A Guide to Envelope Design

Our guide will take you through steps of envelope design, from choosing the right kind to the final assembly.

Standard Envelope Sizes

In the US, standard rectangle envelopes, known as #10 envelope, measure 4.125″ × 9.5″. In the UK and Europe, the most common standard ones are DL, and measure 110 mm × 220 mm. DL envelopes fit an A4 sheet of paper folded into thirds. The #10 and the DL are the most common types, used for everyday mail, business correspondence, statements and invoices.

Larger types, or booklet envelopes, can hold thick business mailings, and come in a range of sizes. Even larger are catalog envelopes, which allow for catalogs or documents to be mailed without being folded.

For personal correspondence, like cards, letters and invitations, a popular type is called a contour flap envelope, and comes in a variety of sizes. A common size in the US is called A-2 (4.375″ × 5.75″) and in Europe and the UK, it’s known as a C6 (114 × 162 mm). These contour flap envelopes have a long triangular flap to seal them.

You can find helpful charts of envelope sizes in our dedicated article. Refer to this for details on specialty sizes that accommodate specially sized correspondence.

Choosing the Right Envelope Materials

The paper affects the overall look and feel, and conveys a certain tone for the communication inside. It’s important to consider the paper stock, the weight, and the color coherent to your planned event. Standard 24-lb paper weight is appropriate for everyday or informal communication.

However, standard 24-weight paper would not be the best choice for a formal invitation or a fancy greeting card. Instead, an envelope with heavier weight paper, of 28 to 32lb, will convey elegance and higher quality for these occasions. You may even choose slightly textured or glossy paper to send a special personal letter, or a wedding invitation.

It’s also important to remember there are eco-friendly options. Look for FSC certified materials if you want to really be sure the recycled paper has been sourced responsibly.

Design Elements of Envelopes

Once you’ve chosen the size and material, the fun part of creating the design begins. When it comes to designing, the text, color and font choice will help you convey your message. Matching envelope and ink colors to your event and business brand will create a cohesive look.

The typography choice is an essential part of the design too. Choose clear and legible fonts, especially for printing the address. Stick to one or two font styles since the main point of the outside of the envelope is to convey the address. Clean digital fonts are best, and if you’re handwriting the addresses, make sure the writing is readable.

The color of the text should provide a high contrast against the background of your envelope. Text color impacts readability and draws attention to the writing. The contrast of color is also a safe way to make sure the mail carrier can read the address.

It is fine for an envelope to contain only text, since conveying a name and address is its main purpose. But if you decide to use a graphic element, incorporate a logo, or custom illustration, it can make a simple envelope more memorable. Any graphic element needs to be slightly subtle so it doesn’t detract from the recipient’s address.

Envelope Personalization

Plenty of occasions provide for an opportunity to add personalized elements. Parties, anniversary celebrations, company commemorations, charity events, holidays are occasions when you may want to add a customized touch.

One elegant way to personalize your envelope is to use a monogram or a crest on the back. For business ones, you might also use a custom logo to give it a personalized look and fit with your brand identity.

Many wedding invitation envelopes include floral graphics or calligraphic elements. It’s popular for baby announcements to incorporate pink, blue or a more trendy beige color, and little illustrations as part of the design. If you’re sending business communication, any personalized elements should fit in with your professional branding, but stand out from everyday correspondence, so a simple logo or brand color choice is ideal.

Practical Considerations

The best design will incorporate a blend of visual appeal and practical requirements. Readability is the most important element, to make sure your correspondence reaches its intended destination. And, making sure you follow postal regulations will help avoid delivery delays. Always check out your guidelines of address placement and size to make sure the local postal service will deliver everything. After you have spent time on thoughtful design, the last thing you want it’s for the precious mail to be lost.

Learn more about postal guidelines and postage placement in our article about envelope styles and sizes. This article will give tips on how to format addresses correctly. Generally, the recipient address should be visible in the center of the envelope, and the return address is placed in the upper left corner. The right upper corner is reserved for postage.

Tools and Software

Swift Publisher is an ideal software tool option, it offers user-friendly templates tailored for envelope design. The drag and drop interface makes it simple for beginners to design an envelope quickly. Swift Publisher also offers the flexibility to create a custom design, and includes tools for layout, typography and graphic elements to customize the look.

Printing and Assembly

After you finalized the design, you’ll want to consider how to print the envelopes. For small batches, using a home printer is convenient and easy. Printing at home allows you to make adjustments to the text placement on the spot.

For large quantities, or if you require professional quality printing, a professional printing service is more ideal. Professional printing services offer consistency and can accommodate printing on heavy or specialty textured paper.

If you’re assembling your own envelopes, pay close attention to lining up the inserts. Be sure your cards or letters are inserted evenly, and fold along the scored line, so the flap closes neatly. Use double-sided tape or glue sticks to seal the envelopes.

Conclusion

Whether you’re designing for personal or professional communication, Swift Publisher is one software tool that can make the design and printing process easy, thanks to templates of various sizes. Whether you choose Swift Publisher or another tool, thoughtfully designed envelopes are not only fun to create, but they can add a personal touch and elevate your correspondence.