Custom Envelope FAQ | 4over Custom Envelopes Printing Guide

Envelopes FAQ Frequently Asked Questions/File Requirements

Click a question to open and/or close the answer.

1. What is the difference between Digital Envelopes and Offset Envelopes?

Digital Envelopes are pre-converted and printed on high tech digital equipment.

Offset Envelopes are printed on offset gang runs, then die cut and converted to envelopes.

Both are printed on 70LB Premium Opaque stock.

2. How do I set up an Offset envelope?

1/16” overbleed and color wrap onto the back of the envelope is required to allow for movement throughout the bindery process.
Artwork with bleed on face or print on any flaps must be placed on 4over certified envelope templates.
Solid, full color envelopes are recommended (to eliminate overbleed).
Intentional extension of flap color onto envelope face is recommended.
Gradients are recommended for smoother color transitions.
Click Here to view important envelope artwork guidelines.

3. How do I set up a Digital Envelope?

The bleed required is 0.125" (0.0625" on each side).
Text and images should be at least 0.25" from the edge.
Artwork with more than 40% ink coverage must be submitted as an offset product.
Full color backgrounds should be avoided.
Use a white backgrounds with low ink coverage (e.g. logo and text only).
Avoid or limit use of transparencies and gradients.
For window envelopes, the window area must be free of ink.
For Digital Envelopes:
- 4/0 = Full Color Front
- 4/4 = Full Color Front and Full Color on Back Flaps
- 0/4 = Full Color on Back flaps

4. Can I print on the back flaps of Digital Envelopes?

Yes. To get print on the back flaps only, choose 0/4. For print on the front and the back flaps, choose 4/4. Keep in mind, artwork with more than 40% ink coverage must be submitted as an offset product.

4/0 = Full Color Front
4/4 = Full Color Front and Full Color on Back Flaps
0/4 = Full Color on Back flaps

5. How do I setup a Digital Envelope with window?

Follow 4over certified templates for correct window placement.

DO NOT place artwork or color on the window area. Keep images at least 1/8" inch away from the edge of the window. Digital Envelopes are pre-converted and have a plastic window adhered to the window area prior to printing. The window area must be blank.

6. What type of security features do Digital and Blank Envelopes with Security Tint have?

Security Tint Envelopes have a blue crisscross pattern on the inside of the envelope which distorts the message on the document enclosed within, which prevents the contents from being read or deciphered. For your convenience, they also come with a self adhesive strip.

See example below:

peel and seal self adhesive strip