Print at a Printshop

How to Professionally Print Your Christmas Cards at a Printshop (Vistaprint, Local Print Shops & More)

Printing your Christmas cards at home is beautiful and cozy — but sometimes you want an extra polished, professional finish. Whether you’re preparing cards for clients, colleagues, friends or a large family gathering, using a printshop can give your cards that boutique,

high-quality look without stress or extra setup.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to print your Christmas cards professionally through Vistaprint, a local printshop, or any online printing service — using the same printable files included with all By C Studio® holiday cards.

Why Choose a Professional Printer?

Professional printing gives you:

• crisp, saturated colours

• perfectly sharp illustrations

• strong, premium paper

• clean trims and folds

• consistent results, even in large quantities

It’s ideal if you want your cards to look like they came from a high-end stationery boutique.

Step 1: Choose the Right File Format

Most printshops prefer PDFs with bleed and trim marks, which is why all my printable Christmas cards include these.

Use:

• PDF (print-ready) → for professional printshops

• JPEG → only for home printing or simple services

PDFs ensure your colours, layout and sizing stay exactly as intended.

Step 2: Select the Right Paper Stock

This is where professional printing shines.

Recommended:

• 300–350 gsm cardstock

• matte or satin finish

• uncoated or soft-touch matte

• pulp or textured paper for a cozy feel

Avoid:

• glossy photo paper (too shiny for illustrations)

• ultra-thin cardstock

For my soft winter palettes and cozy illustrations — especially those inspired by my Maine Coon Charlie Bubbles — matte paper always looks best.

Step 3: Uploading Your Files

On Vistaprint or similar websites:

1. Choose “Folded Cards”

2. Select the size (A6 or 5×7)

3. Upload your PDF with bleed

4. Double-check the preview

5. Make sure trim lines align correctly

6. Verify the inside is blank if you want to write by hand

Professional printers trim using your bleed lines, so the card prints edge-to-edge without white borders.

Step 4: Choosing Finishes & Extras

If you want a luxe look:

• Soft-touch coating → velvety and high-end

• Uncoated paper → for a handmade feel

• Rounded corners → modern and elegant

If you prefer to personalize the inside:

• Choose blank interior

• Use uncoated paper so pens don’t smudge

Step 5: Order a Small Test Batch

Before ordering 50 or 100 cards, begin with:

• a sample set

• or a small pack of 10

This lets you verify:

• colour accuracy

• paper texture

• trim alignment

• fold quality

Once it’s perfect, order your full batch.

When Professional Printing is Worth It

• sending business holiday cards

• teacher thank-you cards

• family Christmas photos

• high-volume printing (30–200 cards)

• cards meant for display or gifting

Printable Christmas cards from By C Studio® are fully compatible with Vistaprint and local printshops — you just upload and print.

Final Thoughts

Professional printing gives your Christmas cards:

• a polished finish

• strong colours

• lovely texture

• perfect folds

Whether you use Vistaprint, a local shop, or a specialty print service, your printable card

becomes a beautiful, high-quality holiday greeting ready to share.

Happy printing — and happy holidays! ✨

See the Charlie Bubbles Christmas Card Collection in my Etsy shop