total piece counts.

• Tier 1 (1,000–4,999): Base rate with no discount
• Tier 2 (5,000–9,999): 5% off base postage
• Tier 3 (10,000–19,999): 8% off base postage
• Tier 4 (20,000+): 10–12% off base postage with route optimization

“Volume discounts can reduce total campaign costs by thousands of dollars,” says a marketing operations manager.

Combining ideal EDDM postcard sizes with the right volume tier delivers double-digit savings on every campaign.

Route Bundling Benefits

Bundling onto the same postal route cuts handling and keeps automation humming smoothly.

• Reduced manual sorting fees (saves up to $50 per route)
• Consistent drop-off points lower labor costs
• Faster delivery times with prioritized routing

These advantages, paired with optimized EDDM postcard sizes, can boost ROI by over 15% on a single mailing.

USPS requires EDDM mailpieces to meet specific dimensions, and choosing a 6.5 × 9 inch EDDM postcard can cut postage costs—for instance, reducing total campaign cost from US$475.24 to US$460.20 per 1,000 pieces, with post-2019 retail postage rates as low as $0.187 per piece. Discover more insights about EDDM sizing on this research source.

Learn budgeting and mailing tips in our direct mail services guide at 4OVER4. By adjusting your EDDM postcard sizes and leveraging route bundling, you unlock predictable budgets and stretch marketing dollars.

Design Guidelines and Material Selection

Crafting an EDDM postcard starts with nail-tight bleed, trim, and safe-zone settings. Get these right and you avoid awkward white borders or chopped-off elements. Think of bleed as a safety net: extend artwork 0.125 inches beyond the trim line, then keep all critical copy at least 0.125 inches inside the cut.

Bleed, Trim, and Safe Zone

Prevent misalignment by honoring bleed and trim specs. Safe zones act as a buffer, so your headlines and CTAs never teeter on the edge.

• Trim Size Example: 6.5 × 9 inches
• Bleed Size Example: 6.75 × 9.25 inches
• Safe Zone Margin: 0.125 inches inside trim

Element	Measurement	Purpose
Bleed	0.125 inches	Prevents white edges
Trim Line	Defined border	Marks final cut
Safe Zone	0.125 inches	Keeps vital info intact

These numbers align with USPS automation requirements, keeping your postcard machine-friendly and crisp.

Paper Stock Options

Paper weight dictates both feel and durability. For EDDM postcards, you’ll usually choose between 80 lb, 100 lb, and 110 lb cover stock. Finishes span glossy, matte, and uncoated, each bringing its own personality.

• 80 lb cover: Budget-friendly and light
• 100 lb cover: Solid feel without bulk
• 110 lb cover: Premium heft for a standout impression

Example
A real estate agency switched to 110 lb gloss to make property photos pop with vivid contrast.

Need more on coatings? Check our gloss-laminated postcards and finishes on 4OVER4 guide for durable, eye-catching options.

Mailability and Weight Limits

USPS caps EDDM postcards at 3.3 ounces. Stay below to dodge extra postage. Add too many coatings or super-heavy stock, and you could push past this limit.

1. Standard Postcard: up to 1 ounce
2. Thick Cover: 1–2 ounces
3. Heaviest EDDM: up to 3.3 ounces

Heavy mailpieces above 3.3 ounces risk being reclassified as a letter or flat, incurring higher fees.

For a greener approach, consider 100% post-consumer recycled stock—it often weighs less while reinforcing sustainability.

Eco Friendly Material Tips

Switching to recycled or chlorine-free papers shrinks your carbon footprint without blowing your budget. Many eco-options carry GREENGUARD certification and stay under 3.3 ounces.

• FSC-Certified paper with high brightness
• Vegetable-based inks for lower VOC emissions
• Soy-based coatings that comply with USPS weight rules

Example
A yoga studio went with 100% PCW uncoated stock—eco-friendly, on-brand, and wallet-friendly.

Using eco-friendly stocks can boost brand perception by over 20% in consumer surveys.

Balancing precise bleed, trim, safe zones, paper choice, and mail-weight rules makes your EDDM campaign both mail-ready and memorable. Add UV coating for extra durability and moisture resistance—without tipping over USPS weight limits.

File Preparation And Design Layout Examples

Getting your artwork print-ready starts with the right resolution and color mode. For postcards, go with 300 dpi in CMYK to achieve crisp images and true-to-life hues. Design tools like Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop let you set these profiles before you add any graphics.

Here’s a quick checklist to keep at your fingertips:

• Resolution: Minimum 300 dpi for every image to avoid pixelation.
• Color Mode: CMYK matches USPS and print vendor standards.
• Slug and Crop Marks: Include crop marks so the printer knows exactly where to trim.

Bleed Trim Safe Zone Setup

A reliable bleed and safe zone setup lets you avoid unwanted white edges. Always extend your background by 0.125 inches on all sides. Then, keep any critical text or logos at least 0.125 inches inside the trim line.

• Bleed Dimensions: Add 0.125" on each edge of your final trim size.
• Trim Line: This is where your postcard will be cut.
• Safe Zone: Essential content should sit inside this boundary to prevent being trimmed.

In InDesign, you can add bleed through the document setup panel. Photoshop users can increase the canvas size before exporting.

Export Formats And File Standards

When it’s time to export, a PDF/X-1a file is the most reliable for embedding fonts and preserving color profiles. If you prefer other options, consider a TIFF for complex images or a high-quality JPEG with minimal compression.

• PDF/X-1a: Guarantees embedded fonts and correct color profiles.
• TIFF: Ideal for layered or intricate visuals without compression loss.
• JPEG: Works for simpler images—just watch out for artifacts.

Layout Templates For Popular Postcard Sizes

We’ve built templates for the most common EDDM formats—6.5 × 9, 8.5 × 11, and 12 × 15 inches. Each file contains both front and back layers, complete with trim, bleed, and safe zone indicators to speed up your design process.

Size	Bleed	Trim	Safe Zone
6.5 × 9 in	6.75 × 9.25 in	6.5 × 9 in	0.125 in
8.5 × 11 in	8.75 × 11.25 in	8.5 × 11 in	0.125 in
12 × 15 in	12.25 × 15.25 in	12 × 15 in	0.125 in

Drop these into InDesign or Illustrator to cut down on setup time and limit mistakes.

Practical Tips For Print Compliance

Good file prep can shave off up to 30% of proofing time and cost. Start by embedding any linked images and flattening transparencies before export. Pick clear, postal-friendly fonts such as Arial or Helvetica to maintain legibility at small sizes.

• Leave a 0.5-inch margin for postal barcodes and indicia.
• Convert text to outlines to avoid missing fonts at the printer.
• Keep your PDF under 100 MB to meet most vendor limits.

Industry benchmarking shows that moving from a 4 × 6 postcard to a larger EDDM-compliant format like 6.5 × 9 increases printing costs by a low double-digit percent but reduces postage line items by 30–60%, often improving overall ROI when creative and size are optimized together. Learn more about these size impacts on MailPro.

For custom outlines and shapes, check out our guide on die cutting techniques at 4OVER4. This resource covers file setup for unique edges and postal approval.

Example Artwork Walkthrough

Let’s break down a typical postcard layout:

1. Front Side Setup
   • Start with final trim size plus bleed.
   • Place your headline in the top third so it grabs attention right away.
   • Keep your main visual above the fold to draw the eye in.
2. Back Side Structure
   • Allocate space for the address block, postal indicia, and barcodes.
   • Use a simple grid to align text and images cleanly.

One real estate mailer we printed paired a bold property shot up front with streamlined contact details on the reverse—response jumped 18%. Always lock your layers and use descriptive file names (e.g., ProjectName_Size_Date.pdf) to keep each version organized.

Follow these steps to ensure your EDDM postcards arrive at the mail center ready for production.

How To Order EDDM Postcards On 4OVER4

Getting started is as simple as logging into your 4OVER4 account and clicking on the Direct Mail tab. That shortcut instantly brings up EDDM postcard options designed around USPS requirements. From there, you’re one step closer to choosing the perfect size for your campaign.

Next, use the filter panel to zero in on the best dimensions:

• 6.5 × 9 inches for the lowest postage rates
• 8.5 × 11 inches when you need more design real estate
• 12 × 15 inches for premium flat mail that captures attention

Picking the right size upfront keeps surprises at bay when you move on to paper stock and coatings.

Choosing Paper And Finish Options

4OVER4’s selection covers several weights and finishes to suit varied budgets and mailer styles. For instance:

• 80 lb cover: the budget-friendly choice with moderate heft
• 100 lb cover: a reliable middle ground, balancing durability and cost
• 110 lb cover: luxury weight for high-impact postcards

You can also choose between glossy, matte or UV-coated surfaces. Keep in mind each finish can affect your mail piece’s weight—and you want to stay under the 3.3-ounce USPS limit to avoid extra fees.

Uploading Print-Ready Files

Uploading artwork is a breeze. Here’s a quick rundown:

1. Click Upload Artwork, then select PDF/X-1a, TIFF or a high-quality JPEG.
2. Double-check that your bleed, trim and safe zones measure 0.125 inches.
3. Review the online proof and click Approve when everything looks right.

Real-time previews include safe-zone overlays and crop guides, cutting down on proof revisions by up to 20%.

“Clear previews cut turnaround by two days,” says a 4OVER4 operations manager.

Configuring USPS Route Selection

Once your file is approved, the system guides you through route setup:

• Choose ZIP codes for broad city coverage
• Pick carrier routes to target specific neighborhoods
• Use the built-in quote tool to estimate costs per thousand

A live map view shows every drop-off point so you can optimize your distribution. When you’re ready, add your selection to the cart and do a final budget check.

Step	Action
1 Select Size	Filter EDDM postcard dimensions
2 Pick Stock & Finish	Choose paper weight and coating
3 Upload Files	Confirm file format and safe zones
4 Choose Routes	Set ZIP codes or carrier routes
5 Review & Checkout	Finalize quantity, pricing and payment

Hit Submit to lock in printing and mailing. You’ll get an email confirmation complete with tracking details.

Save your customized order as a bookmark to reorder EDDM postcards on 4OVER4 without starting from scratch.

FAQ

Q: What Is The Smallest Official EDDM Postcard Size Allowed?

A: USPS mandates a minimum of 6.125 inches on the short side and 11 inches on the long side for retail saturation rates. This size ensures your mail pieces slide effortlessly through automated sorting equipment.

Q: What Is The Largest EDDM Postcard Size Accepted?

A: The maximum flat size is 12 × 15 inches. Anything larger is treated as a “flat,” which carries extra handling fees and can slow down delivery.

Calculating Route Savings

Q: How Do I Calculate Route-Based Postage Savings?

A: First, count how many carrier routes you plan to target. Then multiply that number by the current EDDM rate per route. For example, sending to 5 routes at $64.94 each comes to $324.70, typically undercutting standard mail rates.

• Count targeted routes
• Multiply by the current EDDM rate per route
• Compare against retail letter or flat postage rates

“Bundling multiple routes can cut postage costs by up to 15% on certain campaigns,” notes a mailing specialist.

Q: Can I Use Custom Shapes Or Templates For EDDM?

A: No. USPS only accepts rectangular postcards with right-angle corners. Custom die-cuts or rounded edges won’t pass through automated sorting and are disallowed under EDDM rules.

File Types Accepted

Q: Which File Types Does USPS Accept For EDDM?

A: Most print providers accept PDF/X-1a, TIFF, and high-resolution JPEG. All files must be in CMYK color mode and include crop marks with a 0.125-inch bleed.

File Type	Recommendation
PDF/X-1a	Embeds fonts and color
TIFF	No compression loss
JPEG	Ideal for simpler images

Q: How Do I Avoid Common Design Mistakes?

A: Keep all critical content at least 0.125 inches inside the trim edge. Double-check your bleed and trim settings so nothing essential gets cut off—and stay fully USPS-compliant.

Q: Do Oversized Postcards Cost Extra?

A: Remember, the flat maximum is 12 × 15 inches. Exceed that and USPS will assess higher handling fees.

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Ready to simplify your EDDM campaign? Order high-quality, compliant postcards from 4OVER4 at 4OVER4