How to Design Landscape Greeting Cards for Printing

Written by Kelly Quance | Dec 11, 2017 3:09:03 PM

8 Steps To Designing a Landscape Greeting Card for Print

This tutorial walks you through the design process for landscape Greeting Cards using Adobe Illustrator and InDesign, so you can create print-ready PDFs for you or your client’s very own personalised greeting cards.

No time to scroll? Here's the quick version: Download the correct greeting card template (choose the size and orientation), place your front cover, message, and back cover in the marked sections (rotate the back cover 180°), then delete the template layer. Outline your fonts, add trim and registration marks, check bleed, and export as a print-ready PDF. Result: a finished file ready to send to print.

Download Template

1. First, download the artwork template, choosing your preferred format, card size and orientation. The document requirements have been correctly set up for you, and you can see instructions on where to place your design.

Place Your Artwork in the Correct Locations in the Template

2. Place the front cover on the correct section; on this template, that’s the bottom left. Above that is the back cover, where you can place any copyright information or contact details. Ensure the back cover is rotated 180°. Delete the template to leave just your design on the artboard.

Place Your Message in the Correct Locations in the Template

3. Next, place your message on the top right section.

Rotate 180°and Delete Template Styling

4. Rotate 180°, and delete the template.

Check it Looks Like This

5. Your completed artwork should look like this.

In InDesign, It Should look Like this

6. If you’re using InDesign, this is how your artwork is set up.

Outline & Embed Fonts, Save as PDF, Add Trim Marks, Registration Marks, Check Bleed

7. Ensure your fonts are outlined and the template settings have not been adjusted. Save as an Adobe PDF in Illustrator, or export as a PDF in InDesign. Choose high-quality print and ensure the compression is automatic so images stay in their high-resolution format. Add trim marks and registration marks. Check document bleed and save.

You're Finished and Ready to Upload

8. You now have a print-ready PDF file, suitable for sending for printing!

Job done!

If you still have questions about setting up your artwork, then get in touch! We’re always happy to help. Or if you have your artwork ready, browse our greeting card products below.

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