# Creative

After setting up your campaign, it's time to upload your creative files. These are essential for activating your campaign and testing integrations.

<figure><img src="https://714650678-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FweKl52r7fuUrhTjt6jLd%2Fuploads%2FaoAFkvBELrqKkWn7eEFU%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=6b072e58-495a-4446-af02-368f45f94b7d" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## **Accepted Formats**

Poplar accepts a wide variety of file types for upload. Please download our [Creative Templates](https://docs.heypoplar.com/getting-started/creative-templates) prior to designing, and make sure to reference our **Creative Guides** to avoid any last-minute issues or errors.

* **Static:** PDF, PNG/JPEG (Not suitable for personalization)
* **Dynamic:** HTML/CSS (Required for 1:1 personalization - recipient first name, unique promo or QR codes, etc.)

### **Before Uploading**

* [ ] Ensure files are separated into **Front** and **Back**. The "Back" should be the side where the address block will be applied.
* [ ] Designs are full coverage without white edges, crop marks, or address placeholders.
* [ ] Incorporate a 0.125in bleed on all sides. This means dimensions should be 4.25 x 6.25, 6.25 x 9.25, or 6.25 x 11.25 for postcards.
* [ ] Use high-quality images at 300 DPI/PPI and ensure static creatives are in **PDF/x-1a** or **PDF/X-4** format.

For more detailed guidelines and export instructions, check our [Static](https://docs.heypoplar.com/creative-guides/static-pdf-and-png-jpg) and [Dynamic](https://docs.heypoplar.com/creative-guides/dynamic-html-css) creative guides. If you're not familiar with HTML/CSS but wish to use dynamic merge tags, Poplar provides complimentary translation services to convert static designs to dynamic HTML. Learn more and submit your request here:

{% embed url="<https://heypoplar.com/creative-translations>" %}

## Upload Creative

Start by clicking into your campaign and navigating to the **Creative** tab, then click **New Creative** in the top right to begin:

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Creative Selection

First you'll select your format and give your creative a unique name, followed by Postage Type (shipping speed) and Paper Type.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Upload Creative

Drag and drop your separate front & back files (single file for letter creatives) into the uploader. Each file must be one of the listed supportive formats and under 7MB. If you receive an error, please reference our [Print Troubleshooting](https://docs.heypoplar.com/creative-guides/print-troubleshooting) and **Creative Guides.**
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Set Merge Tags (HTML Only)

If you are uploading a dynamic creative that contains custom or promotion merge tags, you will be prompted to set a **Default** value (appears in the event of blank data) or select a Promotion list to link to the creative.

{% hint style="warning" %}
Name, city, and state are **NOT** considered custom merge tags and you will not be prompted to set a default value, because this data is pulled directly from the required mailing data.&#x20;

Reach out to **<support@heypoplar.com>** with any questions or concerns.
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Review & Finalize: View PDF

The final step in the upload process is reviewing the PDF proof of the final product after trim, with the address block and default merge tag data applied. **ALWAYS** closely review your proof by downloading it and opening the file outside of the browser, here are a few key things to look for:

* **Spelling errors, typos, blurry images or text, missing promo codes or QR codes**
* **Make sure the address block is on the correct side and not covering any important text or images**
* **Double check expiration dates are&#x20;*****at least*****&#x20;30 days from the launch date**
* **No text is being cut off or running too close to the edge**

<figure><img src="https://714650678-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FweKl52r7fuUrhTjt6jLd%2Fuploads%2F50NVSdcwGNarFODmvO7K%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=fec845e9-c735-4e00-bc3e-e6d7ea0c3e45" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

## Creative Overview

Click into your creative to see an overview featuring a flippable **Creative Preview** and to access functions such as **Edit Creative, Set as Default,** and **Deactivate. Below those options you'll see:**

* **Download Proofs:** Download separate front & back, or a complete PDF proof.
* **Uploaded Artwork:** Download the files that were originally uploaded to make edits or adjustments.
* **Send a Sample:** Send a sample of this creative to a requested address and quantity.

<figure><img src="https://714650678-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FweKl52r7fuUrhTjt6jLd%2Fuploads%2FXT9uSL7WEn9psJHGz6DJ%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=6ed0307d-d9a7-4086-be8b-775aba65ec65" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Edit Creative** only allows you to **rename** the creative or **change the shipping speed** pre-launch. To make edits to the creative design, you'll have to **Deactivate** the old creative and upload a new one.
{% endhint %}

### Creative Details

Towards the bottom of the page you'll see a list of all merge tags present in the creative, any promotions the creative is connected to, and a summary of the creative settings along with the date created.

<figure><img src="https://714650678-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FweKl52r7fuUrhTjt6jLd%2Fuploads%2Fi6bnEWwCY5v1GiXBebG0%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=9dad05e7-c7a7-4f62-ab43-11b758bb4295" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Data Guides

These are useful downloads for CSV audience file templates and JSON templates for integrations and API requests as they contain all the required column headers and data points for your campaign and creative.

<figure><img src="https://714650678-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FweKl52r7fuUrhTjt6jLd%2Fuploads%2FXdeROQdX5ylajeHYZBDT%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=0859fac7-bc4c-4a2f-9cbe-a3f77d2f056b" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## A/B Testing

A/B Tests can be set up and run between any number of creatives within a campaign. Based on your goals, you can choose to optimize on overall conversion, CAC, or ROAS. Common test variables include:

* **Size or Format**: 4 x 6 vs. 6 x 9 Postcard
* **Promotional Offer**: "Free Shipping" vs "$10 OFF" vs "20% OFF"
* **Call to Action**: Website URL vs. QR Code

*... and so much more!*

To reach statistical significance truly get a "good read" between multiple creative designs we recommend upwards of **\~10k&#x20;*****per design*** to see an effectively measurable difference between the creatives.

### Test Setup <a href="#test-setup" id="test-setup"></a>

**Upload all your creatives to the same campaign**. If you upload 2 creatives to test, each creative will have a 50% chance in the rotation and if you upload 3 creatives, each one will will have a 33.33% chance, and so on. You'll be able to track the performance of each creative from the [Results](https://docs.heypoplar.com/getting-started/campaign-setup/results) page after launch.

<figure><img src="https://714650678-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FweKl52r7fuUrhTjt6jLd%2Fuploads%2FiOg4qQwk3WKl7x0n0E6h%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=6fcfcae4-5d81-4994-b04c-d64a5968b5ee" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### One Time Sends

For [One Time Sends](https://docs.heypoplar.com/platform-basics/one-time-sends) you'll want to manually select all creatives you'd like to include in the test when prompted during launch.

#### Triggered Campaigns

When setting up a Poplar Mail trigger via platform integration, you have the option to specify a creative\_id along with campaign\_id in the JSON payload. If creative\_id is **NOT** specified in your webhook trigger, the platform will automatically randomize all active creatives under the campaign - this is how to A/B test when activating your trigger.

{% hint style="warning" %}
If creative\_id isn't specified and one of your creatives is set as the **Default**, then only the default creative will trigger.
{% endhint %}