Envelopescommunicate your qualities

Envelopes used for correspondence or to send marketing literature are just as important as all of your other printed marketing items. First and lasting impressions of your business or organization can be created by using professionally-printed envelopes.

Envelopes (sizes and uses described below) can be printed with your company logo, using inks in your business identity’s colors (or black). In some cases they can be constructed using your identity’s paper stock.

Envelope Choices and their Uses

Standard and Window Envelopes
The regular #10 (4.125″ x 9.5″) is considered the standard envelope of the business/professional world and used for contents printed on 8.5” x 11” or 17”, folded. Other commonly used sizes ar #9 (3.875″ x 8.875″) and the #6-3/4 (3.625″x 6.5″).

Adding a window (thin, clear plastic film) in the envelope allows an address printed on the enclosed material to be seen (which saves having to print addresses on the envelope or labels). Window envelopes are used for checks, invoices, statements, etc.

Many popular paper stock lines offer #10 envelopes; they can also be specially manufactured from virtually any paper stock.

These envelopes can also have a security tint printed on the inside so contents can’t be read from the outside.

Remittance envelopes
Standard sizes are #9 (3.875″ x 8.875″) and #6-3/4 (3.625″x 6.5″), sized to fit inside a #10 envelope. These envelopes are enclosed with order forms, invoices, donation requests etc. and are used to send (remit) payments. Information is often included on the back of remittance envelopes; they also have a larger flap than standard envelopes for still more information if needed.

Catalog and Booklet envelopes
Standard sizes are 6” x 9″, 9″ x 12 and 10” x 13” — there are more. Catalog (AKA open-end) envelopes open on the short end and are useful for sending items not meant to be creased or folded. Booklet (AKA open-side) envelopes open on the side instead of the top. The larger open flap makes it easier to place contents in the envelope.

Announcement envelopes
Standard sizes are A2 (4.375″ x 5.75″), A6 (4.75″ x 6.5″), A7 (5.25″ x 7.25″), and A8 (5.5″ x 8.125″. Used for greeting cards, flat cards, invitations, gift-cards, etc. In the printing trade a numbering system designates the size of these envelopes.

Business identity (basics of branding) starts with your logo. Your business card, envelopes and letterhead should be designed to reflect the flavor and color-scheme of your logo.

Contact Prime Business Solutions if you need help with envelope design or printing.