Your Guide to Creating and Sending Custom Designs

With Handwrytten’s “Design Your Own Card” feature, you can turn your personal designs into real, handwritten cards. Whether you’re creating a flat 5×7 or a folded A2 card (portrait or landscape), this guide will walk you through the full process—from upload to final message.


Start Your Design

Log in to your account and select “Design Your Own Card” from the card category menu.

Then:

  • Choose your card size and orientation (flat or folded, portrait or landscape).
  • Upload your design file as a high-resolution JPEG or PNG (300 PPI recommended).
  • Do not include printer marks like trim lines, registration marks, color bars, or file names. Only upload what you want printed.

Handwrytten Card Customizer


What Kind of Images Can You Use?

Your card design is completely up to you—but here are some popular ideas:

  • Business Branding: Company logo, branded patterns, QR code to your site
  • Personal Touch: Family photo, pet portrait, kid’s artwork
  • Seasonal Designs: Fall foliage, holiday icons, fireworks, snowflakes
  • Minimalist Looks: Clean typography, subtle textures, monochrome schemes
  • Creative Concepts: Doodles, collages, vintage postcards, watercolor art

📝Pro Tip: Use the full card space—but keep important details (like text or faces) within the safe zone to avoid edge trimming. We consider the safe zone 0.375” from the bleed line (0.25” along all the edges except where the cars folds). See the attached guide for safe zone and bleed dimensions.


Save Your Design

Once uploaded, click Save. This stores your card with a blank message area. You’ll find it anytime under “My Custom Cards” in your account.

📝Pro Tip: If you’re creating a folded card, upload your front and back designs as separate files. The system won’t accept a single file for both sides.

Handwrytten Custom Cards


Add Your Message & Send

Ready to send? Go to My Custom Cards and click “Send” (or Bulk Send if you’re mailing many at once). From there:

  • Type your message
  • Choose handwriting style
  • Finalize recipient details
  • Complete your order

📝Pro Tip: You can save time by using templates for messages you send often—great for client thank-yous, holiday notes, or appointment reminders.

Handwrytten Custom Cards


Design Best Practices

  • Use clear, high-resolution images for best print results.
  • Make sure your design is sized properly and includes a 0.125” bleed on all edges.
  • Avoid placing text or logos too close to the edges. Stay within the safe zone to ensure nothing gets cut off.
  • Stick with CMYK colors for accurate print results (we don’t print in RGB or Pantone).

Bonus Ideas: How to Use Custom Cards

  • Send a branded thank-you to new customers
  • Celebrate team milestones with a personalized card
  • Turn your artwork into a birthday card for friends and clients
  • Create seasonal campaigns with festive imagery
  • Use photos from an event or vacation to make memorable follow-ups

Need exact sizing? Check the attached Card Dimensions Guide for card sizes, bleed specs, and safe zones.

Card Customizer Quick Guide – 2025

A2 Portrait (Folded) Templates:

A2 Portrait – InDesign

A2 Portrait – Illustrator

A2 Portrait – Photoshop

A2 Landscape (Folded) Templates:

A2 Landscape – InDesign

A2 Landscape – Illustrator

A2 Landscape – Photoshop

7×5 Portrait  (Flat) Templates:

7×5 Portrait – InDesign

7×5 Portrait – Illustrator

7×5 Portrait – Photoshop

5×7 Landscape (Flat) Templates:

5×7 Landscape – InDesign

5×7 Landscape – Illustrator

5×7 Landscape – Photoshop


 Frequently Asked Questions

💬 Is there a character limit for headers and footers?
Yes! Headers and footers are limited to 100 characters each.

💬 Can I edit a saved custom card design?
Yes! Saved designs can be edited. Just go to “My Custom Cards,” find the design you want to update, and click “Edit.” Make your changes, then save it as a new custom card. This allows you to preserve the original while working from an updated version.

💬 Can I add a message directly onto my card design (instead of typing it in later)?
Not exactly. You can include written elements like headers, footers, logos, or even QR codes as part of your card design—but the main message will be handwritten by our robot friends. If you’re looking to include a fully printed message (not handwritten), reach out to our design team for options and pricing.

💬 Can I preview how the handwritten message will look?
Yes! Once your custom design is saved and named, click “Send” under your card in My Custom Cards. You’ll then choose from our selection of handwritten fonts and preview how your message will appear inside the card before completing your order.

💬 Can I reorder a custom card I’ve already sent?
Yes! Once you’ve created a custom card, it’s saved under your “My Custom Cards” category. You can easily go back at any time and send it again—with a new message, a new recipient, or both.

Choose from our cards design or your own.

Over 100 designs to choose from or design your own. Our online card customizer makes it simple.

Check Out Our Cards!

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