To Create postcards in Publisher
Open Publisher and From the File Menu select New. Choose. In the New from Design dialog box select > Publications for Print > Postcards. Select the design that best suits your needs. All of the designs can be customized. You can even eliminate the design and start from scratch. The advantage of using the template is that Publisher sets the page size automatically and places the mailing or other info on the back for you to edit. To customize the back of the card choose Postcard Options and select the appropriate layout.
If you would like to choose a color scheme you may do so from the Color Scheme dialog box. You may also change your font in the Font dialog box.
To import graphics choose Picture from the Insert pull down menu, then choose From File. Browse to find the graphic file you want to import from your computer and hit Insert.
To print your postcard four to a sheet or 4 up, go to File > Print then click Change Copies per Sheet. In the Small Publication Print Option select Print multiple copies per sheet. Hit OK.
How to Create a Postcard with a Bleed Four to a Page in Publisher
When a printed piece is finished so that the print goes to the edge it is called a bleed. To successfully create backgrounds and bleeds note there are special set up and design requirements. Printers for the home and even commercial color copiers will not print to the edge of the paper.
In order for a postcard to bleed in Publisher you will need to set up the cards on a tabloid size page.
To set up a background color with four to a page postcards in Publisher you will need to:
Choose New in the File menu. Change the paper size to tabloid by choosing Page Set-up in the File menu, select custom and set the page dimensions to 17″ x 11″. Create a 5.5″ x 4.25″ box and place it in the left hand corner of the layout .25″ from upper left handed edge and .25 ” from the top of the page. Place the second text box .5″ from the first and .25″ from the top. Use guidelines to help insure that the cards line up. This makes for hassle free cutting. To layout all four post cards place the third text box .25″ from the left side and .5 inches from the top left card. Place the fourth postcard .5 inches from the lower left hand card and .5 inches from the top right postcard.
For a solid color background that bleeds choose Background from the Format Menu and select the color you want from the Apply a Background dialog box. There are also options for filled backgrounds.
To bleed a photo on the postcard insert the photo you want to use by selecting Picture > From File from the Insert Menu. Enlarge the photo using the corner pulls. Make the photo 6 x 4.75 inches to cover a whole postcard. You may create a partial bleed by only covering a portion of the postcard with a photo. The edge you want to bleed must hang over the edge of the postcard .125′. Do not distort the photo to fit dimensions, resize in a photo editing software if needed.
To set up the back of the postcard select Duplicate Page. Edit the second page so that it shows return the address and any other mailing information desired. Shift the layout so that the boxes are laid out in reverse. The first box should be in the right hand corner of the layout .25″ from upper left handed edge and .25 ” from the top of the page.
Add crop marks where the cards should be cut.
Make sure the layout meet Postal Service requirements.
As much of a hassle as this seems, the reason there are guidelines for mailing is because so much of the mailing process is automated. If in doubt, take a sample postcard to your local Post Office to make sure you are within the specification they have set.
How to Create a Postcard with a Bleed 2 to a Page in Publisher
Creating postcards two to a page or 2 up allows you to print your postcards from a home printer on letter size cardstock.
Open a blank publication. Create a 5.5″ x 4.25″ rectangle with no fill and no line and duplicate. Lay the boxes on the page centered vertically for a landscaped card and horizontally for a portrait postcard. Make sure there is a .5 inch gutter between the cards.
For a solid color, pattern or fill background that bleeds choose Background from the Format Menu and select the color you want from the Apply a Background dialog box.
To bleed a photo on the postcard insert the photo you want to use by selecting Picture > From File from the Insert Menu. Enlarge the photo using the corner pulls. Make the photo 6 x 4.75 inches to cover a whole postcard. You may create a partial bleed by only covering a portion of the postcard with a photo. The edge you want to bleed must hang over the edge of the postcard .125′.
Add crop marks where the cards should be cut.
To set up the back of the postcard select Duplicate Page. Edit the second page so that is shows return address and any other mailing information desired. Make sure the layout meet Postal Service requirements.
How to Creating a Postcard with a Background that Does Not Bleed.
The trick to creating a good looking postcard with a background that does not bleed is to create an even margin all around the card. To achieve this you will have to take into account the printer or copier you are using. The best results can be achieved by printing on a color copy machine at your local print shop or copier center because most of them have copiers that will allow you to have a .125″ margin all around.
To create a .125″ margin open Publisher and From the File Menu select New. Choose. In the New from Design dialog box select > Publications for Print > Postcards. Select a design then delete all the elements so you can customize it.
Choose Picture from the Insert Menu, then Auto Shapes, select Basic Shapes > Rectangle. Insert the rectangle and resize it to 5″ x 3.75″. Add color, pattern or texture to the rectangle. Make sure the background text is placed behind all the text and graphics on your postcard. To move the background rectangle to the back select Order from the Arrange pull down menu and select Send to Back.
