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Universal Direct Mail Specs

Universal ad specifications make your marketing life much easier by allowing you to use the same ad in lots of other media of the same type. For example, your ad created to universal ad specs can run in Every Door Direct Mail and in Audience Based Direct Mail without any changes.

The image below is provided for illustrative purposes only. Please design all ads to the Document Size provided and keep all of your important information within the Live Area.

Trim Lines are provided for your reference but please note that we cannot accept files designed to the trim lines so please do not include them in your document setup.

DOCUMENT SIZE (INCLUDES BLEED): 8.75" x 6.5"

This is the excess image area that must surpass the trim dimensions to ensure that your image will flow over on all sides.

LIVE AREA: 8.25" x 5.75"

Any elements of your ad that should not be cut off in the trimming process must be within the live area.

Set inside and outside margins to .25" and top and bottom margins to .4" (and remember to keep ALL live matter within the margins).

PUBLICATION TRIM: Varies by publication

Please use the trim sizes as guides only when designing your ad. Your file must be set to the Document Size dimensions noted above.

Instructions

1. PREPARE

  • We recommend using InDesign to create your postcard. You can download a pre-set InDesign template to create your template below.

2. EXPORT

  • Ensure all images and artwork are CMYK and 300dpi in resolution.

  • Do not include placeholder boxes on your design for the stamp or mailing panel.
    We will automatically place those.

  • Select PDF/X-1a in the Adobe PDF pre-set dropdown.

  • Select Acrobat 4.0 in the compatibility dropdown.

  • Export both front and back into one pdf file for submission.

  • Do not include crop marks or trim lines.

3. UPLOAD

  • Go to your Orders .

  • Select the order that pertains to your ad.

  • Select Upload Your Final Design or Select a Previous Design.

  • Follow the instructions to select the file from your desktop and upload your ad!

Key Settings

DOCUMENT SIZE (INCLUDES BLEED) : 8.75" x 6.5"

LIVE AREA: 8.25" x 5.75"

TRIM: For reference only (Audience Based: 8.5" x 6", Every Door: 8.5" x 6.25")

RESOLUTION: 300 dpi

COLOR: CMYK

FILE FORMAT: PDFX/1A

Design Templates

InDesign: Click here to download a pre-set template for our universal specs.