Templates
Inkit enables syncs apps to printers and vendors around the world. Many times these printers offer templates encompass many different shapes and sizes. If you're using a template provided from your existing printer or vendor, please consult with them for template specifications. If you're looking for more information on how to configure, design, and build for the Inkit default templates, please visit either the Postcard Guide and/or Letter Guide articles.
Bleed Area
The bleed is included to ensure the artwork gets printed to the edge when the mailer is produced and trimmed. Backgrounds and graphics should be extended into the bleed area. Not doing such could result in a white or unprinted border around the mailer. Each template has it's own bleed specifications. For information on bleed areas please consult your existing printer(s) or if you're using Inkit's default templates visit our Postcard Guide and/or Letter Guide.
Safe Zones
The Safe Zone is many times specified to provide an area where no important text or content is cut off. Safe Zones vary by vendor and template. Please consult with your existing printer for more information on their Safe Zones. If you're using one of Inkit's default products, you may find this information in our Postcard Guide and/or Letter Guide.
File Formats
Inkt recommends using HTML. PNG and JPG files are also accepted, but HTML is preferred.
HTML
HTML is the most flexible option for designing mailers. HTML allows for dynamic images, text, and content creation.
Inkit recommends using a style sheet or inline styles. Do not use external style sheets. Because content is being designed for a single size (not dynamic like an email) please use absolute positioning.
Positioning Content
Below is an example for a 4x6 Postcard. To ensure the proper sizing when using HTML, make sure to put the width and height in the body styling tag, and include a safe-area inside of that. Notice the use of absolute positioning.
body {
width: 6.25in;
height: 4.25in;
margin: 0;
padding: 0;
background-size: 6.25in 4.25in;
background-repeat: no-repeat;
}
#safe-area {
position: absolute;
width: 5.875in;
height: 3.875in;
left: 0.1875in;
top: 0.1875in;
background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0.5);
}
Image Resolution
Inkit requires images that are a minimum of 300 DPI. Do not use image files less than 300 DPI. If you try to upload <300 DPI files to Inkit's builder, it simply will not accept them. If you try inserting image files <300 DPI using HTML, they will be printed blurry.
Hosting Images and Content
Inkit only supports PNG / JPG files for upload. We also support custom images using HTML. When using HTML we do not host files or images. We only render the HTML. We recommend you host the images or content yourself on a performant file hosting provider such as Amazon S3 and send us a URL to the content in your API or HTML request. By removing the file upload from the API request, you'll be able to reduce your API request time.