Best DPI for Greeting Cards

Quick reference for setting up greeting card artwork that prints sharp on every popular consumer print platform.

Print spec at a glance

  • DPI: 300 DPI for both inside and outside artwork.
  • Color: CMYK with embedded sRGB or CMYK ICC profile.
  • Bleed: 3 mm (0.125″) all sides.
  • Safe area: 5 mm inside the trim.
  • Format: CMYK PDF or 300 DPI flattened TIFF.

Pixel dimensions for popular sizes

FormatTrim size300 DPI + bleed
A6 folded10.5×14.8 cm1311 × 1819
A5 folded14.8×21 cm1819 × 2551
5×7″ folded5×7″1575 × 2175
4×6″ flat4×6″1275 × 1875
Square 5×5″5×5″1575 × 1575

When to push to 600 DPI

If your card features hand-lettering, fine watercolour edges, or microtype, 600 DPI keeps detail crisp. Use the 600 DPI tool to set the metadata after rasterising at the higher density.

Print providers’ quirks

  • Moo & Vistaprint — supply CMYK PDF with crop marks.
  • Etsy POD partners — 300 DPI PNG with transparency where needed.
  • Costco / local labs — 300 DPI JPEG, sRGB, no bleed required.

Related guides & tools

Related Tools & Guides

Continue with practical tools and supporting tutorials for better image and print outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What DPI for greeting cards?
300 DPI on both inside and outside artwork. Greeting cards are read at arm’s length so the eye resolves individual ink dots below 300 DPI.
What size is a 5x7 greeting card in pixels?
1500 × 2100 px at 300 DPI for the trim, or 1575 × 2175 px including 3 mm bleed.
Should greeting cards be RGB or CMYK?
CMYK for commercial print; sRGB JPEG is fine for consumer photo labs (Costco, local chains). Always confirm with your specific provider.
Do I need bleed on greeting cards?
Yes if the design has any colour or imagery touching the edge. Add 3 mm (0.125″) bleed on all four sides; keep critical content 5 mm inside the trim.