Card Printing FAQ
Have questions about card printing? These card printing FAQ cover available paper stocks, orientations, ink choices, coatings, proofing, matching envelopes and more.
Do you print portrait and landscape cards?
Yes. You can create cards in either portrait or landscape orientation when designing your project for online printing.
What paper stocks are available?
Card printing is available on a variety of paper stocks, including coated, recycled, hemp, linen, felt weave and more. Learn more: Small Format Paper Stocks, Coated Paper Stocks vs. Uncoated Paper Stocks, Recycled Paper Stocks
How do I choose a paper weight?
Paper weight indicates the thickness of the stock. Depending on the paper stock you choose, weight may be listed as point weight, cover weight and/or text weight. In general, the higher the number, the thicker the stock. Learn more: Text Weight vs. Cover Weight
Can I print on the inside of my card?
Yes. To print on the inside of a card, choose a card with a fold. When your card includes a fold, the “Printing on the Back” dropdown on the product page refers to printing on the inside of the card.
What do the different ink choices mean?
We offer several ink options for card printing. Choose the option that best fits your design:
- Black Only – For designs that contain no color.
- Full Color – For designs that use a wide range of colors.
- Full Color + Spot White – For designs that need a layer of white ink in designated areas of a full-color design.
- White Only – For designs that contain no color or black.
Learn more: Color, Black vs. Full-Color Ink, White Ink Printing
Can I proof my cards?
Yes. After we receive your file upload, a digital PDF soft proof will be available for review within one business day. You can check your project’s content, format and other details and make changes before your cards are printed. Learn more: Proofs
Can I add a coating or laminate to my card?
Yes. Custom cards can be finished with ultra gloss UV or flat matte coatings, as well as gloss, matte or velvety Soft Touch laminate. Coatings and laminates can be applied to one or two sides of the card.
We do not recommend applying Soft Touch to a side of the card that you plan to write on. Learn more: UV Coating, Soft Touch Laminate, Coating vs. Laminate
What’s the difference between simple and complex digital laser cutting?
Simple die cutting is best for basic shapes such as circles, ovals, squares and rectangles. Complex die cutting is used for shapes or cuts that are more intricate than those basic forms.
Can I create cards with different sayings and designs in the same order?
Yes. Smartpress’ Versions feature lets you print cards with different designs or content in the same order. Your cards must have the same size, stock and finish, but you can change the designs and sayings from one version to the next. Learn more: Versions
Are envelopes included? Can you print on the envelopes?
Envelopes are not included with cards, but you can add coordinating envelopes by selecting the appropriate size and stock from the Matching Envelopes dropdown. Learn more: Understanding Envelope Sizes
We can also print variable data on your envelopes to personalize each one. Simply select your preference in the Envelope Printing dropdown. Learn more: Variable Data Printing
If you have questions about any of these card printing FAQ or other printing services, please contact customer service.