Envelope Styles and SizesThere are plenty of envelope types and sizes available - they differ by size, flap type, and may have windows. We'll describe the most popular types of envelopes. Further down on this page are listings of envelope types and sizes - those shown in blue are links to downloads of the most common types of envelopes. Envelope typeEnvelopes with the opening and seal flap located on the short dimension are called Catalog envelopes. Those with the flap on the long dimension are called Booklet envelopes. Booklet envelopes are ideal for automatic insertion applications.
Flap StylesThe flap is the part of the envelope that is folded to seal the envelope. The main flap shapes are shown below.
Sizes and StylesEnvelope sizes may vary from tiny to huge, and there are dozens of sizes available. Though you'll hardly use more than 4-5 most common sizes in your everyday practice, it's good to have an understanding of other possible styles and sizes. Commercial These are the most popular envelopes for daily business correspondence. They usually have a commercial flap. They are mostly used to mail letterheads, invoices, statements, checks, writing stationery and direct marketing mailings.
Note: The 7 3/4 envelope with pointed flap is also known as Monarch. Announcement These are very common envelopes. The flaps are usually
pointed or straight.
Baronial These are more formal envelopes, are deeper and typically use a pointed flap. They are popular for invitations.
Booklet These envelopes are mostly used for sending booklets, folders and the like.
Catalog This style of envelope is mainly used for catalogs, magazines and reports.
Remittance The large flap is useful for printing additional messages and offers. Used for coupons, donations, statements, and more.
Custom Side Seam Some printing applications may require a side seam envelope as shown below.
There are also Metal Clasp, Coins, and probably other styles, which are not listed here because they are either rare, too small or too large, or not suitable for printing (such as Metal Clasp). Window Envelopes (US)Window envelopes are most often used for bills, though they're also popular for marketing purposes. They are cost-efficient, since the name and address shows through the window, eliminating the need to address the envelope. Most envelope types and sizes may have a window, Although this generally depends on the manufacturer. The most common (and recommended by USPS) window size on an envelope is 1 1/8" (1.125") x 4 1/2" (4.5"), positioned 7/8" (.875") in from left and 1/2" (.5") in from bottom.
Note: Custom envelope and window positions are available and can be ordered through BCE. Construction This picture illustrates various parts of an envelope. The variations of these parts create different envelope styles.
Business Reply EnvelopesThe correct formatting and address position on business reply envelopes is required to facilitate mail processing by optical character recognition equipment, used by the postal service for sorting mail. Machine-readable mail can be sorted automatically, rather than by a human, which results in faster and more accurate delivery. Here is an image of a #10 Business Reply envelope. Templates for #9, #10 and 6 3/4 envelopes are available from our download section.
General Considerations
When printing addresses on envelopes or labels, it's recommended that you use a laser printer - ink from inkjet printers is susceptible to moisture, and the address may become blurred or even completely unreadable on the way. However, don't print on window envelopes with laser printers - the window material will melt from contact with the printer's heating element. |
