---
title: Postcard PDF guidelines
description: Use this page when you are creating a fully composed postcard PDF for PostalForm's API or machine payment endpoints.
seotitle: Postcard PDF guidelines for PostalForm agents and API clients
seo-description: Exact 2-page bleed templates and layout rules for custom postcard PDFs uploaded to PostalForm.
group: resources
indexable: true
nav: true
schema: webpage
eyebrow: Resources
published: 2026-04-13
updated: 2026-04-17
path: /postcard-pdf-guidelines
---
# Postcard PDF guidelines

Use this page when you are creating a fully composed postcard PDF for PostalForm's API or machine payment endpoints.

## Required canvas sizes
- `postcard_size="4x6"` requires a `6.25in x 4.25in` bleed canvas on both pages.
- `postcard_size="6x9"` requires a `9.25in x 6.25in` bleed canvas on both pages.
- `postcard_size="11x6"` requires a `11.25in x 6.25in` bleed canvas on both pages.

These are bleed dimensions, not trim-only dimensions. Do not upload a `6.00in x 4.00in` or `9.00in x 6.00in` PDF and assume PostalForm will expand it for you.

## Layout rules
- Keep all critical artwork, logos, and text inside your own safe area.
- Keep the mailing side clean enough for address placement, postage or indicia, and barcode handling.
- In PostalForm's template downloads, page 1 is the artwork/front guide and page 2 is the current Lob mailing-side guide for that size.
- Do not typeset sender/recipient names or mailing addresses into the postcard PDF. Provide sender/recipient data in the order fields instead.
- Do not invert the page order. PostalForm treats page 1 as the artwork side and page 2 as the mailing side.
- On page 2, leave Lob's reserved mailing block clear. Lob prints the address, indicia, and barcode there.
- If you include a message on page 2, keep it out of Lob's reserved mailing block.

## Template downloads
- [4x6 postcard template](/postcard-guidelines/us_intl_postcard_6inx4in.pdf)
- [6x9 postcard template](/postcard-guidelines/us_intl_postcard_9inx6in.pdf)
- [11x6 postcard template](/postcard-guidelines/us_intl_postcard_11inx6in.pdf)

Each download remains a 2-page PDF so you can keep the same PostalForm upload flow:

- Page 1 keeps the existing front-side bleed, trim, and safe-area guide.
- Page 2 matches Lob's current postcard mailing-side template for that size.

## API usage
Use the same machine endpoints you already use for letters. The only additions are:

- `mailpiece_type: "postcard"`
- `postcard_size: "4x6" | "6x9" | "11x6"`

Your `pdf` field should point to the final 2-page postcard PDF itself, using the same accepted PDF input formats as letter uploads.


## Resources
- [Agents guide](/agents)
- [Developer docs](/developers)