Postcards can serve a number of purposes. Most people collect or send postcards as a way to share their joy, information and experiences with family and friends. Although it is easier to walk into a store and pick out a postcard; designing your own postcard is not only less expensive, but it is also self-satisfying. There are some online programs (like Smilebox), that allow its users access to their software for a trial period, but you have to enter your credit card information before saving and printing the postcard. Although it’s safe, if you are not comfortable using your credit card online, there are some basic photography programs in the factory settings on the standard computer, under “all programs” that are just as useful. When using these programs it’s important to use some creativity, explore and experiment before designing your postcard.
Things You’ll Need:
• Postcard paper
• Computer
• Photography software like Kodak Easyshare, ArcSoft Creations, Corel Snapfire Plus or Smilebox
Step 1:
Upload desired pictures from digital camera onto the hard drive, if it is not already loaded onto the computer.
Step 2:
Using Kodak EasyShare:
Install Kodak EasyShare sofware program by clicking here, and then follow instructions on the web page.
Step 3:
After the installation is complete, click on the desired photo you want to use to design the postcard and drag it to the “picture tray”. Click on “creative projects” and select any of the “Home Print Projects. Select a project and then click on “get started”.
Step 4:
Choose the template or layout for the postcard and then click on it. Give it 1 or 2 minutes to upload onto your computer. Photos will automatically load into the frames on the postcard layout selected; however, you can change photos by dragging them from picture tray to desired frames.
Step 5:
Proceed to design postcard photo by using “embellishments”, “frames”, and “patterns”. Enter caption or text by clicking on “enter description here”, and then click on “T”. Select font size and color before typing your message. Type your message, and then click on “save project”.
Step 6:
Designing the Back of a Postcard:
If you have purchased postcard paper then the back is designed for you.
If not, then make a blank postcard design on the back of the postcard (if you did not purchase postcard paper or if you are using card paper).
Leave 3/4 inch of the bottom of the postcard blank for the post office barcode marking.
Leave 1 inch and 1/8 inch by 1 inch and 1/8 inch of the upper right corner of the postcard blank for the postcard stamp.
Step 7:
Write the mailing address between on the right of the postcard in the center.
Write the return address in the top left corner of the postcard.
Write the message below the return address.
Step 8:
Click on “print” then open “print settings” and under “paper” select the standard paper size, which is “4 by 6 inches borderless”. If the postcard is not 4 inches by 6 inches, then look on the back or front of the packaging to the determine the size of the postcard purchased.
Step 9:
Click on “page layout” and select “auto scale”. Click on “print setup” and under “paper type” select “automatic” or “card stock” in order to get the best print results for the postcard design and print.
Step 10:
Using Corel Snapfire Plus:
Install Corel Snapfire Plus by clicking here, and then follow the instructions outlined in order to install the software correctly.
Step 11:
After the installation is complete, click on “home”. From the drop down menu select “find photos” and then select or double click on the file where pictures are saved or uploaded (only if the pictures were not originally uploaded to Corel Snapfire Plus).
Step 12:
Click on the desired picture and use the tools from the “enhance” drop down menu to make adjustments or changes to the picture you want to use to design the postcard.
Step 13:
Click on “Text”, and then select the desired font and font size, color and alignment. Drag mouse over picture, and then click on the space where you would like to type the message and other details on the postcard.
Step 14:
Click on “file” to save the completed work. Under “file” click on “print setup” and select the right layout for the postcard design. Insert postcard paper into printer after completing project and then print.
Tips:
• Any basic photography program will do.
• Both postcard and greeting card paper works well when designing postcards.
• Use metallic pen or marker pen to design back of postcard for a more professional look when using greeting card paper.
• Use paper cutter or craft razor and cutting mat when cutting postcard paper for a more professional look.
• Postcards can be of any size, however, you will have to buy first class stamps to mail postcards that are larger than the standard size.
. To meet post office regulations, the postcard should be 0.007 inches in thickness.
Warnings:
• Always save project, even if it’s not complete.
Resources:
Smilebox.com
Overnightprints.com
