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Useful Tips for Designing Printed Envelopes
Envelopes are such simple objects, there are a number of things have to be considered to make them print and mail successfully. In fact, one simple mistake on a mass mailing can be quite costly. Did you realize that printing a return address in the lower half of the left side of an envelope could end up getting an entire mailing delivered right back to your own office? It has happened.
To avoid this and other nasty problems, Google "USPS envelope templates" to find a template for practically any size envelope. To get you started, download a pdf version of the official USPS CRM #10 Envelope template at http://pe.usps.com/mpdesign/pdf/pcrmenv/d10.pdf.
These tools are invaluable for setting up accurate, workable envelopes, but let's take a look at some of the issues that affect the envelope printing process. First among them is a mechanical issue on any press: the "gripper" area. The grippers on a press are basically mechanical pincers that grabs the envelope and drags it through the press. The standard space required at the top of an envelope for the gripper is 3/8" or .0375". This area must be blank or the ink will smear as it goes through the press.
There are exceptions, like remittance envelopes and some specialty envelopes, which are gripped at the bottom. Ask your printer for gripper information on any unusual envelopes you intend to order. It could save you costly delays in printing. If you want full ink coverage on your envelopes, they may have to be converted, which means printing them on a large flat sheet that is later die-cut and folded to make the final envelope. Converted envelopes require a custom quote. You may even have to submit your design for an accurate quote, so be sure to plan ahead if you want blanket coverage.
Envelopes can be printed in 1-color, 2-color, 3-color, full color process and process plus PMS for 5-color envelopes. Most 1-color envelopes are printed in black, red or a PMS Pantone or "spot" color to match a standard logo color. 2-color and 3-color envelopes are typically printed to pick up the colors in spot logos, and most 4- to 5-color envelopes are printed in process color these days.
Technology has done us a favor in the case of full color envelope printing as well as partial bleeds. The latest generation of inkjet envelope presses have made it very economical to print full color envelopes. And even more exciting for designers is the option to bleed color on up to three sides, excluding only the gripper area. Bleeding color takes the ink to the very edge of the envelope, so now your branding "look" can realistically be carried over from brochures and presentation folders to the envelopes that transport them.
When you get your quote for printing envelops, ask for a template to get you on the right track. Most commercial printers provide them in a variety of file formats for free.
About the Author
Superior commercial printing including offset and digital printing. Specializing in Envelope printing and Full color envelope printing and booklet printing.