# Design Guidelines for Your Mailer

*Follow these quick tips to make sure your design prints exactly how you expect.*

### 1. Start With the Right Layout

When you choose your mailer size, make sure your design follows these basics:

* **Bleed:** Extend background colors/images 0.125″ past the trim edge.
* **Safe Zone:** Keep all text, logos, and important graphics inside the safe zone so they’re not cut off.
* **Trim Size:** This is the final size after cutting.

**Common Sizes:**

* 4×6 postcard
* 6×9 postcard
* 6×11 postcard

{% hint style="info" %}
Your artboard will show blue for bleed and green for safe zone. Anything beyond the blue will be trimmed off. Keeping key content inside the green line ensures nothing is lost during cutting.
{% endhint %}

### 2. Use High-Quality Images

Low-resolution images will print blurry or pixelated.

* **Minimum resolution:** 300 DPI
* **Best formats:** JPG (photos), PNG (transparent logos), SVG (vector graphics)
* Never enlarge small, low-quality images to meet resolution—it will still look blurry.

{% hint style="info" %}
In most design software, select the image and look for “Effective PPI” or “Resolution” in properties. It should be 300 or higher.
{% endhint %}

### 3. Add Text That’s Easy to Read

* Choose fonts that are clear at small sizes.
* Keep text inside the safe zone.
* Use high-contrast colors for readability.

**Tip:** You can upload your own font if it’s not in the library.

### 4. Enhance With Elements and Backgrounds

* Use the **Elements** tab to add shapes, icons, and lines.<br>

  <figure><img src="/files/Ex6tK0r9KKzLCpdgcGYM" alt="" width="188"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
* Use the **Backgrounds** tab for solid colors, gradients, or images.

<figure><img src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXds2UCV2GxQM2KPcp5nYKVdI017maEE65FjC4tJXqGtPaL7WdLjn31qZGczl1sxG6Vtc1bNrRAnJpnAvYZcOPCC5VTNipo25HvwtORuxb6hHYWfcZAzDtKd4WvTVW1e6ECmrpnb?key=cjwnuoe4pjBmoDLXfuvdbw" alt="" width="188"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXfQ1bzVnK84nEhT8IUELM56ih4BH8pU3BHv6gfOOiesGajzCG2rF_vQkvlqCqK0Fid45VazLTtOridIm53Z2v8qyTbdx2Xtr-S7Cq3p8Cw5v-EEPcDX-clIPeUTQE5vJ9_vNmAq?key=cjwnuoe4pjBmoDLXfuvdbw" alt="" width="188"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* Keep designs clean, too many elements can distract from your main message.

### 5. Personalize Your Mailer

Make your mailer feel personal:

* Use the **Fields** tab to insert names, addresses, or other contact info.
* Add a **QR Code** to link people directly to your site, landing page, or offer.

### 6. Final Checks Before Saving

* Review your proof to make sure nothing is cut off.
* Confirm images are high-resolution.
* Check spelling and grammar.
* Save with a descriptive name so you can find it later.

### Quick Troubleshooting

* **White edges after printing:** No bleed set up
* **Cut-off text or logos:** Content outside safe zone
* **Blurry images:** Resolution under 300 DPI

**Next Step:** Once your template is ready, follow the steps in [Creating a Template](https://help.openletterconnect.com/olc-help-docs/product-and-order-guide/creating-a-template) to start your campaign.


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