{"id":780,"date":"2026-09-03T07:00:18","date_gmt":"2026-09-03T06:00:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.banana-print.co.uk\/blog\/?p=780"},"modified":"2026-09-03T13:05:57","modified_gmt":"2026-09-03T12:05:57","slug":"how-to-make-a-postcard","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.banana-print.co.uk\/blog\/how-to-make-a-postcard\/","title":{"rendered":"Postcard Design Guide: Make a Mail-Ready Postcard"},"content":{"rendered":"

First published: 9 April 2018 | Updated: 3 September 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n

A mail-ready postcard needs to get three things right: it has to fit Royal Mail’s size and weight rules for the postage you’re paying for, the back needs a clear layout for the address and message, and the artwork needs proper bleed so nothing gets cut off in the trim. Get those right and everything else, from paper choice to your message, is about making it as effective as possible. Here’s how to set one up properly, whether you’re sending a personal note or a marketing mailer.<\/span><\/p>\n

Quick answer at a glance:<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Postcard size<\/th>\nRoyal Mail category<\/th>\nApprox. postage (2026)<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Up to 240mm x 165mm x 5mm, under 100g<\/td>\nLetter<\/td>\n\u00a31.80 (1st class) \/ 91p (2nd class)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Larger than 240mm x 165mm, up to 353mm x 250mm x 25mm, under 750g<\/td>\nLarge Letter<\/td>\n\u00a33.30 (1st class) \/ \u00a31.55 (2nd class)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n


\nWorth knowing: a standard A6 postcard (105mm x 148mm) comfortably fits the Letter rate, but an A5 postcard (148mm x 210mm) exceeds the 165mm width limit and gets charged at the pricier Large Letter rate instead. If postage costs matter for your mailing, A6 is the safer size.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

UK Postcard Size and Postage Rules<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Royal Mail classifies mail by size, weight, and thickness, not just by whether something is technically “a postcard.” To qualify for the cheaper Letter rate, your postcard needs to be:<\/span><\/p>\n