Standard Envelopes

Submission specifications for Standard Envelopes

Add 3 mm bleed.

To allow leeway for cutting differences in production, always add a bleed of 3 mm around all edges of your design. Make sure colours, background pictures and layouts extend into the bleed area so as to avoid leaving white lines as a result of cutting tolerances.

Keep 8 mm safety margin from the top.

Keep all important text and images at least 4 mm away from the edge of the finished size, with an exception for the top part. The top 8 mm is not printable, this space is needed for the machine to process your envelopes.

Resolution of at least 300 dpi.

Make sure the resolution of the images and graphics in your artwork are at least 300 dpi.

Use CMYK as the color mode.

Prepare your files using CMYK as the color mode, not RGB. Use colormode FOGRA39 (ISO Coated v2) for coated papertypes and colormode FOGRA47 (PSO Uncoated ISO12647) for uncoated papertypes. If you are unsure of the colour mode of your file, don't worry we can always convert this for you. Keep in mind this can cause the colours to differ from the original file.

Save your files in uneditable, print-ready file formats.

Save your files in uneditable, print-ready file formats (PDF (1.4 or higher), TIFF, EPS, JPG). Deliver your files in one layer: the background layer.

Convert fonts to outlines or embed all the fonts.

Make sure you convert fonts to outlines or embed all the fonts when saving it to PDF.

Use the right values for full color black.

Use Rich Black (C:63% M:52% Y:51% K:100%) for larger areas and text to get a deep black color. Do not use this value for text smaller than 15 pt or plain text. This can only be used in full color printing. For designing black smaller texts use 100% black.

Make sure the ink coverage isn't higher than 300%.

Force Color Images to CMYK with a 260% ink limit (in Photoshop > Convert Color Profile > Photoshop 5 Default CMYK). Make sure the ink coverage isn't higher than 300%.

Check line thickness

Lines should be at least 0.25 pt. Negative lines should be at least 0.5 pt.

Check your artwork on overprint.

Make sure no elements in your artwork are set on overprint. Unless you want this effect in your design. The degree of transparency in printing depends on the ink, paper, and printing method used.

Frequently Asked Questions for Standard Envelopes

Why can the upper 11mm not be printed on an envelope?

• The upper 11mm of the envelope cannot be printed because the machine has to grab the envelope during the process. The upper 11mm is the spot where the machine grabs the envelope, therefore it cannot be printed.

Which papersizes fit my envelopes?

• EA4: single unfolded A4 sheets
• C4: multiple unfolded A4 sheets
• EA5: single A4 sheets folded to A5
• C5: multiple A4 sheets folded to A5
• EA5/6: single A4 sheets folded to DL
• C6: single A4 sheets french folded to A6
• C5/6: multiple A4 sheets folded to DL

What is this product exactly? And what can I use it for?

• An envelope is a paper casing for a letter or card that can be printed according to your own needs or style. The envelopes are available in various sizes, with or without window and with a gummed strip or self adhesive closure.
• This product is used to / as:
• Send invoices or documents

What is the fastest possible turnaround?

• The fastest possible turnaround for Standard Envelopes is:
• 4 working days
• The turnaround depends on the combination of size, material, printing and quantity. To make sure that your order is delivered at the indicated time, it is important that we receive your file with your design for the product, on time (also called cut-off time). In this way the product can be put into production on time. The deadline is always communicated in the yellow bar on the product page, above the "Add to shopping cart" button. The cut-off time for your printed item may vary. This depends on the combination you choose. This has to do with the manufacturing technique and / or the order quantities. NOTE: The product delivery shifts a day every time the deadline for submission has passed. This is also the case if the file is rejected by us and corrected artwork isn't supplied before the next cut off time.
• NOTE: The product delivery shifts a day every time the deadline for submission has passed. This is also the case if the file is rejected by us and corrected artwork isn't supplied before the next cut off time.

What is the difference between Offset (litho) and Digital printing?

• Offset Lithography printing (Litho): Litho printing makes it possible to provide larger quantities at unbeatable prices. Images and text are created with wet ink and transferred to each page with aluminium and rubber plates. This method is more extensive than its 'digital’ counterpart, but is the most cost-effective option when you order bigger printed batches.
  
  Digital printing method: the ‘Digital’ option is the most well known method of printing. It uses four colours (CMYK) with toners and inks to print digital files. This option is cheaper than ‘litho’ printing for smaller quantities, because there are less starting costs, less components involved, and no ink drying time necessary when printing.
  
  CAUTION: if your design should be printed to edge of the envelope, then it is ONLY available when ordering Litho (larger quantities).

Which carriers are used for the delivery?

• For the delivery of your standard envelopes we use multiple carriers. Because of the highest reliability, in most cases we use UPS or DPD.
• Other carriers we use are DHL and even our own courier service. These carriers are used for certain products (depending on the size, the turnaround and the quantity).

I can't find the product I'm looking for. Can I request a quotation?

• The Standard Envelopes that is chosen in most cases can be selected via our website.
• If your material type, weight, quantity, size or other specification is not listed, you can request a quotation. We will send you our offer within 1 working day.

What is full colour printing?

• Full colour printing is almost always used when there are a lot of colours within a design. Pictures are for example a design with a lot of colours. Full colour exists of the following colours: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (black). The colours are being mixed while printing, so almost any colour can be realized while using CMYK.

Which papertypes are used for the production of envelopes?

• 120gsm offset: EA4, C4 - 90gsm offset: EA5, C56, C5 - 80gsm offset: C6, DL, C56
• 80gsm offset: This is a budget offset paper
• 90gsm offset: The most chosen offset paper type, especially for letterheads
• 120gsm offset: this material is mainly chosen when a writable stock is needed.

What is a gummed or self-adhesive strip?

• Gummed strip: The gummed strip is situated on the envelope flap. Simply moisten the strip for convenient closing. Gummed envelopes are compatible with automated machines.
• Self-adhesive strip: Envelopes with self-adhesive strips are extremely easy to close. Simply remove the protective film to reveal the self-adhesive strip.

What is the size of the window on the envelope?

• The dimensions of the windows on the envelops are: C6: 90 x 35 mm (left window) EA56: 90 x 35 mm (left window) C5: 90 x 45 mm (left window) C4: 105 x 40 mm (left window)