= PRINTING INSTRUCTIONS =
= PLEASE READ FOR BEST RESULTS =

Materials: You will need 4 x 6 cardstock, 60lb or greater, for printing one individual postcard, or you can use 8.5" x 11" cardstock and print four postcards at once (the finished size for each postcard on an 8.5" x 11" sheet will be 4.25" x 5.5") You can use your own inkjet or laser printer, or, if you want to do a larger run, take the downloaded PDFs to your local print shop (Staples, Office Max, DHS Store, UPS Store, etc.) If using 8.5" x 11" cardstock it is recommended that your buy the microperforated cardstock designed for postcards or notes--these are commonly called '4up' stock and it makes it much easier to separate four cards from one sheet.

Method: Each postcard has two PDF files associated with it--one for the front, and one for the address side. You can use one or both as you wish--if using both, open one PDF file, print it, then flip the card over and feed it back into your printer, then open the other PDF file and print again. You may want to test this process on a plain sheet of paper first to make sure you get it right before you run the cardstock through.

A word about the gutter on the bottom of the address side: USPS postal regulations require a 5/8" margin free and clear of markings along the bottom of the address side of any postcard so they can apply a barcode for routing. These templates were designed with that in mind, however, be sure to check the margin setting on your printer dialog to make sure it doesn't stretch the visible address side into the the bottom 5/8" of the card. ("Fit to printable area" may be a good choice, depending on your printer--try different settings to see which one leaves the most space along the bottom of the address side. It's better to leave extra room than not.)