When you hear A6, think postcards, small flyers, and invitations. It’s one of the most popular and versatile paper sizes out there, and for good reason. The standard A6 size is 10.5 cm x 14.8 cm, a compact dimension set by the ISO 216 international standard. This ensures that no matter where you print in the UK, the size remains consistent.
Getting the measurements right from the start is the key to a professional-looking print job. As part of the A-series of paper sizes, A6 is mathematically derived from A0, which means its proportions are perfectly balanced. This consistency is a lifesaver, preventing costly reprints and ensuring your finished product looks exactly how you envisioned it.
A6 Dimensions Quick Reference Table
To make things even easier, here’s a quick breakdown of A6 dimensions in different units. Whether you’re designing in millimetres, centimetres, or inches, this table has you covered.
| Unit | Width | Height |
|---|---|---|
| Millimetres | 105 mm | 148 mm |
| Centimetres | 10.5 cm | 14.8 cm |
| Inches | 4.1 in | 5.8 in |
Having these figures handy helps ensure your artwork is set up correctly from the very beginning, saving you time and hassle down the line.
Of course, a perfectly sized A6 print needs the right envelope to go with it. To learn more about the best fit, check out our handy guide on the size of a C6 envelope.
Visualizing A6 Paper in the ISO A-Series
To really get a feel for the A6 size, it helps to see where it sits in the bigger picture of the ISO A-series paper family. The whole system is brilliantly simple: each paper size is exactly half of the one before it. That means an A6 sheet is precisely half the size of an A5, which is half of an A4, and so on down the line.
This straightforward, scalable relationship makes it incredibly easy to visualise proportions and pick the perfect size for any project. For UK printers like us at The Print Warehouse Ltd, this standardisation is the secret to minimising waste and running an efficient press, which translates into better value for you. If you want to take a closer look at the next size up, check out our guide on A5 paper size.
The image below breaks down the A6 dimensions across the different measurement units you're likely to use.
Seeing it laid out like this really shows how a single, standard size works seamlessly across both the metric and imperial systems.
Popular Business Uses for A6 Printing
The A6 size (10.5 x 14.8 cm) is a real workhorse in the print marketing world, and for good reason. It’s compact, cost-effective, and incredibly versatile. Its pocket-friendly dimensions make it a fantastic choice for any materials designed to be handed directly to customers, turning a simple piece of paper into a tangible marketing tool that gets noticed.
You’ll see A6 prints everywhere in retail and hospitality. Think of those countertop flyers or small menus at your local café. Their size is just right for showcasing special offers, event details, or loyalty programme info without taking up precious space. They're also perfect for practical handouts like vouchers, appointment cards, or feedback forms.
High-Impact Direct Mail and Leaflets
When it comes to direct mail, A6 is a firm favourite. It's the standard format for promotional postcards, which are still a highly effective way to reach customers in their own homes. If you're looking to create your own eye-catching campaign, take a look at our options for custom A6 postcards.
A6 leaflets are also a staple for any kind of targeted distribution, whether it's door-to-door drops or in-store handouts. In fact, UK printing data shows that A6 formats account for roughly 28% of all flyer orders from small businesses, which really highlights their enduring popularity. This is partly because Royal Mail actually recommends A6 for door-to-door campaigns, as it's easier to handle and can even lead to lower postage costs compared to bigger formats.
How to Prepare Print-Ready A6 Artwork
Sending a design to print that isn't properly set up can lead to some really disappointing results, from blurry images to those annoying white borders you didn't ask for. To make sure your A6 prints look sharp and professional every time, there are three technical settings you need to get right: resolution, bleed, and safe margins. Think of them as the foundation for a flawless print job.
For any A6 project, the magic number for resolution is 300 DPI (dots per inch). This is the industry standard and guarantees your images and text will look crisp and clear, not pixelated. For an A6 page (10.5 cm x 14.8 cm), that works out to a file size of 1240 x 1748 pixels. Anything less, and you'll start to see a drop in quality.
Setting Up Bleed and Safe Margins
Next up is the bleed. This is a small 3mm border you add around each edge of your design, extending it beyond where the page will be trimmed. It's a crucial step that prevents any thin white slivers from appearing if the cutting machine shifts even slightly during production. If you want to dive deeper, we've got a whole guide explaining https://theprintwarehouse.uk/blog/bleed-in-printing.
Quick tip: When you add a 3mm bleed, your total A6 artwork file will actually be 11.1 cm x 15.4 cm. This extra bit is designed to be trimmed off, leaving you with a perfect edge-to-edge finish.
Just as important is the safe margin—an inner 3mm buffer zone inside the trim line. You should keep all your important text, logos, or key design elements away from this area. It’s your insurance policy against anything critical getting accidentally chopped off. It’s a small detail, but getting it right is key to success.
If you’re keen to expand your skills, learning how to design for print on demand can offer some great complementary insights into creating visuals for different products.
To make things even easier, here's a quick checklist of the essential settings for your A6 artwork.
A6 Artwork Specifications for Printing
| Specification | Recommended Setting | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 300 DPI (Dots Per Inch) | Guarantees your images and text will be sharp and clear, not pixelated or blurry. |
| Colour Mode | CMYK (not RGB) | This is the standard colour model for professional printing, ensuring your colours look accurate on paper. |
| Bleed | 3mm on all sides | Prevents unwanted white borders by extending the design beyond the final trim line. |
| Safe Margin | 3mm from all edges | Keeps critical text and logos from being accidentally cut off during the trimming process. |
Getting these four settings right from the start is the best way to ensure your final printed A6 flyers, leaflets, or postcards look exactly how you envisioned them. It saves time, avoids costly reprints, and delivers a truly professional result.
Choosing the Right Paper and Finishes for A6
The paper and finish you choose can make or break your A6 print. It's the difference between a throwaway flyer and a piece of marketing that someone actually wants to keep. It all starts with the paper's weight, measured in grams per square metre (gsm), which dictates how substantial it feels in your hand.
For instance, a hefty 350gsm stock gives postcards and appointment cards a premium, durable quality. On the other hand, if you're printing leaflets in bulk, a lighter 150gsm is a fantastic, wallet-friendly option that still gets the job done.
The finish then adds another layer of personality. A gloss finish makes colours practically jump off the page, perfect for eye-catching, photo-heavy designs. Silk offers a more subtle, sophisticated sheen with less glare, while an uncoated stock provides a natural, matte texture that's a dream to write on. To get a real feel for what's possible, it's always worth exploring the full range of available paper types and finishing options from a professional printer.
Specialty Stocks and Finishes
If you want your design to stand out from the crowd, don't stop at the standard choices. Specialty papers can give your A6 print a truly unique edge.
Here are a couple of popular picks:
- Recycled Paper: A brilliant choice for eco-conscious brands looking to show off their commitment to sustainability.
- Waterproof Stock: This durable, tear-resistant material is an absolute lifesaver for outdoor menus, event passes, or any signage that needs to brave the elements.
Making the right choice here ensures your A6 print not only looks fantastic but also feels completely aligned with your brand’s message. If you want to dive deeper into how different processes can bring your print to life, check out our guide to finishing in printing.
A6 Print FAQs
Got a few last-minute questions about A6? We've put together some quick answers to the most common queries we get, helping you get your print project sorted with confidence.
What Are the Right Pixel Dimensions for an A6 Image?
For a sharp, professional-looking print, your A6 artwork needs to be set up at 300 DPI (dots per inch). In pixels, that works out to be 1240 x 1748 px.
If you're designing something that prints right to the edge, remember to add a standard 3mm bleed. This means your total canvas size should be 1307 x 1819 pixels to guarantee a perfect, crisp finish with no white borders.
Which Envelope Size Do I Need for an A6 Card?
The perfect partner for an A6 card is a C6 envelope. A standard C6 measures 11.4 cm x 16.2 cm, which gives a snug and professional fit for your A6 print (at 10.5 cm x 14.8 cm) without it rattling around inside.
