How to Make Postcards Online

Designing a postcard allows you the chance to put your own personal touch on snail mail. There are websites that offer to sell pre-made postcards at a cost. However, there are other ways to get instant access to one. With a few tips, you'll learn how to make a postcards online.

Things You'll Need

• Computer Internet access Email Printer Paper

Instructions

1. Visit the Smilebox homepage to begin making a postcard. View the available tabs located at the top of the web page. In order to start working on a postcard, you'll need to click the "Design Types" tab. A few options for you to choose from include scrapbooks, slideshows, ecards, photo albums and postcards. There are numerous projects that can be accessed through this website, and it's free to use.

2. Click the "Postcards" link located at the top of the web page on the left. You'll have the chance to watch the little video on the page and learn how to put a postcard together. If you're ready to jump in, then click the purple "Click to Get Started" button on the left side of the page. A pop-up window will quickly appear and prompt you to save the Smilebox application onto your computer system. Select the "Save File" button to add the program to your computer. Launch it when you're ready to start working.

3. Read the "License Agreement" for the Smilebox application and click the "I Agree" button to continue with the setup. Within a few minutes, the application will be installed on your computer system. Click the "Sign In" button located at the top of the Smilebox application. When the pop-up window appears, choose the "Click Here to Create One" link and register for a brand new account. This is a required step if you'd like to send or print out your finished postcard. Enter the necessary information to create an account, such as your email address, your name and a new password. Press the "Create Account" button when you've finished entering all of your information.

4. Select the "Postcards" icon located at the very bottom of the page for the Smilebox application. Once you've done this, numerous templates will be displayed for you to browse through. Click the one you'd like to open and add personal details to. Choose the purple "Personalize" button in the pop-up window. The selected postcard will be immediately downloaded into your work area. Start adding images and text to the downloaded postcard by clicking onto the multiple areas that let you edit. Click the "Preview" button at the top of the page to view your finished project. Press the "Share, Print, or DVD" button to complete the process and choose to send your postcard by email, embed it on a website, make a DVD or print it.

5. Go to the BlueMountain website to start making a postcard online. Click the "Create & Print" link located at the top of the page. Under the "Projects" section at the bottom of the page, select the "More" link to access printable postcards. Once you've been directed to the next page, there will be three sections that contain postcards for you to work with. These areas include "Friendship," "Just Because" and "Thank You."

6. Click the "Postcards" link in each section to open a template to begin customizing. For the premium postcards, you'll need to register for a paid membership through BlueMountain. If you'd rather not pay for a membership, there are a few free postcards that you'll have access to. Look at the available postcard templates and select the one you'd like to add personal details to by clicking onto it.

7. View the instructions on the left side of the page that will tell you how to make and print the postcard. When you're ready, click the "Personalize and Print Your Project" button on top of the project. When the pop-up window appears, allow the American Greetings plug-in to be installed in your browser by clicking onto the ActiveX add-on. Change or add text to your postcard by clicking the "Text" button in the "Add" section. Type additional information into a selected area of the postcard and add shapes or photos to further customize it. Press the "Print Project" button at the top of the page when you're finished.

Tips & Warnings

• Always check your ink levels before printing your postcard on a personal printer.

Resources

• Smilebox
• BlueMountain