How to make an envelope from paper
- Pick a size: a standard envelope (A7, A2, C6, C5, DL, #10, square, mini), or Custom with the size of your card.
- Choose the top flap (straight, pointed or round) and whether to show glue areas and labels.
- Download and print at 100% on the paper the tool shows. If the envelope is too big for your paper, it switches to a larger sheet and tells you.
- Cut on the solid line and crease every dashed line with a ruler.
- Fold the two side flaps in, fold the bottom flap up and glue it to the side flaps on the shaded areas.
- Put the card in, fold the top flap down and seal it with glue, a sticker or a wax seal.
Which envelope fits my card?
| Card | Envelope | Envelope size | Print on |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mini / gift card | Mini | 65 × 95 mm | A4 or Letter |
| 4¼ × 5½ in (A2 card) | A2 | 4⅜ × 5¾ in | A4 or Letter |
| Square card up to 134 mm | Square | 140 × 140 mm | A4 or Letter |
| A6 (105 × 148 mm), A4 folded in four | C6 | 114 × 162 mm | A4 or Letter (landscape) |
| A4 folded in three | DL | 110 × 220 mm | A4 (landscape) |
| 4½ × 6¼ in | A6 | 4¾ × 6½ in | A3 or Tabloid |
| 5 × 7 in | A7 | 5¼ × 7¼ in | A3 or Tabloid |
| Letter folded in three | #10 | 4⅛ × 9½ in | Legal (landscape), A3 |
| A5, A4 folded in half | C5 | 162 × 229 mm | A3 or Tabloid |
The flaps add a lot to the flat size: an A7 envelope unfolds to about 23 × 23 cm, which is why it needs bigger paper. A copy shop can print A3 or tabloid for you, or you can choose a smaller envelope.
Custom envelope size
Choose Custom and type either the size of your card (the tool adds 3 mm of room on every side so it slides in easily) or the finished envelope size. Both millimetres and inches work. Thick cards or cards with embellishments may need 2–3 mm more.
Paper and finishing tips
- Paper weight: 90–120 g/m² (24–32 lb) folds cleanly. Heavier card cracks at the folds unless it is scored first.
- Patterned paper: print the template on the back (the inside) of scrapbook paper or wrapping paper, so the lines end up hidden.
- Glue: a glue stick or double-sided tape keeps the paper flat; liquid glue can wrinkle it.
- Posting: postal services have minimum sizes and charge more for square or rigid envelopes. Check your local rules before mailing a handmade envelope.
Frequently asked questions
How do I make an envelope for my card?
Choose Custom, select “The size of my card” and type its width and height. The tool adds 3 mm of room on every side, draws the envelope and picks paper big enough to print it on.
What size envelope fits a 5 × 7 card?
An A7 envelope, 5¼ × 7¼ inches. For A6 cards (105 × 148 mm) use C6 (114 × 162 mm); for A5 use C5; for A4 folded in three use DL.
Why does it need bigger paper?
The flaps add a lot to the size: an A7 envelope needs a sheet about 23 × 23 cm, so it’s printed on A3 or tabloid. Small envelopes fit A4 or Letter. The tool tells you which paper to use.
How do I fold it?
Cut on the solid line. Fold the two side flaps in, fold the bottom flap up and glue it to the side flaps on the shaded areas, put your card in, then fold the top flap down and seal it.
What paper works best?
Text or writing paper around 100–120 g/m², or patterned scrapbook paper. Print the template on the back (inside) of patterned paper.
Last updated 2026-10-19.