Envelope and presentation folder: sizes, template and logo printing

An envelope with a logo and a folder for documents are the simplest carriers of a brand identity. Standard sizes, materials and a drawing you can hand to a print shop.

BOMBA DESIGN editorialNovember 13, 20267 min read

Dielines of a DL envelope and a two-pocket folder in the BOMBA DESIGN generator — **Envelope and folder:** drawings to size with cut and fold lines.

A client perceives a commercial proposal in a clear plastic sleeve and the same proposal in a branded folder differently. The same goes for an invitation or a gift certificate: the envelope is the first thing a person picks up.

Plain white envelopes are sold everywhere. A template is needed when you want your own size, coloured or designer paper, or printing over the whole surface – outside and inside.

Key points

An envelope should be 3–5 mm larger than its contents on each side.
Standard sizes: C6 for an A6 card, C5 for A5, C4 for A4, DL for A4 folded in three.
An A4 folder is 220 × 310 mm with a spine of up to 10 mm and one or two pockets.

ReferenceEnvelope sizes

Format	Size, mm	What it holds	Template
C6	162 × 114	An A6 card, A4 folded in four	open
DL	220 × 110	A4 folded in three; a certificate, money	open
C5	229 × 162	A5 or A4 folded in half	open
C4	324 × 229	A4 unfolded	open
Square	150 × 150	Invitations, greeting cards	open

The links open the generator with the right dimensions. If the contents are non-standard – a US Letter sheet, for example – change the numbers and the drawing is rebuilt.

TypesWhich envelope to choose

Straight flap. The business classic: letters, invoices, documents. A window for the address can be added.

DL. The most common format for business mail, certificates and money gifts.

Pointed flap. Four flaps meet in the centre. For invitations, cards and certificates – it looks festive and is often closed with a sticker or a wax seal.

FolderA presentation folder for documents

A standard A4 folder is 220 × 310 mm when closed: slightly larger than the sheet so that it does not stick out. Inside there is one pocket or two, on the left and right panels.

Spine. For a few sheets a fold without a spine is enough. If the folder holds a catalogue or a thirty-page contract, the spine is made 5–10 mm.

Business card slits. The print shop usually adds them to the pocket – mention it in advance.

Folder with a pocketopen the template – one pocket, two panels and a spine.
Two-pocket folderopen the template – pockets on both panels.

How-toHow to make a template: 4 steps

Open the generatorGo to the Box dieline generator – the envelopes and folders group.
Choose the typeEnvelope, DL envelope, pointed-flap envelope, presentation folder or two-pocket folder.
Enter the dimensionsWidth and height are the size of the finished item. For a folder, “depth” is the spine width.
Download the filePDF, SVG or EPS for the print shop, DXF for a plotter. In the 3D view you can open the flap or the folder and see how it folds.

MaterialWhich paper to choose

Item	Paper
Business envelope	Uncoated 80–120 gsm
Invitation envelope	Designer paper 120–160 gsm
Certificate envelope	Heavy 160–250 gsm
Document folder	Board 300–350 gsm, ideally laminated

Paper that is too heavy folds badly: the folds need creasing, otherwise the ink cracks. The print shop will tell you what is in stock.

DesignWhere to place the logo

The envelope flapA logo on the flap is seen as soon as the envelope is turned over.
The frontLeave space for the address and a stamp if the envelope goes by post.
The insideA brand colour or pattern inside is a detail people remember.
The folder coverA large logo, centred or in the lower third. Contacts go on the back or on the pocket.
Glue flaps unprintedGlue holds poorly on a solid fill.

HonestlyThe tool gives the drawing. We design the look

The generator builds the shape to your dimensions: cut and fold lines, bleed, files for the print shop. It is a standard construction – a manufacturer may adjust it to their equipment.

An envelope, a letterhead, a folder and a business card should look like one set. Business stationery in your brand style is what we design: print design.

Print the template on ordinary paper at 100 % scale, cut it out and fold it. The contents should slide in freely and the flap should close without strain.