How to print invitations: size, aspect ratio and PDF

Pixel dimensions alone do not determine the size on paper. Use the calculator with your downloaded file’s dimensions and check the PDF preview before printing.

Estimate print size and image resolution

Find the exported file’s width and height in pixels in its properties. The starting values are an example, not a guaranteed size for every design.

Estimate

Size with the original aspect ratio
10 × 17.78 cm (3.94 × 7 in)
Effective PPI
274.32 PPI
Pixels to plan for 300 PPI
1182 × 2100 px

Estimated design size in the current A4 PDF: 7.51 × 13.35 cm (2.96 × 5.26 in)

Estimates, not a print-quality guarantee. The PDF preserves aspect ratio; crop marks do not add bleed. Check the file and print a proof.

From the editor to paper

  1. Choose a design and finish the names, date and other editable fields.

  2. Open the download options and check file access. The PDF option offers one, two or four designs on A4, with optional crop marks.

  3. Print a test at 100% / actual size. Check measurements, readability and colors before printing the full batch.

Continue with your invitation

Choose a design

Designs by occasion

Aspect ratio: avoid stretching the design

Aspect ratio is the relationship between width and height. A 1080 × 1920 pixel image has a 9:16 ratio. At a width of 10 cm (about 3.94 inches), it will be about 17.78 cm (7 inches) tall without distortion.

The image size inside the PDF depends on the design’s proportions and the margins. One, two or four designs describes the A4 sheet layout, not a fixed invitation size. A4 is 210 × 297 mm, not US Letter.

Pixels, PPI and sharpness

PPI describes how many image pixels occupy one inch of paper. This calculator uses 300 PPI as a planning reference, without promising that an exported file has that resolution or a particular print quality.

Enlarging an image reduces its effective PPI. A PDF export does not turn a raster image into vector artwork or recover missing detail. Ask your printer for the required dimensions and resolution, and order a proof when appropriate.

Crop marks are not bleed

Crop marks indicate where to trim. Bleed is extra artwork beyond the trim edge; enabling crop marks does not create that extra artwork.

The editor’s PDF uses A4 and keeps the design’s proportions. If your printer needs bleed, CMYK or another page size, confirm those requirements before ordering. We do not assume every exported file meets a printer’s specifications.

Practical questions

Will the invitation always print at 5 × 7 inches?

No. The editor fits the design on A4 according to the chosen layout and its aspect ratio. The actual size depends on the design and margins, including any crop marks.

Which file should I send to a printer?

For an A4 sheet, check the PDF option in the editor. For an image file, use the format available in your download workflow and confirm the printer’s requirements. File access and download conditions are shown in the editor.

Why is my printed size different?

Your viewer or printer may use “fit to page”. Compare a test at 100% / actual size and account for the printer’s non-printable margins. A4 and US Letter also have different dimensions.

More tools

Invitation wording: customize and copy your message

Build invitation wording for birthdays, weddings, baby showers and graduations. Customize a sample and copy it into your invitation’s editable text fields.

Invitations with RSVP: share an event confirmation link

Learn how to create an event from an edited invitation, review RSVP settings and send a published event link for guests to respond.