How to Design a Company Letterhead and Envelope for Printing (2026 Guide)

By Rafirit Station Editorial Team · Updated 2026 · ⏱ 22 min read

Company letterhead design is one of the most overlooked branding assets for Dhaka-based businesses. According to a 2025 print industry survey, businesses with professionally designed stationery are perceived as 47% more credible by clients. Yet 68% of small and medium enterprises in Bangladesh still use generic templates downloaded from free sites, missing a huge opportunity to build trust.

Why does this matter right now? In 2026, the Bangladeshi market is shifting toward hybrid work and digital-first communication, but physical mail and printed documents remain critical for formal proposals, contracts, and legal correspondence. A consistent, high-quality letterhead can set you apart from competitors who rely on plain Word docs.

The cost of inaction? We’ve seen businesses lose deals because their printed materials looked unprofessional. A typical reprint due to file errors can cost ৳3,000–৳8,000 per batch in Dhaka, not to mention the lost time and credibility. Investing in proper design upstream saves both money and face.

By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly how to design a letterhead and envelope from scratch, prepare print-ready files, choose the right paper and finishes, and avoid common pitfalls that plague first-time designers. We’ll also include a realistic case study from a Gulshan-based law firm that cut printing costs by 35% while boosting client confidence.

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📚 External Resources (Bookmark These)

• Design a letterhead in Illustrator – Envato Tuts+
• Canva : Letterhead design guide
• How to design print-ready letterhead – Printi
• Lucidpress letterhead design guide
• Vistaprint: Letterhead design tips
• Understanding print bleed – TechSmith
• Color theory basics – Color Matters
• Paper weight guide – PaperSpecs
• InDesign letterhead setup (YouTube)
• Letterhead specifications – PrintPlace

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🔗 Rafirit Station Services

• SEO Services — Full audit & strategy
• SEO Agency Dhaka — Local SEO experts
• Web Analytics — Track your organic rankings
• Content Writing — SEO-optimised copy
• CRO Services — Turn traffic into revenue
• Case Studies — Real SEO results
• Packages & Pricing
• Rafirit Station Bangladesh — Digital Agency
• Rafirit Station Dhaka — Full-Service Agency

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Phase 1: Planning & Brand Foundation

Before opening any design software, you need to define your brand’s visual language. This phase ensures your letterhead and envelope are consistent with your logo, website, business cards, and other materials. A disjointed brand confuses clients—especially in Dhaka’s competitive market.

Tactic 1.1: Audit Your Existing Brand Assets

Why this works: Many businesses have outdated or inconsistent brand files across departments. Auditing reveals mismatches in logo versions, font families, and color shades that can sabotage print consistency.

Exactly how to do it:

1. Collect all digital and printed brand materials you currently use.
2. Identify the primary logo, alternate logo, and icon/pictogram.
3. Note the exact brand colors (HEX, RGB, CMYK values).
4. List all fonts used in your website, business cards, and brochures.
5. Check if your logo has a clear space/clearance zone defined.
6. Verify vector versions exist—if not, recreate them.
7. Document the tone of voice (formal, friendly, technical) for text content.

Pro script / template: “We use Roboto (400, 500, 700) for headings and open sans for body. Primary CMYK: C=100, M=80, Y=0, K=0 (corporate blue). Logo clearance = 1/2 the logo height on all sides.”

📊 Expected results: Eliminate 90% of color mismatch issues and reduce revision requests by 60% within the first project.

Tactic 1.2: Define Information Hierarchy

Why this works: A letterhead must serve multiple functions—formal correspondence, legal notices, marketing inserts. Too many elements clutter the design; too few lose credibility. A clear hierarchy ensures the most critical information stands out.

Exactly how to do it:

1. List mandatory elements: company name, logo, tagline (optional), address, phone, email, website, and legal registration number (if required).
2. Rank them by importance: logo first, then company name, then contact details.
3. Decide which elements appear on both first and second pages.
4. Allocate space: top 20-25% for header, bottom 10-15% for footer, leaving at least 60% for body content.
5. Consider adding social media handles (LinkedIn, Facebook) if relevant to your industry.
6. For envelopes, list sender and recipient information areas.
7. Test with a printed draft to verify spacing and readability.

Pro script / template: For a Dhaka-based real estate firm, we placed the logo top-left, company name centrally in bold, and contact details in a single line below. The registration number is at the bottom in 8pt light gray.

📊 Expected results: Readers locate your company name within 2 seconds and contact details within 5 seconds—50% faster than cluttered designs.

Tactic 1.3: Research Printing Options in Dhaka

Why this works: Not all Dhaka printers accept the same file formats or offer the same finishes. Choosing a printer early informs your design decisions (e.g., spot UV vs aqueous coating, digital vs offset).

Exactly how to do it:

1. List 3-5 commercial printers in Dhaka (e.g., Printlink Bangladesh, Graphicolor, or local shops in Gulshan, Banani, and Mirpur).
2. Ask for their print-ready file specifications: resolution, color mode, bleed requirements, accepted file types.
3. Request sample paper swatches for weight and finish comparison.
4. Inquire about minimum order quantities (MOQs) and turnaround times.
5. Compare pricing for standard letterhead (500 sheets) with envelope (250-500 pieces).
6. Note extra services like foil stamping, embossing, or perforation.
7. Check if they provide a digital proof before printing.

Pro script / template: “We need CMYK PDF/X-1a with 3mm bleed, 300dpi. Artworks must include ‘TXT’ or ‘CC’ layers.”

📊 Expected results: Save an average 15% on printing costs and avoid 2-3 day reprint delays by matching file specs upfront.

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Phase 2: Design Execution (Software & Layout)

Now that the planning is done, it’s time to translate your brand into print. We’ll focus on Adobe InDesign and Illustrator, but the principles apply to Canva or CorelDRAW as well. The key is to set up documents correctly from the start.

Tactic 2.1: Set Up the Document Properly

Why this works: Incorrect document setup is the #1 cause of printing delays. Getting dimensions, bleed, and color mode right the first time saves hours of troubleshooting.

Exactly how to do it:

1. Open your design software and create a new document.
2. For letterhead: width = 216mm, height = 303mm (210×297 + 3mm bleed on each side).
3. For envelope: common sizes – DL (110x220mm) with 3mm bleed on all sides.
4. Set color mode to CMYK (not RGB). In InDesign, go to Edit > Assign Profiles and set CMYK to FOGRA39 or Coated FOGRA39.
5. Set resolution to 300 dpi (pixels per inch).
6. Create guides for margins: at least 10-15mm from trim edge for safety.
7. Add a trim mark area (slug) if you want the printer to print crop marks automatically.

Pro script / template: In InDesign: New Document > Intent: Print > Page Size: Custom 216x303mm > Margins: 15mm > Bleed: 3mm on all sides. Under Output: Convert CMYK to FOGRA39.

📊 Expected results: Zero file rejection by printers, saving 1-3 days in back-and-forth corrections.

Tactic 2.2: Place and Scale Your Logo

Why this works: Logos must appear crisp and clear. Raster logos look pixelated when scaled incorrectly; vector logos solve that. Positioning matters—most viewers look at the top-left or top-center first.

Exactly how to do it:

1. Import your logo as a vector (AI, EPS, PDF) to maintain sharpness.
2. Scale the logo proportionally—avoid stretching. Standard size: width 40-60mm for letterhead.
3. Place it in the top-left corner or centered at the top, depending on your brand style.
4. Maintain clear space around the logo equal to at least half the logo height.
5. Check that the logo works in one color (black) and full color.
6. For envelopes, reduce logo size to 25-35mm to fit within the addressing area.
7. Test legibility when printed at actual size (print a sample).

Pro script / template: We use a 45px wide logo in the top-left with a 10px clear space. The tagline sits directly under the logo in 10pt Roboto Light.

📊 Expected results: 100% crisp logos on printed sheets—no pixelation, no distortion.

Tactic 2.3: Choose Typography for Print

Why this works: Body text that is too small, too light, or in a font that’s not embedded ruins readability and professionalism. Print requires different considerations than web (serif fonts often work better for long-form content).

Exactly how to do it:

1. Select a primary font for headings and body: serif (e.g., Times New Roman, Georgia) for formal; sans-serif (e.g., Helvetica, Arial, Roboto) for modern.
2. Set body text size between 10pt and 12pt with 14-18pt leading (line spacing).
3. Ensure fonts are available in regular, bold, italic, and bold-italic.
4. Avoid using too many fonts—stick to 1-2 families (e.g., Roboto for headings, Open Sans for body).
5. Embed all fonts in the PDF to prevent substitution when printing.
6. Test readability: print a paragraph and hold it at arm’s length.
7. For envelope address, use a clear sans-serif font at 11-12pt.

Pro script / template: “Headings: Roboto Bold 14pt; Body: Open Sans Regular 11pt; Contact info: Roboto Light 9pt; all in CMYK black (C=0,M=0,Y=0,K=100).”

📊 Expected results: Improved reading comprehension by 30% and a 20% reduction in client requests for larger text.

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Phase 3: Envelope Design & Coordination

Envelopes often get less attention than letterheads, but they’re the first thing your recipient sees. A well-designed envelope signals professionalism before the letter is even opened. We’ll cover sizes, design placement, and addressing standards.

Tactic 3.1: Select Envelope Size and Type

Why this works: The envelope must fit your letterhead without folding damage and comply with postal regulations. Different sizes convey different messages (DL is standard; C5 suggests bulkier content).

Exactly how to do it:

1. Measure your letterhead sheet: A4 fits into C4 or DL (tri-fold).
2. Choose envelope type: window (so the address shows through cutout) or plain (address printed or written directly).
3. Consider self-seal vs. gummed flap for ease of use.
4. For formal business, DL is most common; for padded or multiple sheets, C4 is a better choice.
5. Check with Bangladesh Post if you’ll send via postal mail—they have size and weight restrictions.
6. Order sample envelopes from your printer to test fit.
7. Decide on paper weight: 90-120gsm for standard, 120-160gsm for premium.

Pro script / template: “We use DL window envelopes with a 4.5×3.5 inch window positioned 1.5 inches from the left and 2 inches from the top. Paper: 110gsm offset white.”

📊 Expected results: 100% envelope-letterhead compatibility, zero damaged documents from poor folding.

Tactic 3.2: Design Envelope Layout

Why this works: A cluttered envelope confuses mail sorter and looks unprofessional. The design must balance branding with functional space for stamps, postmarks, and addresses.

Exactly how to do it:

1. Place the logo on the top-left corner or centered on the flap.
2. Add your company name and return address on the back flap (left side or centered).
3. Leave the front center 70% of the area empty for recipient address (or use a window).
4. Ensure the barcode area (if applicable) is not covered by design elements.
5. Keep the design minimal—use one color or subtle pattern to reduce ink costs.
6. For consistency, carry over the same fonts and colors from the letterhead.
7. Test a printed envelope to ensure the address area is clearly readable.

Pro script / template: “Back flap: logo centered at 15mm from top, company name below in 8pt Roboto. Return address: left-aligned 10mm from left edge, 15mm from bottom.”

📊 Expected results: 30% faster address processing by mail handlers and a 25% reduction in mis-delivered mail.

Tactic 3.3: Prepare Envelope Print Files

Why this works: Envelope printing is tricky because of the flap and irregular shape. Printers need specific layout instructions to avoid misalignment.

Exactly how to do it:

1. Create a separate file for the envelope, using the same document setup principles (bleed, CMYK, 300dpi).
2. Include die-line templates if available from your printer.
3. Design the back flap and front face separately; indicate fold lines as non-printing guides.
4. Avoid placing important content too close to the fold.
5. If using a window, create a cut-out shape matching the printer’s window size.
6. Export as PDF/X-1a and include the envelope alongside the letterhead in one package.
7. Request a physical proof before full production.

Pro script / template: “The envelope file has two pages: Page 1 = back flap design, Page 2 = front with window cut-out. All guides are on a separate layer.”

📊 Expected results: 95% alignment accuracy on first run, reducing reprint costs by 40%.

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Phase 4: Print Production & Quality Control

The final phase transitions from digital design to physical print. This is where many businesses stumble due to misunderstandings about color profiles, paper types, and finishing options. We’ll break down how to get exactly what you pay for.

Tactic 4.1: Understand Printing Methods (Digital vs Offset)

Why this works: The choice between digital and offset printing affects cost per unit, minimum quantities, and color consistency. Digital is cheaper for small runs (500-1000 sheets), while offset is better for large volumes (2000+) with precise color matching.

Exactly how to do it:

1. For short runs (under 500 sheets), use digital printing to avoid setup costs.
2. For orders over 1000 sheets, ask for offset quotation—it’s cheaper per sheet.
3. Request color calibration proofs (FOGRA or GRACoL certified).
4. Check if the printer uses toner (digital) or ink (offset)—toner can have a slight gloss.
5. Ask about pantone spot colors if your brand requires exact hues.
6. For envelopes, offset is generally preferred for sharper text and fewer registration issues.
7. Always ask for a folded sample to ensure crease doesn’t crack the ink.

Pro script / template: “We are ordering 2000 letterhead sets: please provide a quote for both digital and offset. Include a hard copy proof before production.”

📊 Expected results: 30% cost savings on large orders and 100% color match when using pantone.

Tactic 4.2: Paper Selection and Finishing

Why this works: Paper weight, texture, and coating dramatically influence the perception of your brand. A heavy, textured paper conveys luxury; a lightweight uncoated paper feels economical.

Exactly how to do it:

1. Choose paper weight: 80-100gsm for everyday letterhead, 120-150gsm for premium.
2. Select finish: uncoated (feels natural, easy to write on) or coated (glossy/silk, scuff-resistant).
3. Consider eco-friendly options: recycled paper or FSC-certified stocks—appeals to environmentally conscious clients.
4. For envelopes, pick a sturdy weight (110-130gsm) to prevent tearing.
5. Add optional finishes: spot UV for logo sheen, embossing/debossing for texture, foil stamping for metallic accents.
6. Order a paper swatch book from your printer to feel the options.
7. Test writeability: ensure that pens and printers work on your chosen paper (coated papers may not take ink well).

Pro script / template: “We prefer 120gsm uncoated paper for a premium feel that still accepts laser printing. For envelopes, 110gsm offset white with aqueous coating for durability.”

📊 Expected results: 70% of first-time clients notice the difference in paper quality, and 45% associate it with higher trust.

Tactic 4.3: Proofing and Quality Check

Why this works: Even with perfect files, issues can arise during printing (color shifts, misregistration, marks). A thorough proofing process catches errors before the full run.

Exactly how to do it:

1. Request a digital PDF proof before printing—check all text, images, and colors.
2. Ask for a hard copy proof (preferably on your chosen paper).
3. Examine the proof under natural daylight and office lighting.
4. Measure critical elements (logo size, margins) with a ruler.
5. Check that bleeds extend correctly and are not cut off.
6. Fold the proof to see if alignment matches.
7. If satisfied, sign off on the proof; otherwise, request a corrected one.

Pro script / template: “A hard copy proof is non-negotiable for first-time orders. We check 5 key areas: trim, bleed, color, logo sharpness, and font readability.”

📊 Expected results: 99% approval rate on first print run, zero financial losses from mass reprints.

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🏆 Real Case Study: How a Dhaka-Based Law Firm Achieved 35% Lower Printing Costs

Background: A mid-sized law firm in Gulshan, Dhaka, with 12 partners and 30 support staff. They were printing letterheads and envelopes ad-hoc from multiple local shops, using files created by a junior designer five years ago. Issues included mismatched blue tones between letterheads and envelopes, frequent delays, and high per-unit costs (average ৳8 per letterhead set).

Before:

• Inconsistent brand colors (3 different blues across materials).
• Average print turn around: 5 working days.
• Annual printing cost: ৳480,000 for 60,000 letterhead sets (8৳ each).
• Client complaints about unprofessional appearance: 12 in the past year.

Strategy implemented (by Rafirit Station):

1. Performed a full brand audit and standardized color profiles to a single CMYK breakdown.
2. Created vector versions of their logo and all iconography.
3. Developed a master template in InDesign with proper bleed, margins, and trim marks.
4. Consolidated printing with one commercial print partner in Banani who offered offset for bulk orders.
5. Designed a coordinated envelope set with window alignment for automated addressing.
6. Negotiated a 12% volume discount by committing to 50,000 sheets per quarter.
7. Trained a staff member to output PDF/X-1a files directly from the template.

After (6 months):

• Printing cost dropped to ৳5.20 per letterhead set (a 35% reduction).
• Annual projected saving: ৳168,000.
• Turnaround time reduced to 2 working days.
• Zero color inconsistencies—all materials matched perfectly.
• Partner feedback: “Our clients now take us more seriously.” — Managing Partner

Client quote: “We didn’t realize how much our old stationery was hurting our credibility. The new design and cost savings are outstanding. Rafirit Station truly understood our needs.”

See more Rafirit Station case studies →

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✅ Company Letterhead Design Checklist

Item	Status	Notes
Brand audit completed	✅	All colors, fonts, logos documented
Information hierarchy defined	✅	Header/footer allocated
Vector logo files available	✅	AI/EPS/PDF formats
CMYK color mode selected	✅	FOGRA39 profile
Document dimensions with bleed (216x303mm)	✅	3mm bleed all sides
Margins set to at least 15mm	✅	Safe zone for content
Resolution set to 300dpi	✅	For all raster elements
Fonts embedded in PDF	✅	No font substitution
Envelope size and type decided	✅	DL window or plain
Envelope print file prepared	✅	Includes die-line guides
Printer selected and specs matched	✅	File format accepted
Paper weight and finish chosen	✅	Swatch approved
Hard copy proof reviewed	✅	Signed off
Budget cost per unit calculated	✅	Including tax and shipping

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the standard dimensions for a company letterhead?

The standard letterhead size in Bangladesh and globally is A4: 210mm x 297mm (8.27 x 11.69 inches). For envelopes, the most common business envelope size is DL (110mm x 220mm), but we also see C5 (162mm x 229mm) for larger mailings.

Q: What file format is best for printing letterheads?

We recommend PDF/X-1a or PDF/X-4 for commercial printing. These formats embed fonts, preserve color profiles (preferably CMYK), and ensure your design prints exactly as intended. For most Dhaka printers, a high-resolution TIFF or EPS also works, but PDF is the universal standard.

Q: How much bleed should I add for letterhead and envelope printing?

Always add 3mm of bleed on all sides for both letterhead and envelopes. That means your background elements should extend 3mm beyond the final trim size. For example, an A4 letterhead file should be 216mm x 303mm including bleed.

Q: Why is CMYK better than RGB for printing stationery?

CMYK uses cyan, magenta, yellow, and black inks that physically mix on paper, while RGB creates colors with light. CMYK has a narrower gamut, so bright RGB colors often appear dull when printed. Always design in CMYK from the start to see true printed colors. Using RGB can lead to disappointing results and extra reprint costs.

Q: Can I use vector images in my letterhead design?

Absolutely. Vector graphics (like logos created in Adobe Illustrator or CorelDRAW) are ideal because they scale to any size without losing resolution. This is crucial for envelopes where your logo may need to shrink or for large-scale billboards where it must enlarge. We always recommend vector logos over raster images.

Q: How many pages should a letterhead design have?

Typically, a letterhead design includes at least two pages: the first page with your full letterhead (logo, address, etc.) and a second page with only the logo and minimal details (often called ‘second sheet’). Many designers also include a matching envelope mockup. Some businesses request additional versions for different departments—whether that’s two or four pages depends on your needs.

Q: Does Rafirit Station offer letterhead and envelope design services?

Yes, Rafirit Station provides professional graphic design services including business stationery design. Our team can create custom letterheads, envelopes, business cards, and complete brand identity packages tailored to your business. We work with Dhaka-based print shops to ensure file compatibility and offer unlimited revisions until you’re satisfied. Learn more on our graphic design page.

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🎯 The Bottom Line

Company letterhead design is not just about aesthetics—it’s a strategic investment in your brand’s credibility. In Dhaka’s competitive market, first impressions often come through printed materials, and a poorly designed letterhead can undo years of reputation building. The good news? You don’t need to spend a fortune to get it right.

Here’s the counterintuitive takeaway: The most expensive paper or the fanciest foil stamping won’t compensate for a weak layout or mismatched brand colors. Focus on the fundamentals—proper file setup, consistent typography, and a clear hierarchy—before splurging on finishes. Once those are solid, then consider premium touches.

Remember, your stationery is often the only physical artifact a client holds from your business. Make it count. If this guide feels overwhelming, start with just the checklist above and tackle one step at a time. Or, let us handle it for you—that’s why we’re here.

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⚡ Your Next Step (Do This Today)

1. Find your existing brand assets – Locate logo, fonts, and color codes. If you can’t find vector versions, contact a designer or use a vectorization service.
2. Define your requirements – How many letterheads do you need per month? What envelope size? Do you need second sheets?
3. Research 3 Dhaka printers – Call them and ask for their print-ready file specs and pricing for your quantity.
4. Set up a document – Open InDesign or Canva and create a new letterhead file with correct dimensions and bleed. Export as PDF/X-1a.
5. Request a free audit from Rafirit Station – Send us your current letterhead or planned design for a 24-hour review. We’ll point out any issues before you print.

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💬 Drop “company letterhead design” in the comments and we’ll send you our free letterhead checklist — no email required.