Diecut Postcards

A die cut postcard is a marketing piece precision-cut to a custom shape. While a standard postcard is a rectangle, a die cut piece can follow any outline - a product shape, a brand logo, a seasonal motif, or a geometric form. The shape itself becomes part of the design language, and a distinctively shaped piece is far more likely to be noticed, kept, and remembered than a rectangular card in the same envelope drop.

Paperlust Print Shop produces die cut postcards with full-color printing on durable card stock, cut to the custom outline specified in the supplied dieline. Variable data capabilities make it possible to personalise each piece in the run with unique QR codes, individual names, promotional codes, or addressed recipient information - all at production scale.

Pricing starts from $0.36 AUD per card (inc GST). A design proof is sent before production begins. Artwork must include the shape dieline in 100% Magenta Spot Colour on the top layer of the supplied file.

• Precision-cut to any custom shape from a supplied dieline
• Full-color printing on durable card stock
• Variable data: unique QR codes, promo codes, addressed mail
• Single-sided and double-sided print options available
• Pricing from $0.36 AUD per card (inc GST)

Standard rectangular postcards and die cut postcards serve different campaign briefs. The right format depends on the audience, the message, and how much the design needs to do to earn attention.

Choose standard postcards when: the campaign is high-volume and cost-per-unit is the primary constraint. Rectangular postcards are cheaper to produce, require no dieline setup, and work well for most direct-mail, real estate, and promotional applications where the message and imagery carry the piece on their own.

Choose die cut postcards when: the campaign needs to stand out in a competitive mailing environment, or when the shape itself can reinforce the brand story. A cosmetics brand cutting a postcard to the shape of its hero product. A real estate agency cutting to a house shape for a new listing campaign. A food brand cutting to the shape of its signature product for a coupon drop. The shape communicates brand identity before the recipient reads a word.

Campaign uses that suit die cut: product launches, loyalty and rewards campaigns, premium client gifts, influencer outreach packages, event invitations designed to be kept as keepsakes, and high-value prospect mailings where the cost-per-piece is justified by the quality of the contact.

Both formats support variable data and double-sided printing. The key difference is cost and the requirement for a dieline - die cut pieces require a shape file supplied by the client or designed by the team.

Die cut postcards can be cut to any shape for which a dieline is supplied. Common formats include rounded-corner rectangles, circles, ovals, product outlines, brand logo silhouettes, house shapes, bottle shapes, and geometric forms. The shape is limited only by what can be cleanly cut and handled through the mail or as a hand-delivered piece.

Artwork specifications:

• Accepted file formats: PDF (preferred), SVG, Adobe Illustrator (.ai or .eps)
• Include 3mm bleed on all sides beyond the cut edge
• All fonts must be outlined or vectorized; all images embedded
• Set artwork in CMYK color mode
• Dieline must be placed on the top layer in 100% Magenta Spot Colour
• Crop marks should be placed outside the bleed area

If you do not have a dieline ready, the team can advise on setup. Supply the desired shape description or reference image when enquiring.

Variable data - unique QR codes per recipient, personalised names, individual promotional codes, or addressed mail - is supported. Provide the variable data file and a field mapping document when submitting variable data orders.

The die cut postcard process begins with a file review. The team checks artwork and dieline setup, then sends a design proof for approval before any cutting or printing begins. This proof step is particularly important for die cut work because the dieline position relative to artwork elements determines the final cut result.

Standard production is 2-5 working days from artwork approval. Die cutting adds a finishing step beyond standard flat printing; if you have a fixed deadline, confirm the timeline with the team when ordering. Peak periods may extend lead times.

Australian domestic orders are dispatched via express freight with delivery typically 1-2 business days after dispatch to major metro areas. International orders ship via DHL express at a flat AUD $35 rate, with typical delivery of 2-4 working days after dispatch.

Die cut postcards are priced from $0.36 AUD per card (inc GST). Per-unit cost decreases at higher quantities. For large campaigns or complex variable data runs, contact the team before ordering to confirm setup requirements and current pricing.

Die cut postcards are the premium shaped alternative in the direct-mail range. For standard rectangular postcards for high-volume campaigns at a lower per-unit cost, postcards are the practical choice. For lightweight hand-out or letterbox-drop pieces, flyers and brochures cover multi-panel content needs.

For custom-shaped branded pieces beyond postcards, die cut stickers deliver the same precision-cut approach on self-adhesive stock - suited to product labelling, packaging, and promotional hand-outs. For novelty campaign pieces with high perceived value, novelty cheques and screenboard signs extend the range into event and retail applications.