How to Print a 5x7 Card at Home (Step by Step)

Printing your own greeting cards is easy once you know a few tricks. You don't need a fancy printer; most home inkjets do a lovely job on the right paper. Here's the whole process from download to envelope.

What you need

• Cardstock: 80-110 lb cover (about 216-300 gsm), matte white or soft cream. Check your printer's maximum paper weight; many home printers top out around 80-110 lb.
• A printer: inkjet gives the richest watercolor tones; laser works too.
• A ruler and a craft knife or paper trimmer, plus a bone folder or the back of a butter knife for scoring.
• A7 envelopes (5.25 x 7.25 in), the standard size for a 5x7 card.

Step 1: Do a test print

Print one page on plain paper first. It costs almost nothing and confirms the colors, orientation and margins before you use good cardstock.

Step 2: Use the right settings

• Paper size: US Letter (8.5 x 11 in).
• Scale: 100% / Actual size. Do not choose "Fit to page", which shrinks the card.
• Paper type: matte or cardstock (this tells the printer to use more ink and feed slowly).
• Quality: Best or High.

Step 3: Feed cardstock one sheet at a time

Thick paper jams when stacked. Use the rear or manual feed tray if your printer has one, and let each sheet dry for a minute before handling.

Step 4: Trim

Our PDFs place two 5x7 cards on one letter page with trim marks. Line the ruler up with the marks and cut with firm, steady strokes, or use a paper trimmer for perfect edges.

Step 5: Write and send

Our cards are flat 5x7 cards, so write your message on the back, or print the design on one sheet and glue it to a folded piece of colored cardstock for a classic folded card. If you do fold paper, score first: draw a blunt knife along a ruler on the fold line, then fold toward the score for a crisp edge.

Troubleshooting

• Colors look dull: switch paper type to matte photo and quality to Best.
• Streaks or banding: run your printer's nozzle-clean utility.
• Paper won't feed: use a lighter cardstock (65-80 lb) or ask a local print shop; most will print a PDF on cardstock for a small fee.

Cards to try it with

Ready to print? Browse all printable Christmas cards or grab something quick from last-minute cards.

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