QSL Card Template Guide and Specifications
Custom design is included in the price for all of our products. However, we understand the "do it yourself" need for many HAMs. If you are one of those (as we are), this page is for you!
The following instructions may be used as a general guide to create your own QSL card images:
This
image is an illustration to use as a guide for designing a QSL card with a 5.5" X
3.5" finished size. The same general principles may be applied for cards
of any size. Please note the additional 1/4" in both the height and
width dimensions, which represents a 1/8" border on all 4 sides. This
border, known as "bleed" is the outside edge of the image that is
automatically trimmed off after the printing and coating processes are
complete. This process eliminates the possibility of having a card with a
"white edge" due to the
smallest of shift in the image files, plates, presses, or trimming
machinery.
Additionally, to ensure that text and important objects in images are not trimmed off, an additional 1/8" border, called "safe area" must be observed. Note how the callsign is placed within the "safe area" in the image above.
In
summary, on all 4 sides there must be at least 1/4" between the edge of
your card image and any text or important objects when your image is viewed at a size of 5.75 X 3.75"!
Here are some tips to create your card images with high print quality:
- For high luster prints with sharp text, you should maintain a resolution of 300 dpi or more if possible. The
definitions and relationships of image resolution, size, compression,
and vector files are complex and confusing. Therefore, if you are
not sure if your images are sized correctly and high resolution, it
would be best for you to keep your images large (like they come from
your camera) and crop them to
the same aspect ratio as 5.75" X 3.75" (or the width and height
of the card size you desire plus .25" in each dimension), and we will
compress the size to fit our template. Be aware that an image that is
twice as big as 5.75 X 3.75 needs margins 2 times larger (1/2") so there
will be a distance of 1/4" between the edges of the card and important
text and objects when the size is compressed to 5.75 X 3.75".
- Export or Save your files as PNG images (preferred), PDF, or Scalable Vector Graphics if possible. We can also use most file formats created in publishing and image software, such as Photoshop, Illustrator, Powerpoint, and OpenOffice. High
resolution image files such as Bitmap (BMP) and JPEG (lowest
compression/highest quality settings), are also acceptable.
- Remember, Full Color on both sides is included in the price for all cards! Select text colors in the CMYK colorspace if possible.
- When you save your files in publishing software, convert the RGB colors of your images to CMYK if your software supports it. If the conversion causes problems, just leave it as is.
- To get a general idea of the quality of your images when you are done, view them zoomed to 200%. You shouldn't notice much pixelation or blurring, if any at all. Pay close attention to the edges of your text.
It sounds more complicated than it is, so let us know if you have
questions. We are happy to work with you to create your own files for
your cards!
Spot UV Gloss
Spot UV is a process that results in UV Gloss being applied only over the objects and text that you choose. It is a very attractive addition that makes the objects and/or text stand out with almost a 3D look. Foil application instead of gloss is also possible. We will design the files for this process for you for a customized price that adds approximately $50 to your order, depending on the quantity. If you know how to do this yourself, we will quote a reduced price for the application of the gloss only. A separate image file for each side with 100%K Black only on the areas to receive the gloss is required. This image must align perfectly with the front side art image, therefore bleed and safe areas as explained above must be strictly adhered to. LEAVE PLENTY OF SPACE BETWEEN THE EDGES AND IMPORTANT TEXT AND OBJECTS. Avoid using text smaller than 10 pt as anything less is just too small to accurately apply.
When your files are ready, you may submit them to us with your order on our
Order Form
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QSLpostcards.com
1436 Conner Grove Road
Willis, VA 24380
(540) 505-0404
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