Pocket-Sized 3x4, 3x5, and 3.5x5 Postcard Printing
We print full-color, pocket-sized postcards in three popular small formats — 3x4, 3x5, and 3.5x5 — on high-quality gloss and matte cardstocks. These small postcards are an affordable alternative to classic-sized postcards, ideal for handouts, art cards, business promotions, and promotional giveaways. Our durable 16pt and 18pt cardstocks are perfect for long-lasting prints that stand out in mailers, packaging inserts, and convention booths.
Pocket-sized postcards are a favorite of artists selling at conventions and art fairs, real estate agents leaving compact reminders, small businesses including branded inserts in packages, and event organizers handing out save-the-dates and reminders. The smaller format costs less to print and mail than full 4x6 or 5x7 postcards, while still delivering professional-quality color and finish. All cards are printed in the United States.
Large Quantity Orders
For orders of 2,500 or more postcards, check our large quantity postcards page for pricing and options.
Features of 3x4, 3x5, and 3.5x5 Postcards
- Heavy 16pt or 18pt cardstocks: Substantial thickness that feels premium in hand and survives the mail.
- UV gloss or matte coating options: Choose shiny and vibrant or smooth and modern.
- Three popular small sizes: 3x4, 3x5, and 3.5x5 for different use cases and mailing needs.
- Full-bleed CMYK printing: Edge-to-edge color on the front, back, or both sides.
- Pre-production artwork review: A real human checks every file before printing.
- Minor artwork issues fixed automatically: Small bleed gaps, color profile mismatches, and similar fixes handled by our team.
- Affordable pricing: Lower cost per card than larger postcard formats — ideal for large mailings or bulk handouts.
- Pocket-friendly format: Fits in wallets, badge holders, packaging, and pockets for easy distribution.
- Free blind shipping: Plain packaging with no Printkeg branding for easy resale.
- Fast turnaround: Most orders ship within 1–2 business days, with rush production available.
Durable Cardstock Options
- 16pt C2S (UV Coating) — Thick, double-sided UV-coated card with a shiny, protective finish. Best for vibrant photo postcards, art reproductions, and designs where bold color is the focal point.
- 16pt C2S (Matte Coating) — Same thickness as gloss, but with a smooth matte finish for a professional, non-reflective look. Best for modern minimalist designs, text-heavy postcards, and any project where you want a softer feel.
- 18pt C1S (UV Front Only) — Heavyweight cardstock with a UV-coated front for vibrant colors and an uncoated back perfect for writing. The classic choice for travel postcards, souvenir cards, mailable announcements, and any postcard where the recipient might write a note on the back.
Quick tip: If your postcards will be mailed and addressed by hand, the 18pt C1S is the right pick — the uncoated back accepts pen ink cleanly. If your postcards are pre-printed on both sides (like art cards or branded handouts), the 16pt C2S options deliver vibrant color on both sides.
Best Uses for Pocket-Sized Postcards
- Artist Trading Cards & Mini Art Prints: A favorite format for artists selling small, affordable pieces at conventions, art fairs, and online shops.
- Business Promotional Cards: Branded postcards for product launches, grand openings, and marketing mailings — pocket-sized for easy handout.
- Real Estate Reminders: Compact "just sold" or "open house" cards that fit in mailboxes and door hangers.
- Convention & Trade Show Handouts: Small enough to fit in attendee badge holders and convention bags without folding.
- Packaging Inserts: Branded thank-you cards, care instructions, or promotional inserts that ship with product orders.
- Save-the-Dates: A budget-friendly format for event reminders and casual save-the-dates.
- Event Announcements: Birthday parties, baby showers, art shows, and small gatherings.
- Loyalty & Punch Cards: Wallet-sized cards for cafés, salons, and small businesses.
- Travel & Souvenir Postcards: The classic 18pt C1S option is built for vacation greetings and tourist destinations.
Choosing the Right Pocket Postcard Size
All three sizes pair well with our 16pt and 18pt cardstocks — pick based on what fits your design and mailing needs:
- 3x4 Postcards — Our smallest size. Best for compact handouts, packaging inserts, and minimalist designs where less is more.
- 3x5 Postcards — Index card-sized and instantly familiar. A good middle option for both mailing and direct handouts.
- 3.5x5 Postcards — Slightly larger and the most popular of the three. Best for designs with more detail, photo postcards, and anything that benefits from a touch more real estate.
Need a larger postcard? View our standard postcard sizes for 4x6, 5x7, and large-format options.
File Setup for 3x4, 3x5, and 3.5x5 Postcards
- 3x4 document size: 3.25" × 4.25" (includes 0.125" bleed on all sides)
- 3x5 document size: 3.25" × 5.25" (includes 0.125" bleed on all sides)
- 3.5x5 document size: 3.75" × 5.25" (includes 0.125" bleed on all sides)
- Resolution: 300 DPI at final print size
- Color mode: CMYK
- Accepted formats: PDF (preferred), PNG, JPG, TIFF
- Bleed: 0.125" on all sides for full-bleed designs
- Safe zone: Keep important text and elements at least 0.125" inside the trim line so nothing gets clipped during cutting.
Need help preparing your file? Our team reviews every order before printing and will reach out if anything needs adjustment.
Pocket-Sized Postcard FAQ
Can pocket-sized postcards be mailed?
Yes — all three sizes (3x4, 3x5, and 3.5x5) are mailable in the United States. USPS sets a minimum mailable size of 3.5" × 5", so the 3.5x5 size is your safest bet for postcard-rate mailing without a custom stamp configuration. The 3x4 and 3x5 sizes are below the minimum for postcard-rate mailing and are best used as handouts, packaging inserts, or mailed inside an envelope.
Can I write on the back of these postcards?
Yes, but the cardstock matters. Choose the 18pt C1S option if you want a writeable back — it's uncoated and accepts pen ink cleanly. The 16pt C2S options have UV coating on both sides, which is great for vibrant color but resists pen ink and isn't ideal for handwriting.
What's the difference between C1S and C2S cardstock?
C1S means "coated one side" — finish on the front, uncoated back for writing. C2S means "coated two sides" — both sides have a finish for full-color printing. Choose C1S for traditional postcards (front design, writeable back) and C2S for double-sided printed designs.
How are pocket-sized postcards different from business cards?
Business cards are typically 2x3.5 — smaller and intended for contact information exchange. Pocket-sized postcards (3x4 and up) are larger, allowing for more design space, photography, and marketing messaging. Postcards work well as promotional handouts, while business cards stay focused on networking and contact details.
