Letterhead printing services produce professional, pre-printed stationery for businesses and organizations, typically on high-quality paper with your logo, name, and contact details. These services range from quick digital printing for small batches to offset printing for large volumes, and they can be ordered online or from local print shops.
What Is Letterhead Printing?
Letterhead is the heading at the top of a sheet of paper, usually containing a company’s logo, name, address, phone number, email, and website. Printing services create these sheets in bulk so that when you write or print a letter, the header is already in place. The paper is typically 8.5″ x 11″ (US) or A4 (international), and the design is applied to one side only.
Letterhead is part of a broader stationery system that often includes business cards, envelopes, and invoice forms. Many printing services sell these items as a package, which ensures a consistent look across all your materials.
How Letterhead Printing Works
The process usually follows these steps:
- Design: You provide a logo and contact information, or the printer’s design team creates a layout for you. Most services accept PDF, AI, EPS, or high-resolution JPG files.
- Proof: The printer sends a digital proof (a PDF preview) for your approval. Always check the spelling of names, addresses, and phone numbers at this stage.
- Printing: The job is run on digital or offset presses. Digital is faster and cheaper for orders under 1,000 sheets; offset gives sharper color and lower per-unit cost for larger runs.
- Finishing: Sheets are cut to size (if not already), and sometimes folded or packed in boxes. Some services offer options like rounded corners or embossing.
Choosing a Printing Service
When comparing services, consider these factors:
- Paper quality: Look for 24 lb. or 32 lb. bond paper—heavier feels more premium. Cotton content (25% or 100%) adds a soft, professional texture.
- Printing method: Digital is fine for most businesses; offset is better for large quantities or when you need exact Pantone color matching.
- Turnaround time: Standard services take 3–5 business days; rush orders may cost extra.
- Proofing: Always get a digital proof before the full run. Some services charge for a physical proof; others include it.
- Shipping: Check delivery costs and packaging. Flat envelopes prevent bending.
Digital vs. Offset Printing
Digital printing uses toner or liquid ink applied directly to paper. It is ideal for short runs (50–500 sheets), variable data (different names on each sheet), and quick turnarounds. The cost per sheet stays the same regardless of quantity.
Offset printing transfers ink from a plate to a rubber blanket and then to paper. It produces the sharpest text and most accurate colors, and the per-sheet cost drops significantly as quantity rises. For orders of 1,000 or more, offset is usually more economical.
Most online services use digital printing for orders under 1,000. If you need a specific brand color (like a corporate Pantone shade), offset is the safer choice because digital printers use a CMYK process that may not match exactly.
Common Problems and How to Avoid Them
One frequent issue is color mismatch: the printed logo looks different from what you see on screen. This happens because screens use RGB and print uses CMYK. To minimize this, request a physical proof or ask for a color calibration test. Another problem is low-resolution logos—if your logo is a small JPG from a website, it will print blurry. Use a vector file (AI, EPS, SVG) or a high-resolution PNG (at least 300 dpi).
Also, be careful with paper weight. Very heavy paper (like 100 lb. cover) may not fold well and can jam home printers. If you plan to print on your letterhead frequently, choose a standard 24 lb. bond that works in most printers.
Cost of Letterhead Printing
Pricing varies widely. A basic digital print of 100 sheets on 24 lb. paper might cost $20–$50, while 1,000 sheets offset could be $100–$300. Premium cotton paper or special finishes (embossing, foil stamping) add cost. Setup fees for offset printing range from $50 to $150. Many online services offer free shipping on orders over a certain amount, but always compare total cost including shipping.
For a small business, starting with 500 sheets is a good balance—enough for a few months without wasting money on outdated contact details.
Template for Your Letterhead
Company Name
Street Address
City, State ZIP
Phone: ___________ | Email: ___________ | Website: ___________
Date: ___________
Recipient Name
Recipient Title
Company
Address
Dear ___________ ,
Body of letter starts here. Use a professional tone and keep paragraphs short.
Sincerely,
Your Name
Your Title
Sample (fictional):
Blue Oak Landscaping
123 Greenway Dr., Portland, OR 97201
Phone: (503) 555-0142 | Email: info@blueoak.example | Web: blueoak.example
Date: March 3, 2025
Ms. Jane Smith
Facilities Manager
Riverfront Plaza
456 River Rd., Portland, OR 97202
Dear Ms. Smith,
Thank you for your inquiry about our monthly maintenance plans. We would be happy to provide a free estimate for your property.
Sincerely,
Tom Alvarez
Owner
Frequently Asked Questions
What file format should I send for my logo? Send a vector file (AI, EPS, SVG) or a high-resolution PNG with transparent background. If you only have a JPG, make sure it is at least 300 dpi and large enough—otherwise it will print pixelated.
Can I print on my own letterhead at home? Yes, but you need to buy blank letterhead and feed it through your printer. Most home printers work fine with 24 lb. paper. For best results, print a test page first to check alignment.
How long does letterhead printing take? Digital orders typically ship in 2–5 business days. Offset orders may take 5–10 business days because of plate setup and drying time. Rush services are available at extra cost.
What is the difference between letterhead and stationery? Letterhead refers specifically to the printed sheets for letters. Stationery is a broader term that includes letterhead, envelopes, business cards, and sometimes invoice forms.
Can I get letterhead printed in a custom size? Yes, but standard sizes (8.5″ x 11″ or A4) are cheaper because they don’t require custom cutting. If you need a unique size, ask for a quote—it may take longer and cost more.