FAQ
STANDARD WINDOW ENVELOPES:
- An envelope that has specifications accepted by the industry as a standard size and location. Typically this is a window 1-1/8” v 4-1/2” located 7/8” from the left edge and 1/2” from the bottom. (The flap is always oriented at the top when specifying an envelope and is irrespective of the printing.)
- There are a few exceptions to this rule but this is generally the size and location of the windows. However we have created some of our own unique windows that we stock in inventory. (See the 9 x 12’s and 6 x 9 sizes)
Yes, a standard and commercial window envelope are one of the same. Sizes range from a #6-1/4 to #14 size (which is industry lingo) and not necessarily the true size (see below for exact envelope sizes). The paper used is typically a 24 # (pound) white wove stock which is equivalent to a 60 # (pound) offset stock, or also sometimes referred to as a 20# (pound) bond, depending on the style selected. Their applications are used mostly for business correspondence such as mailing invoices, statements, business letters, personal letters, checks and marketing applications. Also known as, open side diagonal seam type envelope.
| Standard Window Envelope Size: | Envelope Measurements: | Window Size: | Window From Left: | Window From Bottom: |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 3/4 | 3-5/8" x 6-1/2" | 1-1/8” X 4-1/2” | 7/8” | 1 / 2” |
| #7 | 3-3/4" x 6-3/4" | 1-1/8” X 4-1/2” | 7/8” | 1 / 2” |
| #7 3/4 | 3-7/8" x 7-1/2" | 1-1/8” X 4-1/2” | 7/8” | 1 / 2” |
| #8 5/8 | 3-5/8" x 8-5/8" | 1” X 4” | 1” | 3 / 4” |
| #9 | 3-7/8" x 8-7/8" | 1-1/8” X 4-1/2” | 7/8” | 1 / 2” |
| #10 | 4-1/8" x 9-1/2" | 1-1/8” X 4-1/2” | 7/8” | 1 / 2” |
| #11 | 4-1/2" x 10-3/8" | 1-1/8” X 4-1/2” | 7/8” | 1 / 2” |
| #12 | 4-3/4" x 11" | 1-1/8” X 4-1/2” | 7/8” | 1 / 2” |
| #14 | 5" x 11-1/2" | 1-1/8” X 4-1/2” | 7/8” | 1 / 2” |
- A standard window envelope is typically located 7/8” from the left edge and 1/2” from the bottom and a size of 1-1/8” x 4-1/2” with the flap oriented at the top. There are a few exceptions to this rule, and we have other items stocked that are variations to this standard.
DOUBLE WINDOW ENVELOPES:
- Traditionally #8-5/8, #9 and #10 sizes, There are a few other sizes that are sometimes available but much more rare. If you require a unique size or special window sizes please contact our customer service dept.
- There are really no “standard” locations on double window envelopes and will vary double window to double window envelope. Please see our the attached PDF template on the double window specification page.
CUSTOM WINDOW ENVELOPES:
- We have hundreds of window sizes that can be placed in any reasonable location. Custom manufacturing quantities start at 2500 envelopes. Click here for a free custom quote.
No, not really. However, quantity is always the driver of price. It is not very economical to have 500 envelopes custom made, however, they can be produced for as low as 2,500 envelopes. Rule of thumb, the higher the quantity, the lower the unit price. Machines can eat a lot of envelopes, especially on a custom size. The longer the machine can run with a custom size the better it does, thus lowering the per unit price.
- Yes! Many of the popular custom style envelopes offered are in-stock items, even specialty stocks such as Classic Crest or Cougar Opaque. If you don’t find your envelope here send us an e-mail. There are even unique envelope sizes and window configurations. Even if your item is custom we have literally thousands of dies available. Envelope request link: (https://customenvelope.com/request)
Yes, all envelopes offered are available with or without windows even though they are not shown on the website. Please email your request and we will respond back quickly with pricing and easy ordering instructions.
We would be happy to give you a free quote on large or small quantity orders. Send us a Custom Quote Request by using our simple form (click here) and we will e-mail you a quote within 24 hours, in most cases. You will find our pricing to be very competitive. Remember we do have minimum quantities levels of 500 or 1,000 envelopes.
Yes, we can fill orders as low as 500 plain envelopes in many cases, however, we try to establish a 1,000 minimum quantity. Contact us direct by phone or e-mail and we will process your order off-line.
- Yes! Printing does add another layer of complexity and we typically find that less than 500 envelopes are usually not feasible, however with our digital equipment we can produce just about any quantity you prefer. Send us a request!
MEASURING THE WINDOW:
- 4 step process
- 1) Always place the flap of the envelope at the top (regardless of the print position.
- 2) Start by measuring FROM THE LEFT edge of the envelope to where the window starts, this is your Left Measurement, ie., 7/8”L
- 3) Measure FROM THE BOTTOM of the envelope to the bottom edge of the window, this is your Bottom Measurement, ie., 1/2”B
- 4) Measure the height of the window and then the width of the window,ie., 1-1/8” x 4-1/2”, this is your window size.
The above specifications are for a standard window envelope expressed like this: 1-1/8” x 4-1/2” 7/8”L, ½”B
Take the top window and follow the measurements above steps - (following the rules of measuring "From the Left" and "From the Bottom".)
Take the bottom window - do the same as above.
Those are terms used within the envelope industry and are common sizes. Use our simple envelope chart above to see the common industry sizes and what the dimensions are for each size.
A standard window has three factors:
- the size of the window is 1-1/8” x 4-1/2”.
- the position of the window is located 7/8” from the left, and ½” from the bottom
- the material of the window which is known as a polystyrene film, or more commonly known as poly.
A horizontal window is one in which is longest length of the window is parallel with the flap.
A vertical window is one in which the longest length of the window is perpendicular with the flap opening and is parallel with the left or right side of the envelope.
- Jet Printing is a term used in the industry for printing on Converted envelopes. This is an offset process utilizing Inks rather than digital that typically uses a toner. Jet Printing is high speed offset process that is quite economical especially in larger quantities.
- This is a process not unlike your toner based printer and can provide excellent quality on multiple color or Process Printing. This is typically more economical on small runs as the run speed is a fraction of Jet Printing.
- A PMS color is known as a reference color on a color chart called Pantone Matching System. The correct trade name is Pantone Color and any reputable printer uses this method to be assured of matching “OFFSET” printing colors. Colors will vary with digital printing.
- This is the process of combining two or more colors to produce a variety of colors and shades on an envelope. Typically an offset press can produce either a single ink PMS color or a color build to approximate a PMS color. Digital printing will use Process Printing in nearly every case to approximate the desired PMS color.