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EDDM Artwork Preparation Guide

Preparing print-ready artwork is an important part of a successful Every Door Direct Mail campaign. Use this checklist before submitting your design for production.

1. Confirm the finished mailpiece size

Start with the exact dimensions of the printing product you intend to order. A design created for one mailpiece size may not fit another without adjustment. Confirm the final trim size and orientation before exporting artwork.

2. Allow for bleed and safe margins

Artwork that extends to the edge of the printed piece may require bleed beyond the trim line. Keep logos, phone numbers, promotional terms and other important text inside the printer's recommended safe area. Ask for the product-specific template rather than assuming one universal bleed measurement.

3. Review image quality

Use photographs and graphics suitable for the final physical print dimensions. Images enlarged far beyond their original size can appear blurry or pixelated. Inspect your exported file at its intended print size and follow the printer's file-resolution specifications.

4. Check mailing-panel and postal requirements

Every Door Direct Mail has eligibility and preparation requirements. Confirm the current USPS rules for your chosen mailpiece, including applicable dimensions, thickness, address or indicia placement and route preparation. Not every printed postcard or flyer automatically qualifies for EDDM.

Review the USPS Every Door Direct Mail information before finalizing your design.

5. Proofread the customer-facing offer

6. Inspect the final production proof

Review the complete proof, including both sides where applicable. Confirm the quantity, dimensions, colors, orientation and final artwork. Resolve any questions before approving the job for printing.

Before ordering: Confirm the current product specifications, included services, postage responsibilities and production requirements with your printing provider. This guide is general preparation advice, not a substitute for the specifications of an individual printing package.

Compare EDDM printing options

Ready to plan your campaign? Explore the available EDDM printing packages or request a direct-mail printing quote for help with your requirements.

Understand Printing and Mailing Costs

Preparing a direct-mail budget? Read our guide to EDDM printing costs versus postage to understand which expenses to confirm before ordering.

Before sending artwork to production, use these checks to reduce avoidable revisions and delays. Confirm the exact submission requirements with your printing provider.

  • File format: Confirm which PDF or other file format the printer accepts. Export the final production file rather than a low-resolution screen preview.
  • Fonts: Embed fonts or follow the printer's instructions for outlining text. Check that characters and spacing remain correct.
  • Images: Check linked and embedded graphics for missing assets, unexpected compression and insufficient resolution.
  • Dimensions: Verify finished size, orientation, bleed and safe margins against the selected product's actual template.
  • Colors: Ask which color mode and output profile the printer requires. Screen colors may not exactly match printed results.
  • Final version: Use a clearly named approved file and remove outdated drafts from the handoff to avoid version confusion.
  • Proof approval: Review both sides, where applicable, and obtain confirmation of the approved artwork before production begins.

Artwork preparation is only one part of the campaign. For planning expenses, review the EDDM printing and postage cost guide.

EDDM Artwork Troubleshooting Guide

If your mailpiece artwork is rejected during preflight or needs another proof, identify the specific problem before resubmitting the file. These checks help reduce avoidable revisions; your printer's current specifications take precedence over general guidance.

Why do photos look blurry in the proof?

The original image may not contain enough detail at its final printed size. Check the effective resolution after scaling, not just the image's pixel dimensions. Replacing a small image with a higher-quality original is usually better than enlarging it.

Why is there a white edge around the design?

Background artwork may stop at the trim boundary instead of extending into the required bleed area. Check the printer's bleed specification and extend backgrounds accordingly. Keep important content away from the trim edge.

Why could important text be cut off?

Text, logos or contact details may sit too close to the finished edge. Move them inside the printer's required safe area and review the corrected proof.

Why are fonts changing or disappearing?

The exported file may not preserve the original typefaces. Follow the printer's PDF export requirements, including font embedding where supported, and inspect the exported file rather than relying only on the design application's preview.

Why do printed colors differ from the screen?

Displays and printing processes reproduce color differently. Confirm the printer's accepted color settings and whether a physical proof or color-matching service is available when color accuracy matters.

What if the proof shows an old offer?

Check that the correct design version was uploaded. Review prices, dates, phone numbers, addresses, QR codes and website links. Clearly identify the final approved version.

Why might the file size or layout be rejected?

The artwork may use an unsupported page size, orientation, format or export setting. Compare the actual exported dimensions with the chosen product specifications. Also confirm that the mailpiece meets applicable USPS requirements.

What should I do before resubmitting?

  1. Read the printer's specific correction request.
  2. Fix the source artwork, not just the preview.
  3. Export a new file using the required settings.
  4. Open and inspect the exported file at final size.
  5. Check both sides and all contact information.
  6. Label the revised file clearly and request a new proof when appropriate.

For broader campaign preparation, see the EDDM campaign planning guide. For budgeting, see the printing and postage guide.