Why settle for generic envelopes when you can make your own custom creations? From festive holiday cards to professional business mail, the possibilities are endless when you take the reins and make your own envelopes.
With the power of Microsoft Word, you can design envelopes that perfectly match your style and needs, without breaking the bank. And for those pressed for time, a wealth of free envelope templates are available online, ready for you to personalize and print. So, why settle for ordinary when you can make your envelopes extraordinary?
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Envelope Templates
Envelope templates are versatile and practical tools that simplify the process of creating professional and visually appealing envelopes. These templates come in various designs and formats, catering to a wide range of personal and business needs. By using an envelope template, individuals and organizations can effortlessly produce custom envelopes that are consistent with their brand identity or personal style.
One of the key advantages of envelope templates is their convenience. They eliminate the need to measure and manually draw guidelines for envelope dimensions, ensuring accuracy and saving valuable time. These templates typically feature pre-determined layouts and measurements for different envelope sizes, such as standard business envelopes, invitation envelopes, or specialized mailing envelopes. This ensures that the envelopes created using these templates are compatible with postal regulations and can easily accommodate various types of content, such as letters, documents, or cards.
What is an Envelope?
An envelope is a container used to hold a flat object, such as a letter or card, for mailing. It is made of paper or a similar material and is usually sealed by folding and adhering the edges. Envelopes come in various sizes and styles, designed to meet different needs, from personal to business correspondence.
The most basic type of envelope is rectangular and has an open end, which is where the flat item is inserted. The envelope then has a flap, typically triangular, that folds over the open end and is sealed either with adhesive or by moistening the edges and pressing them together. Some envelopes may have additional features, such as a transparent window for displaying the recipient’s address, or a peel-and-stick adhesive for easy sealing.
Envelopes can be made from a variety of materials, including paper, vellum, and plastic. The choice of material often depends on the purpose of the envelope, such as whether it is for personal use or business correspondence, and whether it needs to be waterproof or provide additional security.
Overall, envelopes play an important role in sending mail, providing a secure and protective container for the contents and serving as the first point of contact for the recipient.
Different Types of Envelope
There are several different types of envelopes, each with unique features and uses:
Regular Envelopes: Also known as letter envelopes, these are the most common type of envelopes and are used for standard letters and personal correspondence.
Business Envelopes: These are typically white or manila in color and are used for business correspondence, such as invoices and promotional materials.
Window Envelopes: These envelopes have a transparent plastic window that allows the recipient’s address to show through, reducing the need for addressing the envelope.
Security Envelopes: These envelopes have special features such as a tamper-evident seal or a metallic lining to provide added security for confidential or sensitive documents.
Invitation Envelopes: These envelopes are larger and decorative, used for special events like weddings, birthdays, and parties.
Peel-and-Seal Envelopes: These envelopes have an adhesive strip that can be easily peeled off and sealed without the need for moistening the edges.
Bubble Mailers: These envelopes have a layer of bubble wrap lining to protect delicate items, such as CDs, DVDs, and small gifts, during shipping.
Tyvek Envelopes: Made from a synthetic material, these envelopes are tear-resistant and waterproof, making them ideal for shipping items that need extra protection.
Each type of envelope serves a specific purpose, so it’s important to choose the right envelope for the task at hand to ensure that your mail arrives safely and securely.
Envelopes types by size
A2 Envelope
The A2 envelope is a medium-sized envelope, commonly used for greeting cards and invitations. It measures 4.375 inches by 5.75 inches and is rectangular in shape. This envelope size is popular for sending cards for birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions. It’s important to choose the right size envelope for your cards and invitations, as a too-small envelope can make your cards appear cramped, while a too-large envelope can make them look lost. The A2 envelope is a versatile size that is well-suited for a wide range of cards and invitations.
A6 Envelope
The A6 envelope is a small-sized envelope, measuring approximately 4.5 inches by 6.5 inches, commonly used for personal or informal correspondence, greeting cards, invitations, and other small items. It is commonly made of paper or card stock and may have a peel and seal or gummed flap for closure.
A7 Envelope
The A7 envelope is a medium-sized envelope, measuring approximately 5 1/4 inches by 7 1/4 inches, and is often used for announcements, invitations, and greeting cards. It is typically made of paper or card stock and has a flap for closure, which can be either gummed or have a peel and seal.
A8 Envelope
A8 is a size designation for an envelope, specifically it measures 5.375 inches by 8.375 inches. It is commonly used for invitations, greeting cards, and announcements.
A9 Envelope
A9 is a size designation for an envelope, specifically it measures 5.75 inches by 8.75 inches. It is commonly used for mailing invitations, announcements, or greeting cards that are slightly larger than the A8 size.
A10 Envelope
A10 is a size designation for an envelope, specifically it measures 6.125 inches by 9.5 inches. It is commonly used for mailing invitations, announcements, or greeting cards that are slightly larger than the A9 size.
How to Make an Envelope
Making an envelope is a simple process that can be done with just a few supplies. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Cut a piece of paper to the desired size, adding an extra inch to both the length and width.
- Fold the paper in half, crease it, and then unfold it.
- Cut along the crease line, making two halves.
- On one half, fold up the bottom edge to create a flap.
- On the other half, apply a strip of adhesive tape, glue or lickable glue to the top and bottom edges, covering the flap.
- Fold the other half over the first half, so the flap with adhesive sticks to the other half to create a sealed envelope.
Optional: For a more professional look, you can also make triangular cuts in the corners of the flap and fold the resulting triangular flaps inwards to create a pointed flap.
- Now you have a basic envelope that can be used to mail letters, cards, or other small items.
How To Create an Envelope in Microsoft Word
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to create an envelope in Microsoft Word:
- Open Microsoft Word and click on the “Mailings” tab in the ribbon.
- In the “Mailings” tab, click on the “Envelopes” button.
- In the “Envelopes and Labels” dialog box, enter the recipient and return addresses in the respective fields.
- Under the “Delivery address” section, you can choose to print the recipient address directly on the envelope or you can type it in the text box.
- In the “Envelope Options” section, select the size and style of the envelope you want to use.
- In the “Feed Method” section, select whether you want to use the manual or automatic feed.
- Click the “Print” button to print the envelope.
FAQs
What is an envelope used for?
An envelope is a paper container used to hold and send letters, cards, and other small items through the mail.
What are the standard sizes of envelopes?
The standard envelope sizes are: #10 (4.125 x 9.5 inches), A2 (4.375 x 5.75 inches), A6 (4.75 x 6.5 inches), A7 (5 x 7 inches), A8 (5.375 x 8.375 inches), A9 (5.75 x 8.75 inches), and A10 (6.125 x 9.5 inches).
What materials are envelopes made of?
Envelopes can be made of paper, plastic, or a combination of both.
How do you make an envelope seal?
An envelope seal is typically made by using adhesive tape, glue, or lickable glue on the flap of the envelope. The flap is then folded over the main body of the envelope and pressed down to create a secure seal.
Can you recycle envelopes?
Yes, envelopes can be recycled. However, envelopes with plastic windows or lined with foil cannot be recycled.
How do you address an envelope?
To address an envelope, write the recipient’s name and address in the center of the envelope, and your name and address in the top left corner. If the envelope is being sent via mail, a stamp should be placed in the top right corner.
What is an envelope flap?
An envelope flap is a folded over piece of paper that covers the opening of the envelope and serves as a closure.
What is the difference between a window envelope and a regular envelope?
A window envelope has a clear plastic window that allows the recipient’s address to show through, while a regular envelope does not have this feature.
What is an envelope liner?
An envelope liner is a piece of paper or decorative material that is placed inside an envelope, lining the interior of the envelope. It can add an extra touch of elegance and style to the envelope.
How do you measure an envelope?
To measure an envelope, first determine the length and then the width. Length is measured from the bottom of the flap to the bottom of the envelope, while width is measured from side to side.
What is a clutch envelope?
A clutch envelope is a type of envelope that does not have any adhesive and is typically held closed with a metal clasp, a string, or a ribbon.
What is an invitation envelope?
An invitation envelope is a type of envelope specifically designed for sending invitations, announcements, or other special correspondence. They are typically larger in size and made of high-quality paper.
