Build Direct Mail Postcards and Self Mailers With Adobe® Design Tools Church Stamp Support Documentation

ChurchStamp creative templates are created, stored, and managed as HTML templates using the ChurchStamp Direct Mail Editor. Our editor has powerful features such as Variable Data, pURLs and personalized QR Codes, and more.

For very sophisticated images and fonts, many designers choose to use familiar “offline” tools, such as the Adobe® Creative Cloud® and other tools. You can use them with ChurchStamp as well!

With the “Build Offline” image upload feature, you can:

create your postcards or self-mailers using the design tools of your choice
export them as .JPG files following the precise instructions below
import the front and back images as “full background images” into ChurchStamp
continue to edit the template in the ChurchStamp editor (layering in personalization and tracking)
proof the template with live data using the ChurchStamp Proofer

Note: We require export as .JPG images, NOT .PDF files

To navigate to the Build Offline feature, click ‘Creative’ in the top section of your home page, then click ‘New Template’, and ‘Build Offline’.

Overview – How To Properly Save Images For ChurchStamp Using Adobe Tools

While ChurchStamp requires that direct mail templates get finalized and proofed in our online editor, we also make it really easy to build direct mail postcards and self-mailers offline in tools such as those from Adobe®.

Download Adobe® Direct Mail Template Zip File

Designers who are comfortable using these tools can build in their preferred environment, upload the files into ChurchStamp, and still take advantage of the most modern, connected, and trackable way to generate workflow campaigns.

Often, designers who build direct mail postcards and self-mailers offline will use the unique personalization and tracking tools that the Direct Mail Editor can overlay on the template. These options can be layered within minutes of uploading the offline-built images. When combined with the unique Smart Send and Triggered Drip campaigns, offline-created postcards and self-mailers can truly become part of a digital marketing infrastructure.

Build Direct Mail Postcards and Self Mailers Offline With Image Files (JPG or PNG)

Often, designers are accustomed to using Adobe® tools to generate PDFs for review by decision-makers, print partners, and others. With ChurchStamp, designers only need to generate image files using offline tools. We recommend saving your design as a JPG or PNG file at 300 dpi, with the exact bleed dimensions specified below. JPG is probably your best bet, as PNG file sizes can get very large. Our maximum allowable file size is 5MB per image.

Use PNG for images that require transparency, like a logo. Background images should be saved in JPG format.

Why output direct mail templates as image files rather than PDFs? Because ChurchStamp templates are stored as HTML! Your image will be loaded into a web-based editor for final production and proofing. There are several advantages to building direct mail templates and saving them as HTML – personalization, copying, and editing become a breeze!

The image files you generate are uploaded into ChurchStamp where personalization and tracking elements are layered on. ChurchStamp will generate the final high-resolution PDF Proof (see the article on Proofing your template).

Download Adobe® Template Zip File

Postcard and Self Mailer Guidelines

These Adobe® templates show specific guidelines for designers who wish to build direct mail postcards or Self Mailers offline to upload to ChurchStamp. Maintaining your artwork within the guidelines will ensure a simple and easy upload process. The templates also include a postcard design example to provide inspiration and show how to maintain your artwork within the guidelines.

Postcard template sizes are available in 4×6, 6×9, and 6×11 in both portrait and landscape layouts.

Landscape Layout:

4″ x 6″ (Landscape) 120# (14PT) gloss cover, UV coated

6″ x 9″ (Landscape) 120# (14PT) gloss cover, UV coated

6″ x 11″ (Landscape) 120# (14PT) gloss cover, UV coated

Front Portrait Layout:

4″ x 6″ (Front Portrait) 120# (14PT) gloss cover, UV coated

6″ x 9″ (Front Portrait) 120# (14PT) gloss cover, UV coated

6″ x 11″ (Front Portrait) 120# (14PT) gloss cover, UV coated

*NOTE: ONLY THE FRONT SIDE OF THE POSTCARD IS A PORTRAIT LAYOUT. THE BACK MAINTAINS A LANDSCAPE LAYOUT.

Read our guide to direct mail postcards and letter sizes.

Self Mailer template sizes are available in 12×9 with a horizontal fold and 6×18 vertical fold. When folded, both formats become a 6x9 Self Mailer with the following print specs:

Basis Weight: 80# Cover with Gloss
GSM: 218
Full Bleed, 1 Side UV Gloss
Adhesive: Stain resistant, low tack, clear fugitive glue

With ChurchStamp you can Download Adobe® Template Zip File, or use the guidelines laid out in this article to create your templates in:

Adobe Photoshop® (Recommended)
Adobe Illustrator®
Adobe InDesign®

Safe Margin, Trim, Bleed & No Crop Marks

Safe Margin – keep all text within this boundary to ensure it does not get cut off during printing.

Trim Line – the actual size of the postcard or self-mailer after it has been cut by the printer.

Bleed* – the exact dimensions of your background images. The area that extends beyond the trim line, thus being the overall document size. The Bleed is the exact dimension of all background images in ChurchStamp. It is the portion of your design that you extend past the Trim or “cut” lines of a printed piece. This is done to ensure that you don’t end up with white lines on your mailpiece due to slight variances in the printing process.

*All background images or artwork that you want to upload into ChurchStamp in the “Build Offline” uploader must be the exact dimensions of the bleed areas listed for each format in the charts that follow.

Want to learn more about bleed, trim, and safe areas in print ads? Here’s a good article.

No Crop Marks or Trim Marks

Often, designers who’ve worked on artwork that ends up being printed by commercial printers add “Crop Marks” or “Trim Marks” to the images to help with the printing process. ChurchStamp templates DO NOT use crop/trim marks, so do not add them or make sure that they are removed prior to finalizing your artwork. Below is an example of these marks that you’ll want to remove.

Postcard Template Guidelines

Postcard Template Guidelines (Landscape Layout)

Postcard Template Guidelines (Front Portrait Layout)

Only the front side of the postcard has a portrait layout. The backside maintains a landscape layout.

Postcard Dimensions (Landscape Layout)

Key

H = Height W = Width in = inches px = pixels

4” x 6” Postcard (Landscape Layout)

6” x 9” Postcard (Landscape Layout)

6” x 11” Postcard (Landscape Layout)

Dimensions (Front Portrait Layout)

Only the front side of the postcard is a portrait layout, the backside maintains a landscape layout, therefore the dimensions listed below are for the front side of the postcard only. Please follow the landscape dimensions for the back of the postcard.

Key

H = Height W = Width in = inches px = pixels

4” x 6” Postcard (Front Portrait Layout)

6” x 9” Postcard (Front Portrait Layout)

6” x 11” Postcard (Front Portrait Layout)

Postcard Design Example: Front (Landscape Layout)

The front of the postcard provides an open canvas to design. Reach your audience with bold images, personalization, and clear messaging.

Adding Personalization With Variable Data & Variable Logic

Design the look and placement of variable data and variable logic but when saving and exporting documents you must leave variable content areas blank; variable data and variable logic will be added online in the ChurchStamp postcard editor.

What is Variable Data?

Information is derived from a contact list that populates designated content areas in emails, landing pages, and direct mail to personalize the viewer experience.

What is Variable Logic?

Content that differs between viewers based on their unique information in a contact list. Variable logic makes designs more personalized, efficient, and readable.

Postcard Design Example: Back (Landscape Layout)

The back of the postcard includes the address and postage area. Keep this area blank and design your postcard around it. Get your audience more engaged by adding variable data, variable logic, and a Personalized URL(pURL).

Adding a Personalized URL (pURL)

Design the look and placement of the pURL, but when saving and exporting you must leave pURL areas blank; the pURL will be added online in the ChurchStamp postcard editor.

What is a pURL?

A Personalized URL or link is a unique tracking URL that ChurchStamp generates for each mailpiece. The pURL identifies each mail recipient, the piece of mail, and the campaign they came from, and then directs a contact to a unique web landing page generated specifically for that individual. A pURL allows you to create unique marketing messages for each person on your contact list.

Postcard Design Example: Front (Front Portrait Layout)

The front of the postcard provides an open canvas to design. Reach your audience with captivating messaging.

Please keep note that only the front of the postcard is a portrait layout, the backside maintains a landscape layout.

Postcard Design Example: Back (Front Portrait Layout)

Only the front of the postcard is a portrait layout, the backside maintains a landscape layout.

Bi-fold Self Mailer Postcard Template Guidelines

Self Mailer Template Guidelines (12x9 Bi-fold Layout)

Self Mailer Template Guidelines (6x18 Bi-fold Layout)

Self Mailer Dimensions

Key

H = Height W = Width in = inches px = pixels

12” x 9” Bi-fold Self Mailer

6” x 18” Bi-fold Self Mailer

Saving & Exporting

To ensure an easy upload and print process, follow the saving and exporting guidelines. The process varies between Adobe Photoshop®, InDesign®, and Illustrator® so follow accordingly.

Photoshop® (Recommended)

Want to build an Adobe Photoshop® postcard? It’s easy!

When saving and exporting your front and back postcard in Photoshop®, it is very important to turn off or delete the Specs, Guides, and Design Example layers.

Turn off Layers

In the layers panel, click the eyeball to turn OFF each layer (Specs, Guides, and Design Example).

Delete Layers

In the layers panel, click the lock to unlock layers, (Specs, Guides, and Design Example), then click each layer to highlight and drag to the trash can in the right-hand corner.

Variable Content

Leave areas that will contain variable content (variable data, variable logic, pURL) blank. You will add variable content in the ChurchStamp editor.

Resolution

Your file needs to be 300 dpi for the best print quality. To check your resolution, Select Image>Image Size. The Image Size dialogue box will open. Next to the Resolution should be 300 pixels/inch.

Exporting as JPEG (Recommended)

Convert CMYK to RGB for creative
Select File > Export > Export As…
Dialogue Box Opens
Format select JPG
Quality select 100%
Color Space options select “Convert to sRGB ” and “Embed Color Profile”
Click Export All
Name your file and save

Exporting as PNG

Convert CMYK to RGB for creative
Select File > Export > Export As…
Dialogue Box Opens
Format select PNG
Color Space options select “Convert to sRGB ” and “Embed Color Profile”
Click Export All
Name your file and save

*NOTE: YOU CAN ALSO EXPORT JPGS IN CMYK COLOR MODE, BUT MAKE SURE THE COLOR SPACE OPTIONS STATED ABOVE ARE SELECTED.

*NOTE: Export each Photoshop® page individually to create separate front and back postcard files to upload.

Adobe® InDesign®

There are a few key suggestions for building an Adobe® InDesign® postcard front and back for ChurchStamp.

When saving and exporting your front and back postcard in InDesign® it is very important to turn off or delete the Specs, Guides, and Design Example layers.

Turn off Layers

In the layers panel, click the eyeball to turn OFF each layer (Specs, Guides, and Design Example).

Delete Layers

In the layers panel, click the lock to unlock layers, (Specs, Guides, and Design Example), then click each layer to highlight and drag to the trash can in the right-hand corner.

Variable Content

Leave areas that will contain variable content (variable data, variable logic, pURL) blank. You will add variable content in the ChurchStamp editor.

Converting Text to Outlines

When fonts can’t be embedded in exported files, prevent upload errors by converting all text to outlines. Highlight all text, Select Type > Create Outlines.

Resolution

Any image you place into InDesign® needs to be 300 dpi. In the export process, you will also export your file in 300 dpi.

Exporting as JPG (Recommended)

Convert CMYK to RGB for creative
Select File > Export > Export As…
Dialogue Box Opens
Name your file
select JPEG for “Save as type”
click save
A new dialogue box opens
Under “Image” set Quality to High
Under “Image” set Format Method to Baseline
Under “Image” set Resolution to 300
Under “Image” set Color Space to RGB
Under “Options” select Embed Color Profile
Under “Options” select Simulate Overprint
Click Export

Exporting as PNG

Convert CMYK to RGB for creative
Select File > Export > Export As…
Dialogue Box Opens
Name your file
select PNG for “Save as type”
click save
A new dialogue box opens
Under “Image” set Quality to High
Under “Image” set Resolution to 300
Under “Image” set Color Space to RGB
Under “Options” select Simulate Overprint
Click Export

*NOTE: YOU CAN ALSO EXPORT JPEGS IN CMYK COLOR MODE, HOWEVER, DOUBLE-CHECK THE COLOR WHEN PROOFING TO MAKE SURE THEY MATCH. IF THE COLORS DIFFER, PLEASE PRINT FROM THE PROOFED PDF TO CHECK IF THE PRINT COLOR IS ACCURATE. IF IT IS NOT YOU MAY NEED TO ADJUST YOUR CMYK VALUES TO MATCH RGB COLOR VALUE REPRESENTATION.

*NOTE: EXPORT EACH INDESIGN®PAGE INDIVIDUALLY TO CREATE SEPARATE FRONT AND BACK POSTCARD FILES TO UPLOAD.

Adobe® Illustrator®

Follow similar rules when creating an Adobe Illustrator®postcard front and back.

When saving and exporting your front and back postcard in Illustrator® it is very important to turn off or delete the Specs, Guides, and Design Example layers.

Turn off Layers

In the layers panel, click the eyeball to turn OFF each layer (Specs, Guides, and Design Example).

Delete Layers

In the layers panel, click the lock to unlock layers, (Specs, Guides, and Design Example), then click each layer to highlight and drag to the trash can in the right-hand corner.

Variable Content

Leave areas that will contain variable content (variable data, variable logic, pURL) blank. You will add variable content in the ChurchStamp editor.

Converting Text to Outlines

When fonts can’t be embedded in exported files, prevent upload errors by converting all text to outlines. Highlight all text, Select Type >Create Outlines.

Resolution

Any image you place into Illustrator®needs to be 300 dpi. In the export process, you will also export your file in 300 dpi.

Exporting as JPEG (Recommended)

Convert CMYK to RGB for creative
Select File > Export > Export As…
Dialogue Box Opens
Name your file
Check Use Artboards
select JPEG for “Save as type”
click save
A new dialogue box opens
Under Image set Color Model to RGB
Under Image set Quality to 10 and Maximum
Under “Options” set Resolution to Screen 300ppi
Select Embed ICC Profile
Click OK

Exporting as PNG

Convert CMYK to RGB for creative
Select File > Export > Export As…
Dialogue Box Opens
Name your file
Check Use Artboards
select PNG for “Save as type”
click save
A new dialogue box opens
Under “Options” set Resolution to Screen 300ppi
Click OK

*NOTE: YOU CAN ALSO EXPORT JPEGS IN CMYK COLOR MODE.

*NOTE: Export each Illustrator®artboard individually to create separate front and back postcard files to upload.