Direct Mail Specifications
Mail list format
Your list must be submitted using our Mail list template. Please use the categories as provided in our Mail list template. Submit your list in a single worksheet in .xls, .xlsx, or .csv format with your artwork in a zipped file.
Download Mail list template
Mail list template download.
Accepted mail list file types
Microsoft Excel (.xls, .xlsx)
Comma Delimited Text File (.csv)
Accepted mail list formats
Acceptable: (First Name)(Last Name)(Address 1)(Address 2)(City)(State)(Zip)
Acceptable: (Full Name)(Address 1)(Address 2)(City)(State)(Zip)
Unacceptable: (Name)(Address 1)(Address2)(Address 3)(City)(State)(Zip)
Unacceptable: (First Name)(Last Name)(Address)(City, State, Zip)
Unacceptable: (First Name)(Last Name)(Address, City, State, Zip)
**Salutation (Dr, Mr, Mrs) can be added before the First Name field.
**All entries must be one tab of one worksheet/one file, no more. Anything submitted as more than one file/one tab will incur delays and other charges for data processing.
**Direct Mail projects require a proof.
USPS Direct Mail Requirements
When sending Direct Mail the USPS requires that certain areas of the address side of the mailer be left blank for addressing, postage and bar coding. This includes text, color and any photos or images. The dimensions and exclusions vary based on mailer size.
Please adhere to the exclusion areas defined in the following layouts.
Do not place artwork or text in the grey areas.
4x6" Mailer
Template applies to 4x6" postcards.
Postage/Indicia: 1″ x 1″ anchored from top right trim corner
Bar Coding: 4.25″ x .0625″ from bottom right
Addressing: 3.5″ x 2.25″ from top right of Bar Code
5x7" Mailer
Template applies to 5x7" postcards and sample mailers.
Postage/Indicia: 1″ x 1″ anchored from the top
Addressing and Bar Coding: 4.25″ x 2.25″ from bottom right
5.5×8.5" Mailer
Template applies to 5.5x8.5" postcards.
Postage/Indicia: 1″ x 1″ anchored from the top
Addressing and Bar Coding: 4.25″ x 2.25″ from bottom right
6×11" Mailer
Template applies to 6x11" postcards.
Postage/Indicia: 1″ x 1″ anchored from the top
Addressing: 4.25″ x 2.25″ from bottom right
#10 Envelopes
Postage/Indicia: 1″ x 1″ anchored from the top
Addressing: 4.25″ x 2.25″ from bottom right
3.66×8.5" Brochures
Postage/Indicia: 1″ x 1″ anchored from the top
Addressing and Bar Coding: 4.25″ x 2.25″ from bottom right
Tabbing: Folded edge must be parallel to the longest dimension. The folded edge must be at the bottom of the mailer. The tab must be on the top edge of the mailer.
8.5×11" Catalogs
Postage/Indicia:1″ x 1″ anchored from the top
Addressing and Bar Coding: 4.25″ x 2.25″ from center line (5.5″)
Tabbing: Two tabs on the open edge of the mailer, Tabs must be 1″ from the top and bottom edge.
Still have questions?
Please contact us at prepress@sharpdots.com with any questions or concerns when submitting print artwork and lists for Direct Mail.
