> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.openletterconnect.com/olc-help-docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.openletterconnect.com/olc-help-docs/product-and-order-guide/creating-a-template.md). # Creating a Template Open Letter Connect provides flexible options for creating high-impact mailer templates. Whether you start from scratch, customize one of over **450+ pre-built templates**, or work with a designer, our **drag-and-drop editor** makes the process intuitive. This guide walks you through **building a template** within the OLC editor, including **personalization with merge fields** and **design best practices**. {% embed url="" %} ### Step-by-Step Guide: Creating Your Mailer Template ### 1. Access the Template Editor * Navigate to the **Templates** section from your OLC dashboard. * Click **Create**.

### 2. Choose a Starting Point **Start From Prebuilt** allows you to choose from a gallery of professionally designed templates and customize one to fit your campaign. **Build From Scratch** gives you a blank canvas so you can create your template from the ground up.\ \ **Hire a Designer** If you don't want to create the design yourself, you can use **Hire a Designer** to have a custom template created for you

### 3. Selecting a Product and Mailer Type After choosing how you want to create your template, the next step is to select the **product type** and, depending on the product, choose the appropriate **size, design format or envelope type** and click **Next.**

### 4. Template Builder

### Name Your Template At the top of the builder, click the template name and enter a descriptive name. Examples: * Summer AC Promotion * Emergency Plumbing Postcard * Probate Property Letter * New Homeowner Campaign A clear name makes the template easier to find when creating an order or campaign. ### Templates Use the **Templates** section to browse prebuilt designs. Choose a layout that fits your campaign and customize it with your branding, colors, images, and messaging.

### Text The **Text** section lets you add: * Headers * Subheaders * Body text Select an option to add a text box to the design. You can then edit the wording, font, size, color, alignment, and spacing. You can also upload your own fonts.

### Elements Use **Elements** to add design components such as: * Shapes * Lines * Icons * Decorative graphics These can help separate sections or draw attention to an offer or call to action.

### Background Use **Background** to change the design’s background color or image.\

### Layers The **Layers** panel shows every item on the page. Use it to: * Select objects that overlap * Move items forward or backward * Hide or show design elements * Organize the layout\

### Uploads Use **Uploads** to add your own: * Logo * Photos * Brand graphics * Background images Use high-resolution images whenever possible so the final printed piece looks sharp.

### Add Personalization Fields **Merge fields** insert contact-specific information into your mailer, ensuring each piece feels personal.

### Address Block The **Address Block** tool lets you choose an approved USPS address color that complements your template design.

### Add Tracking The **Tracking** section can be used to add campaign tracking elements, such as: * QR codes * PURLs * Phone tracking information Tracking helps you measure responses and identify which campaign generated a call, scan, or website visit. Before saving the template, scan the QR code with a phone to confirm that it works correctly.\

### Check Your Design Before saving, review the template carefully. Confirm that: * All text is spelled correctly * Phone numbers and URLs are accurate * The logo is clear * Images are high quality * Colors and contrast are easy to see * The QR code scans correctly * Important content stays inside the green safe-zone line * No elements are accidentally hidden or overlapping * Personalization fields are spelled correctly ### Save Your Template When the design is complete, click **Save** in the upper-right corner. * Templates can be **duplicated and modified** for different campaigns.\

### 5. Design Best Practices | **Design Element** | **Specification** | | -------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Resolution** | 300 DPI for images and graphics | | **Bleed Area** | 0.125" beyond edges | | **Safe Zone** | Keep critical elements 0.25" inside the edges | | **Fonts** | Easy-to-read fonts (Open Sans, Lato, Montserrat); minimum 10pt (postcards) or 11pt (letters) | | **File Types for Uploads** | JPEG, PNG for images; SVG for logos |

Content outside the safe zone may be trimmed during production.