Direct Mail Specifications

Mail list format:

Your mail list must be formatted using our Mail list template to avoid processing delays.

Mail list template download

 

Once formatted correctly, submit your Mail list and print artwork as a zipped file. The Mail list should be in .xls, .xlsx, or .csv format.

Your Direct Mail campaign will be placed into production once your print artwork and mail list have been received, and you have received and approved your soft proof.

 

Accepted mail list file types:

Microsoft Excel (.xls, .xlsx)
Comma Delimited Text File (.csv)

 

USPS Direct Mail Requirements

When sending Direct Mail the USPS requires that certain areas of the address side of the mailer be left blank for addressing, postage and bar coding. This includes text, color and any photos or images. The dimensions and exclusions vary based on the mailer size. Please adhere to the exclusion areas defined in the layouts below.

Do not place artwork or text in the gray exclusion areas.

 

4×6″ Mailer

Template applies to 4×6″ postcards.

Postage/Indicia: 1″ x 1″ anchored from top right trim corner
Bar Coding: 4.25″ x .0625″ from bottom right
Addressing: 3.5″ x 2.25″ from top right of Bar Code

 

5×7″ Mailer

Template applies to 5×7″ postcards and sample mailers.

Postage/Indicia: 1″ x 1″ anchored from the top
Addressing and Bar Coding: 4.25″ x 2.25″ from bottom right

 

5.5×8.5″ Mailer

Template applies to 5.5×8.5″ postcards.

Postage/Indicia: 1″ x 1″ anchored from the top
Addressing and Bar Coding : 4.25″ x 2.25″ from bottom right

 

6×11″ Mailer

Template applies to 6×11″ postcards.

Postage/Indicia: 1″ x 1″ anchored from the top
Addressing and Bar Coding: 4.25″ x 2.25″ from bottom right

 

#10 Envelopes

Postage/Indicia: 1″ x 1″ anchored from the top
Addressing and Bar Coding: 4.25″ x 2.25″ from bottom right

 

3.66×8.5 Brochures

Postage/Indicia: 1″ x 1″ anchored from the top
Addressing and Bar Coding: 4.25″ x 2.25″ from bottom right
Tabbing: Folded edge must be parallel to longest dimension. The folded edge must be at the bottom of the mailer. The tab must be on the top edge of the mailer.

 

8.5×11 Catalogs

Postage/Indicia:1″ x 1″ anchored from the top
Addressing and Bar Coding: 4.25″ x 2.25″ from center line (5.5″)
Tabbing: Two tabs on the open edge of the mailer, Tabs must be 1″ from the top and bottom edge.

Still have questions?

Please contact us at prepress@sharpdots.com with any questions or concerns when submitting print artwork and lists for Direct Mail.