Informed Delivery Image Requirements & Design Guide
Exact specifications for both the Representative Image and Ride-Along Image required for a USPS Informed Delivery interactive campaign—plus design tips for maximum engagement.
The Two Image Types
An Informed Delivery interactive campaign requires two distinct digital images—each with a specific purpose and set of technical requirements. Catdi Printing can prepare both from your existing artwork or help create new creative from scratch.
Representative Image
A full-color digital version of your mailpiece that replaces the standard grayscale USPS scan in the Daily Digest email. This is what subscribers see when they check what's coming in the mail.
Ride-Along Image
A clickable banner ad displayed below the Representative Image in the Daily Digest email. This is your call-to-action: subscribers can tap it to visit your website, landing page, or promotional offer.
Representative Image Specifications
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| File format | JPEG or PNG |
| Maximum file size | 2 MB |
| Minimum width | 300 pixels |
| Maximum width | 500 pixels |
| Recommended aspect ratio | 3:2 (matches standard letter-size mail) |
| Color mode | RGB (full color) |
| Resolution | 72–150 DPI for digital display |
| Background | Should reflect actual mailpiece front |
| USPS logo / indicia | Do not include in Representative Image |
Important: The Representative Image must accurately represent the physical mailpiece being sent. USPS may reject campaigns where the digital image does not match the actual mail piece design.
Ride-Along Image Specifications
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| File format | JPEG or PNG |
| Maximum file size | 2 MB |
| Recommended dimensions | 300 × 200 pixels (landscape) |
| Minimum width | 200 pixels |
| Maximum width | 500 pixels |
| Color mode | RGB |
| Must include | Clear call-to-action (e.g., 'Shop Now,' 'Claim Offer') |
| Must include | Destination URL submitted separately in portal |
| Prohibited content | Sexually explicit, violent, or misleading content |
Design Best Practices
Keep text large and readable
Subscribers will likely view the Daily Digest on a mobile phone. Text below 14px may not be legible. Use bold, high-contrast type and limit body copy—let the visual and headline do the work.
Lead with your offer
Your ride-along image has a 300×200px canvas. Use it to communicate one clear offer or message, not everything about your business. Examples: '15% Off – This Week Only' or 'Free Estimate – Call Today.'
Match your mailpiece branding
The Representative Image should mirror your physical mailpiece colors, logo, and design. Consistency between the digital preview and the physical piece reinforces brand recognition.
Use a strong call-to-action
Your ride-along image needs a visible CTA button or text. 'Claim Offer,' 'Shop Now,' 'Get a Free Quote,' and 'Learn More' all outperform no CTA. Make it stand out in a contrasting color.
Include your brand name prominently
Subscribers see multiple mail images in each Daily Digest. Make sure your brand name or logo is immediately visible in both the Representative Image and the ride-along to build recognition across multiple mailpieces.
Test different creative
Informed Delivery analytics let you measure click-through rate by campaign. Use A/B testing across different drops to find which creative, offers, and CTAs perform best with your specific audience.
Common Reasons for Campaign Rejection
- Representative Image does not match the physical mailpiece design
- File size exceeds the 2MB limit
- Image contains prohibited content or misleading claims
- Destination URL does not load or redirects to an unrelated page
- Campaign submitted fewer than 7 business days before mail drop
- Image contains official USPS logos, eagle insignia, or trademarked elements
- Ride-along image lacks a clear call-to-action
Avoid All These Issues with Catdi Printing
Catdi Printing reviews every campaign asset before submission to USPS. We catch compliance issues before they cause rejection and ensure your campaign is live in time for your mail drop.
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