File Specifications
Print File Specifications
Everything you need to prepare print-ready files. Bleed zones, safe areas, resolution, color mode, and accepted formats for EDDM and addressed postcards.
Quick Reference
Bleed Zone
0.125" on all sides
Extend backgrounds past trim edge
Safe Zone
0.25" from trim edge
Keep text and critical content inside
Resolution
300 DPI
At final print size, not scaled up
Color Mode
CMYK
Not RGB. Colors will shift in print
Specifications by Product
All dimensions include 0.125" bleed unless noted. Safe zone is 0.25" from trim edge.
EDDM Postcards
300 DPI| Finished Size | With Bleed | Safe Zone |
|---|---|---|
| 6.25" × 9" | 6.5" × 9.25" | 6" × 8.75" |
| 6.25" × 11" | 6.5" × 11.25" | 6" × 10.75" |
| 8.5" × 11" | 8.75" × 11.25" | 8.25" × 10.75" |
USPS postage permit area required on address side. No postage stamp area needed. EDDM uses a permit imprint.
Addressed Postcards
300 DPI| Finished Size | With Bleed | Safe Zone |
|---|---|---|
| 4" × 6" | 4.25" × 6.25" | 3.75" × 5.75" |
| 4.25" × 6" | 4.5" × 6.25" | 4" × 5.75" |
| 5" × 7" | 5.25" × 7.25" | 4.75" × 6.75" |
Mailed to your own list or a list L&B sources for you. For EDDM (every door), postcards must be at least 6.25" × 9".
Accepted File Formats
PDFPreferred
Preferred format. Flatten all layers, embed fonts, convert to CMYK.
AI (Adobe Illustrator)Preferred
Convert text to outlines. Embed linked images. Save as PDF-compatible.
PSD (Photoshop)
Flatten layers. Convert to CMYK. Save at 300 DPI. Large files: consider PDF export.
TIFF
Uncompressed or LZW compression. CMYK color mode. 300 DPI.
JPG / PNG
Accepted for simple designs. Must be 300 DPI at final print size. No transparency support in JPG.
INDD (InDesign)
Export as PDF/X-1a from InDesign. We cannot open native .indd files directly.
Common File Mistakes & How to Fix Them
An L&B Direct Mail Expert reviews every file before it goes to print, free, but fixing these upfront saves time.
✗ RGB color mode instead of CMYK
Convert to CMYK before saving. RGB colors will shift, especially bright blues and greens.
✗ 72 DPI images (web resolution)
All images must be 300 DPI at final print size. Web images will print blurry.
✗ No bleed zone
Extend backgrounds and images 0.125" past the trim edge on all sides. Without bleed, you'll get white edges.
✗ Text too close to edge
Keep all text and critical content at least 0.25" from the trim edge (safe zone). Text at the edge may be cut off.
✗ Fonts not embedded or outlined
Embed all fonts in your PDF or convert text to outlines/curves. Missing fonts will be substituted.
✗ Black text as CMYK rich black
Use pure black (C:0 M:0 Y:0 K:100) for body text. Rich black (C:60 M:40 Y:40 K:100) is for large areas only.
Don't Have a Print-Ready File?
No problem. Use our online customizer with industry templates, or let our team design it for you. All specs are handled automatically.
An Expert Reviews Every Direct-Mail File
Not sure if your file is ready? Automatic print and mail checks run first. An L&B Direct Mail Expert also reviews every file before it goes to print. Free.