Standard Postcards
Standard Postcards Overview
Standard postcards—commonly searched as custom postcards or postcard printing—are built for high-volume communication where clarity, cost-efficiency, and flexibility matter.
Printed on durable cardstock with a range of finishes, they provide strong visual impact while remaining practical for mailing, handouts, and inserts. Many formats are designed to be USPS compliant, helping ensure smooth mailing and avoiding additional postage costs
Learn about USPS postcard size requirements and mailing guidelines 【Knowledge Internal Link①】
From bulk postcard printing to everyday promotions, they are a dependable tool for consistent brand visibility.
For direct mail campaigns, EDDM postcards offer postal-optimized solutions. For premium finishes, UV & foil postcards provide a more elevated visual presentation.
Common Use Cases for Standard Postcards
Standard postcards are designed for broad marketing applications.
They are widely used for promotional campaigns, event announcements, business outreach, and local advertising. Retailers and service businesses rely on them to reach nearby customers, while brands use them for product launches, seasonal offers, and customer retention.
Because they are lightweight and easy to distribute, they work across multiple channels—from in-store handouts to mailing campaigns.
For campaigns that require more distinctive formats, die-cut postcards offer a more customized and eye-catching alternative.
How to Choose the Right Postcard
Selecting the right postcard depends on both visual impact and functionality.
Gloss and UV-coated finishes enhance color vibrancy for image-heavy designs. Matte finishes provide a softer, more refined look with reduced glare. If handwriting or personalization is required, uncoated stocks offer a practical surface.
For businesses planning scalable campaigns, standard postcards provide an efficient balance between reach and cost—making them one of the most widely used marketing formats.
Paper Options and Print Finishes
Material selection defines both the look and the functional impact of your campaign. We offer a curated range of high-quality stocks starting from our 14pt cardstock, available in Gloss or Matte Lamination for a cost-effective yet professional balance.
For those seeking the industry benchmark for durability and a sturdy feel, our 16pt premium stocks—including the sustainable Eco White Cover and the elegant Premium Pearl—provide a high-quality foundation that withstands the rigors of the postal system
See what 14pt vs 16pt cardstock means and how thickness affects print quality 【Knowledge Internal Link②】
For projects requiring maximum rigidity or a unique tactile distinction, we provide premium 17pt and 18pt substrates. Options such as 17pt Premium Linen and 18pt Natural Textured introduce an upscale, sophisticated tone that is felt the moment the postcard is held.
To further refine your presentation, you can select from various protective coatings:
High-Gloss UV (front only) enhances color vibrancy and contrast, while our Uncoated and Natural stocks provide a smudge-free surface—the essential choice for handwritten notes, addressing, or personalized branding.
Sizes and Layout Flexibility
Standard postcards are available in a wide range of formats to match different campaign needs.
Popular sizes include 4" × 6", 5" × 7", and 5.5" × 8.5", along with larger formats for expanded messaging. Many of these sizes align with USPS mailing standards, helping ensure efficient delivery and predictable postage rates.
Both horizontal and vertical layouts are supported, allowing flexibility across different design styles.
This adaptability makes them suitable for everything from compact promotions to larger visual mailers.
Design Tips for High-Performance Postcards
Effective postcards prioritize immediacy over complexity. Use a strong visual hierarchy, bold headlines, and a singular, clear Call to Action (CTA) to ensure your message lands in the few seconds it takes a recipient to scan their mail. To maintain high response rates, keep your layout clean and use high-contrast elements for maximum readability. If you need professional assistance, our Design Services can help refine your layout to ensure it is production-ready and postal-optimized—all design fees will be fully credited back toward your final print order.
Standard Postcards Paper Options
Select the right paper stock based on finish, durability, and how your postcards will be used.
14 pt. Cardstock Gloss
- Smooth gloss coated surface for vibrant, high-impact color
- Bright finish enhances images and graphic details
- Sturdy cardstock with a classic premium feel
- 14 pt. thickness
14 pt. High Gloss UV (Front Only)
- High-gloss UV coating applied to the front side only
- Enhances color depth and shine on the printed face
- Back side remains uncoated for a clean, natural feel
- Smooth, polished appearance with strong visual impact
- 14 pt. thickness
14 pt. Matte Lamination
- Matte laminated surface with a smooth, non-glare finish
- Reduces reflections for a clean, professional appearance
- Lamination adds durability and scratch resistance
- Premium cardstock feel
- 14 pt. thickness
16 pt. High Gloss UV
- High-gloss UV coated surface for maximum shine and visual impact
- Enhances color depth and contrast for bold graphics
- Smooth, polished finish with a premium appearance
- Extra-sturdy cardstock feel
- 16 pt. thickness
16 pt. Premium Eco White Cover
- Eco-friendly white cover stock made with recycled content
- Natural, uncoated surface with a clean paper feel
- Contains a writable surface for notes, signatures, and stamps
- Extra-sturdy cover stock with a sustainable focus
- 16 pt. thickness
17 pt. Premium Linen
- Subtle woven linen texture with a refined, tactile paper feel
- Natural, uncoated surface with a classic, elegant appearance
- Contains a writable surface for notes and signatures
- Extra-sturdy cardstock with a premium textured finish
- 17 pt. thickness
18 pt. Natural Textured
- Pronounced natural texture with a rich, tactile paper feel
- Uncoated surface with a warm, organic appearance
- Contains a writable surface for notes and signatures
- Heavyweight cardstock with a distinctive textured finish
- 18 pt. thickness
16 pt. Premium Pearl
- Smooth pearl finish with a subtle shimmer and radiant look
- Soft metallic sheen adds depth and visual elegance
- Bright surface enhances highlights and color contrast
- Extra-sturdy cardstock with a refined, luminous feel
- 16 pt. thickness
Frequently Asked Questions
What are standard postcards used for?
What paper options are available?
Can postcards be printed on both sides?
Can I write on postcards?
Can I choose the orientation of my postcard?
Are rounded corners available?
Can I upload my own design?
Product Specs & Templates
Our production team will remove the guideline lines before printing, and they will NOT appear on the final product.
We believe effective visual communication starts with clarity, responsibility, and thoughtful planning. Our focus is not just on outcomes, but on building a reliable process that delivers consistent results across every order.
By combining efficient production workflows with carefully selected materials, we aim to reduce unnecessary waste while maintaining dependable quality. This approach allows us to support both everyday needs and larger initiatives without introducing complexity or uncertainty.
Early planning plays a key role in how we work. When projects are prepared in advance, production becomes smoother, resources are used more efficiently, and costs stay predictable. This mindset helps create better results for everyone involved.
From initial setup to final delivery, we prioritize transparency, consistency, and support. Our goal is to make each step clear and manageable, so expectations are aligned and outcomes remain dependable.
At every stage, we focus on building long-term trust through practical decisions, steady execution, and a commitment to responsible production.