Static Creative Guide
Below you will find information on formatting requirements and export instructions for static creative designs.
Adobe Creative Suite
(InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop)
If you’re using a professional Adobe tool, we strongly recommend exporting your creative as a Print-Ready PDF using the correct [PDF/X-4:2008] standard.
Download design files from Templates & Specs.
File Requirements
File type: PDF/X-1a:2003 or PDF/X-4:2008 (Required)
Color mode: CMYK (PDF/X-4 supports ICC profiles for broader color control)
Resolution: 300 PPI
Font embedding: All fonts must be embedded or outlined
Size limit: Under 5MB (per side)
Trim Size + Bleed:
4" x 6" → 4.25" x 6.25"
6" x 9" → 6.25" x 9.25"
6" x 11" → 6.25" x 11.25"
Bleed must be included in the final export; do not add white borders or crop marks. Our address block is auto-applied, so do not include one in the back artwork.
About PDF/X Standards
PDF/X-1a: Requires flattened transparencies and CMYK-only color
PDF/X-4 (Recommended): Supports ICC color profiles and native transparency for better print quality
Adobe InDesign Setup
Create a new document with 0.125” bleed on all sides
File → Export → Format: Adobe PDF (Print)
Preset: PDF/X-4:2008
Marks & Bleeds → ✓ Use Document Bleed Settings
Export
If you skip the bleed settings, your export will default to the artboard/canvas size and trigger an upload error.
Adobe Illustrator Setup
Create your document with 0.125” bleed
File → Save As → Adobe PDF (Print)
Preset: PDF/X-4:2008
Bleeds → ✓ Use Document Bleed Settings
Make sure no printer marks are checked
Delete (not just hide) trim/safe zone layers
Save PDF
Canva, Figma, or Other Tools
If you're using Canva, Figma, or another non-Adobe tool, we recommend exporting your artwork as high-resolution PNGs with built-in bleed.
Creative MUST be exported in pixels — NOT inches
File Requirements
File type: PNG or JPG
Resolution: 300 PPI
Color mode: RGB accepted, but may shift during CMYK printing
Bleed: Must be added manually in the overall pixel dimensions (see final dimensions below)
Size limit: Under 5MB
Front and Back creatives must be exported separately
Dimensions with Bleed (in Pixels)
4” x 6”
1275 × 1875
6” x 9”
1875 × 2775
6” x 11”
1875 × 3375
Bifold Short-Fold
1725 × 5175
Bifold Long-Fold
3375 × 2625
Trifold
2625 × 4987
8.5” x 11” Letter
612 × 792
Canva Export Instructions
Set document dimensions using the pixel values above
Share → Download
File type: PNG
Download Front and Back separately
Free versions of Canva export at lower resolution compared to Adobe
PNG & JPG Notes
If using Adobe, avoid PNG/JPG unless absolutely necessary—PDFs produce sharper, vector-quality results
Always confirm final dimensions match required size with bleed
QR Code Best Practices
Minimum size: 0.75" wide
Test your QR Code: Always scan the PDF export to ensure the QR works
Adobe InDesign has a built-in vector QR generator
All caps in QR code content results in a smaller QR code
✅ Final Checklist (All Tools)
Drag & Drop Postcard Templates
Craft compelling mailers easily with Poplar's Design Templates.
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