USPS Regulations

If you are designing a postcard or an envelope to be mailed through the United States Post Office then there are a few regulations you will need to follow to ensure that your postcard meets the guidelines required for mailing. Our downloadable start files for postcards include postal clearzones to help you.

The Post Office will not accept or mail any postcards with rounded corners. Only round the corners if your design will be used as a flyer or promotional handout. The Post Office will also not accept mailers with the mailing side full UV glossed. Please DO NOT add gloss on the mailing side.

In the following image samples, the USPS zone specs are outlined in the following zone and color key:

• Yellow Area - No addresses with a Zip Code & State,

• Red Area - No text/graphics greater than 7% grayscale. Unless you print your own mailing barcodes, this area must be kept clear or your postcards will not be mailed or may be returned to you.

For more comprehensive details about postal regulations, visit the USPS website