Templates & Design - FAQs
What is the difference between an Image Template and a Message Template?
An Image Template holds the visual design - front and back artwork. A Message Template holds the written content - the handwriting-style message body, QR code configuration, and replacement variables. Both are required; you pair them at send time or inside a campaign.
How do I create an Image Template?
Upload artwork directly in the dashboard, design in Canva and sync, or use a pre-built inspiration in the template library.
Can I sync designs from Canva?
Yes. The Canva integration is available on all plans, including Free.
What file formats are accepted?
JPEG and PNG are most common. Letters also accept PDF. Check the dashboard upload interface for current accepted formats.
What are the correct dimensions?
| Mailer type | Inches (w × h) | Pixels (w × h) |
|---|---|---|
| Postcard (4×6) | 6.25 × 4.25 in | 1875 × 1275 px |
| Postcard (6×11) | 11.25 × 6.25 in | 3337 × 1777 px |
| Letter / Windowless Letter | 8.5 × 11 in | 2550 × 3300 px |
| Notecard / Gift Card | 5.625 × 4.3125 in | 1800 × 1313 px |
| MagnaCard | 10.25 × 6.75 in | 2588 × 1688 px |
These are the full canvas sizes at 300 DPI including bleed. Keep important content (text, logos, QR codes) inside the safe zone away from the edges.
What is the Branding Builder?
Stores your company-wide branding (logo, name, phone, email, "Scan Me" background). Values are accessible as replacement variables (%YOUR_COMPANY%, %YOUR_PHONE%) in any Message Template.
Can I use Street View on my mailers?
Yes. Street View is part of the Dynamic Images feature, which lets you embed automatically generated visuals into your mailer's Image Template. Street View pulls a Google Street View photo of each recipient's property so every piece in a run is uniquely personalized.
Which background image gets used on my mailer?
When an order is created, the system picks the background image using this priority order (highest wins):
- Manually set via API or Card Builder - overrides everything else
- Attached to the Message Template - the background set directly on the template
- Subaccount default - the default background configured on the subaccount
- Account default - the account-wide default background
Do you offer a preview of your product offerings?
Yes. You can view a PDF portfolio featuring live samples of each mailer type.
Do you have holiday and Christmas card templates?
Yes. thanks.io includes pre-loaded holiday templates in the Image Templates library. Go to Image Templates in your dashboard and browse the available designs.
The inspiration gallery is also available directly in the dashboard - browse holiday and Christmas designs there, or upload your own artwork via Image Templates → Upload.
Do you have example or inspiration creatives?
Yes. The inspiration gallery is built into the dashboard and includes designs for postcards and notecards across many categories: Birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, Hanukkah, Holiday, HouseAversary, Mother's Day, Thanksgiving, Thank You, and more.
Am I able to share Image and Message Templates?
Yes. Use the Template Share Link to share a template with another user. When they click the link, a copy of the template is added to their account.
Can I customize the front of an envelope?
No. Envelopes are not customizable with images or graphics. Both windowed and non-windowed envelopes come as-is. The non-windowed style features a fixed handwritten-style font for a personal touch, but the design cannot be changed. See Handwriting & Fonts FAQs for details about the envelope address style.
Why are windowless letters more expensive than windowed letters?
Windowless letters include two features that add a personal touch and have been shown to increase open rates:
- Handwritten-style address - the recipient and return address are written in a handwriting-style font in blue ink.
- Real postage stamp - a genuine postage stamp is used instead of metered postage, giving the envelope a more personal feel.
Can I send a letter with a PDF file only (no cover letter)?
Yes. You can send a letter using just an uploaded PDF without a handwritten cover page:
- In the Message Template editor - select the "PDF File Only" option.
- In the Card Builder wizard - choose "Upload PDF File."
- Via API - use the
pdf_only_urlparameter in your API request. See the API docs for details.
How many additional pages can be included with letters?
| Letter type | Max pages | Included in base price |
|---|---|---|
| Letter with handwritten cover | Up to 10 additional PDF sheets (double-sided) | Cover included |
| PDF-only letter (no cover) | Up to 12 total PDF sheets (double-sided) | First 2 sheets included |
Each additional physical page beyond what is included in the base price costs $0.20.
Can I use merge fields in a PDF I upload?
No. Merge fields like %FIRSTNAME% or %CUSTOM1% only work in Message Templates, not in uploaded PDFs. If personalization is important, build your message in the Message Template editor rather than uploading a PDF.
The colors on my mailer look wrong - what happened?
This is usually a CMYK vs. RGB issue. Computer screens use RGB color (a wider range), while physical printing uses CMYK (a narrower range). If you design in RGB mode (the default in most apps including Canva), colors may look noticeably different when printed.
Fix: Design in CMYK mode when possible. In Canva, you can create a CMYK color palette for more accurate print results. In Photoshop, work in CMYK color mode from the start.