All About Envelopes
Envelopes. There are so many options! Here are some tips and tricks to keep the basics straight. For real, I’m only going to discuss the basic sizes here. Otherwise this article would take a week to read and ain't nobody got time for that. If you do have time for that, call me, we should be friends.
#10: Spoken as number 10, not a hashtag for all you millennials and gen z’ers :) This envelope is 4 ⅛ inch by 9 ½ inch. When someone says #10 it is assumed the flap is on the long side of the envelope. This envelope is used for letterhead, invoices, and pledges/donation letters.
#10 window: This envelope has the same size and specs as a #10 regular envelope (4 ⅛ inch by 9 ½ inch) but there is a window on it. You can get the window in lots of places, but unless requested otherwise you get the window on the left side on the front of the envelope. You also can order a #10 window envelope without the plastic film. Oddly enough there is a slight increase in cost. However, you are being more environmentally friendly.
#9: This envelope measures 3 ⅞ by 8 ⅞. It can fit inside a #10 envelope. This is why it is most often used in mailing a bill. It provides an envelope for the receiver to mail the payment back in.
#9 window: Same size and specs as a #9 envelope (3 ⅞ by 8 ⅞) but there is a window on it.
You can also get a security tint on the inside of the envelope. This is a good idea if you have sensitive information inside the envelope.
A7: This envelope measures 5 ¼ by 7 ¼. Quite often it is used to fit a 5X7 card or invite into. Think of a greeting card. The flap is on the long side. Unless specified it’s going to be a square flap. You can also get a contoured flap, which looks like a deep V. The contour flap adds a fair amount of expense compared to the square flap, but can you really put a price on cool? White is the most common color, but A7’s come in a wide variety of colors too. Have fun with it. I did a black A7 for a card addressed in white ink and wow was it cool. It’s just so fun to get something in the mail that looks different.
A2: This is a response envelope. Think of the reply cards for a swanky event or wedding. It measures 4 ⅜ by 5 ¾. Lots of color options are available for this one too. Sometimes we’ll even add stamps to them for folks when they have their wedding invites to get out.
A6: This is another popular greeting card size. It measures 4 ¾ X 6 ½ and normally fits a 4X6 or 4X6 ¼ (Personally I like a snug fit) card. If you’re doing a postcard that is going to be in the envelope make it 4X6 ¼. Trust me, no one likes a loose fitting envelope. (paper snob here, I know!)
9X12: These are ideal for financial reports, welcome packets, and booklets you want protected by the letter carrier. But there’s more! Do you want a catalog or booklet 9X12?
Catalog vs. Booklet: This is where the flap is located. Why can't it be called long side or short side or hotdog or hamburger? I don’t know, but here is how I remember.
Catalog: These lay like a LOG position to slide the contents in and out. So the flap is on the shorter side.
Booklet: I like to think of a book and how the spine is usually on the long side. Long side flap = Booklet.
Which way should you choose for your projects?
The price is similar and I’d say both are equally common. What are you putting in your envelope? If you're sending bylaws or a policy update, the catalog envelope is perfect. With one hand folks can reach in and pull the contents out.
If you’re including smaller pieces like a sticker or small postcard booklet, it may make sense to use a booklet 9x12. Just in case the small item gets stuck at the bottom, the recipient can easily see and reach in the long flap to see what’s left in the envelope.
In all my research, I’ve found that some people just have a personal preference. If you don’t have a preference let this Grand Rapids printer decide for you!
6X9: This one is easy to remember. Just like it says it measures 6x9 and has the same options to be a catalog or a booklet envelope. You can also get it with a window or security tint.
6 3/4 Remittance envelope: this one is commonly referred to as a remit envelope. It has a long fold over flap so that you can get the recipients information written on it.
6 1/4: Is an envelope the same size as a remit minus the large flap.
There is a lot of information here. It can be hard to navigate it all. Feel free to give us a call and discuss what you are looking for and we can walk you through the process. We’re always here to help!