Envelope Guide
Anatomy of an Envelope Outlined below is a basic envelope design showing the main concepts considered within most envelope specifications. Index - Envelope Flap
- Envelope Face
- Window Aperture
- Gum Line
- Opaque
- Shoulders
- Throat
- Seams
- Envelope Reverse
| Front 
| Back 
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Types of Envelope
Envelopes are generally categorised into two generic styles: either as wallets or pockets; however, there are several variations to the norm.  |  |  |  | Wallet
Generic envelope style with opening flap postioned on the long edge | Pocket
Generic envelope style with opening flap postioned on the short edge
| Mailer (Trapezoidal Wallet)
Wallet envelope with a trapezium shaped flap on the long edge, designed for machine insertion. | Banker
Wallet envelope with a diamond shaped flap on the long edge.
|  |  |  |  | Board Backed
Usually a pocket style envelope with a cardboard back structure, offering protection to its contents. | Gusset
Usually a pocket style envelope with expandable sides and bottom seams to accommodate bulky contents.
| Bangtail
Wallet envelope made with a perforated flap extending from the throat, which can be torn off as a reply form and inserted into the envelope for return.
| Square
Wallet or pocket envelope where all four sides are of equal length.
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Types of Seal Closure
 |  |  |  | Gummed
The flap has a strip of PVA (polyvinyl acetate) gum, which when moistened and folded down provides a permanent seal.
| Peel & Seal
A man-made seal applied to the flap, protected by a wax strip to keep the gum inactive. Once the strip is removed and the flap folded, it provides a strong seal.
| Flaps-Up Self Seal
Latex is applied in two areas, one strip on the flap and the other below the throat. When the flap is folded the two areas of latex join together creating a quick and easy seal. | Flaps-Down Self Seal
Similar concept to flaps-up self seal, but the latex found below the throat is now applied to an extended flap. To seal, simply raise the extended flap and fold down the main envelope flap. |
Measuring an Envelope
Before measuring an envelope it is essential that you have your envelope in the appropriate position with the flap at the top. This will ensure that the correct measurements are recorded at point of order, so you receive the exact envelope specification you need upon delivery. Envelope Size
In millimetres, measure the depth of your envelope from the bottom (foot) up to the crease of the flap, then followed by its width. Not only will this process identify the size of your envelope, but also indicate whether the envelope style you require is a “wallet” (110mm x 220mm) or “pocket” (220mm x 110mm). |  | Window Size & Position
To determine the size and position of your window aperture make the following measurements in millimetres: Measure the depth of your window Measure the width of your window Measure the window position from the left hand side Measure the window position from the bottom
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