{"id":75842,"date":"2025-11-17T10:00:32","date_gmt":"2025-11-17T10:00:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.solopress.com\/blog\/?p=75842"},"modified":"2025-12-05T11:44:38","modified_gmt":"2025-12-05T11:44:38","slug":"how-to-supply-artwork-for-christmas-card-printing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.solopress.com\/blog\/christmas\/how-to-supply-artwork-for-christmas-card-printing\/","title":{"rendered":"How to supply artwork for Christmas Card printing"},"content":{"rendered":"
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A printed Christmas Card is a thoughtful way to send seasonal best wishes to the people who matter to you, while expressing your creativity, humour or brand identity. Whether you\u2019re designing your own card or commissioning professional artwork, taking a little care before you upload your file for Christmas Card printing helps ensure that they turn out just as you imagined.<\/span><\/p>\n

While Solopress checks artwork before printing to ensure the final product is fit for purpose, it\u2019s still worth understanding how to supply your file in a way that delivers the exact outcome you want. This is particularly important when you have a clear vision or specific layout in mind. This guide explains what to consider when preparing artwork for Christmas Cards, from choosing the right orientation to setting up folds and finishes.<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Choose your dimensions<\/b><\/h2>\n

There are Christmas Cards can be printed in <\/span>portrait, landscape or square\"\"<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n

While it\u2019s possible to create bespoke sizes, it\u2019s important to bear in mind what envelopes you\u2019ll use. For example, from Solopress you could order half-fold flyers in a wide range of sizes and in weights over 250gsm that could serve as greetings cards. However, no free envelopes would be provided, and you might face a challenge finding envelopes to fit rarely used dimensions.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Choose your orientation and fold direction<\/b><\/h2>\n

Christmas Cards can be printed in <\/span>portrait, landscape or square<\/b>, and can stand with the <\/span>fold on the left<\/b> (like a book) or <\/span>at the top<\/b> (like a calendar).<\/span><\/p>\n

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It wouldn\u2019t be a Christmas Card without a front facing image, but other common features include an internal message, photographer or artist credit and back panel with a logo or text. It\u2019s important to think carefully about how these will appear once the card is folded.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Crucially, the cover artwork needs to be oriented correctly in relation to the position of the fold.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tip:<\/b> To visualise your layout, print a rough mock-up on paper and fold it the same way you\u2019d like your card to stand. This helps confirm that text and images appear the right way up.<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Account for trimming and bleed<\/b><\/h2>\n

As with all printed products, Christmas Card artwork should include a <\/span>3mm bleed<\/b> around every edge. This small margin allows for tiny movements during trimming and prevents unwanted white borders.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"A5<\/a>For example, if you\u2019re printing an <\/span>A5 folded card<\/b> (148 x 210 mm when closed), your artwork should be <\/span>154x 216 mm<\/b> in total to account for 3mm bleed. You should also avoid fine detail or text within 3mm of the cutter guide in order to keep all the important content within the Safe Area. If you\u2019re unsure how to set this up, our free downloadable templates<\/a> will guide you.<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Mind the fold<\/b><\/h2>\n

If your design features <\/span>graphic elements, text or logos close to the fold<\/b>, leave a few millimetres of clear space. Inked areas that cross the fold line can crack slightly when the card is creased, particularly on heavier stocks or laminated finishes.<\/span><\/p>\n

If your design relies on precise alignment across the fold, such as a continuous image or border, our pre-flight team will do their best to ensure accuracy, but correct setup on your file is still the safest approach.<\/span><\/p>\n

5. Prepare for special finishes<\/b><\/h2>\n

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Christmas Cards often feature decorative finishes such as <\/span>foil<\/b> or <\/span>Spot UV<\/b>. These effects require a separate layer of artwork showing exactly where the finish should appear.<\/span><\/p>\n

For example, if your card has gold foil on a logo or message, your artwork should include:<\/span><\/p>\n