Formats & specifications
PostPal checks every design against the specification of the selected format: dimensions, bleed, allowed sides and reserved address zones. This applies both to uploaded print files and to designs created in Postcard Studio. It keeps the postcard printable and ensures the recipient address can be applied correctly.
PostPal treats every postcard format as its own print specification. The selected format determines not only size, but also the technical rules for your design.
Each specification includes:
- Dimensions and aspect ratio of the final format.
- Bleed for edge-to-edge printing.
- Address zones that must remain free for the recipient address.
- Whether the format is one-sided or two-sided.
These rules apply in Postcard Studio and during design upload. Two-sided formats need a front and back side. One-sided formats allow only the front.
Enveloped formats such as Card in an envelope – DIN lang are sent in a window envelope. Their reserved address zone sits on the front, because that is the side facing the window. Deutsche Post applies franking and coding to the envelope, so those zones do not exist on the card. The back side is fully available for your design.
Frequently asked questions
Why do I need to choose a format?
The format determines dimensions, aspect ratio, bleed, address zone and whether a back side is allowed. PostPal uses this data to check your design before sending.
Do the format rules also apply in Postcard Studio?
Yes. The Studio is format-aware and checks layouts against the same requirements as the upload path.
What matters for one-sided formats?
One-sided formats accept only the front side. Back-side files or back-side content are rejected or removed when changing format.
What does 'card in an envelope' mean?
The DIN lang enveloped format is a DIN lang card (210 × 98 mm) sent in a window envelope. It is printed on both sides. The address area on the front must stay clear, because the recipient address has to be visible through the envelope window.
Why does the enveloped format have no franking or coding zone?
Deutsche Post applies franking and coding to the envelope, not to the card. On the card itself you only need to keep the address area on the front free.