Why Handwritten Bi-Fold Cards Deliver Bigger Impact
When you need more than a quick message—when the goal is to create a lasting impression—a handwritten bi-fold card is the format to reach for. Unlike a postcard or flat card, the bi-fold offers depth, elegance, and space to tell a fuller story.
It’s the premium choice in direct mail. The fold adds physical weight and anticipation. The envelope builds curiosity. And the message inside? It has room to breathe, connect, and resonate—especially when handwritten.
Bi-fold cards are best when emotional impact matters. Whether you're nurturing a donor relationship, sending a meaningful thank-you, or making a personal sales follow-up, this format stands out. It doesn't just get noticed—it gets remembered.
What Is a Handwritten Bi-Fold Card?

A handwritten bi-fold card is a folded mailer that gives your message more room to connect. Each card includes:
- A folded structure, sized at 5.3" x 7.5" per panel (cover, inside top, inside bottom, and back)
- Space for up to 1,600 handwritten characters total — up to 800 per inside panel (LettrLabs includes up to 500 characters by default)
- A hand-addressed envelope with a real stamp for that extra personal touch
- Premium paper stock and a custom front design that reflects your brand or campaign theme
This format is ideal for longer, more meaningful messages—from onboarding sequences to donor appeals to high-ticket sales outreach. It feels personal, thoughtful, and worth keeping.
Anatomy of a Handwritten Bi-Fold Card

Each bi-fold card is made up of four key components—each designed to deliver both visual impact and emotional connection:
Front Panel
The cover features a full-bleed design, perfect for bold brand visuals, a standout offer, or compelling artwork. This is your first impression—make it count.
Inside Panels
This is where the magic happens. The top and bottom interior panels carry your handwritten message, giving you up to 1,600 characters of space. It's ideal for:
- Storytelling
- Donor engagement
- Personal onboarding
- Sales pitches
Envelope
Each card is sent in a hand-addressed envelope with a real stamp—a detail that increases open rates, builds trust, and signals authenticity.
When to Use a Bi-Fold Instead of Other Formats
While postcards and flat cards work well for short, attention-grabbing messages, handwritten bi-fold cards are your go-to when your communication needs depth, context, or a stronger emotional connection.

Use a bi-fold card when:
- You need more storytelling room
- You’re building long-term relationships
- The message requires trust, detail, or personal nuance
- You’re targeting high-value clients or major donors
- You want to stand out in a crowded inbox or mailbox
Best Use Cases:

✔️ Onboarding sequences — guide new customers through your process
✔️ Annual donor campaigns — update supporters, reinforce impact
✔️ Personal sales follow-ups — nurture leads or re-engage past clients
✔️ Event invitations — add exclusivity and polish
✔️ Premium thank-you notes — show real appreciation after a big purchase
✔️ Fundraising appeals — tell a heartfelt story that inspires giving
✔️ Milestone recognitions — celebrate anniversaries, renewals, or major gifts
✔️ High-ticket outreach — perfect for real estate, financial services, luxury products
✔️ Customer loyalty campaigns — reward top customers with personal attention
✔️ Custom product launches — explain new offerings to key accounts in detail
If it’s high-value, relationship-driven, or emotionally charged—a bi-fold is the better choice.
Design Tips for Handwritten Bi-Fold Cards
To get the most impact from your handwritten bi-fold, balance strong visuals with a personal tone and clear layout. Here’s how to do it right:
Cover Design
- Use a high-quality image, illustration, or bold brand element to grab attention
- Consider including a headline or teaser for what’s inside
- Keep it clean—don’t overcrowd the cover with too much text
Message Layout
- Aim for a 650-character sweet spot even though up to 1,600 characters are available
- Break longer messages across top and bottom inside panels to improve flow
- Leave margins around the text to keep the handwritten look clean and readable
Copywriting Tips
- Write in a personal, natural voice—avoid formal or robotic language
- Use merge fields (like first name, product name, or donation amount) to personalize at scale
- Close with a real sign-off (e.g., “—Sarah from LettrLabs” or “Warmly, The Outreach Team”)
- Focus on one clear CTA (e.g., scan the QR code, reply to the email, book a call)
Tone & Style
- Warm, friendly, and direct works best—just like you’d write to someone you care about
- Mention shared values, milestones, or recent interactions where relevant
- Keep your handwriting tone human, not overly scripted
A well-designed bi-fold feels like a letter from a friend—but backed by the power of automation and branding.
How to Send at Scale with LettrLabs

Bi-fold cards may feel deeply personal—but that doesn’t mean they have to be slow or manual. With LettrLabs, you can send thousands of handwritten cards as easily as sending an email.
Here’s how it works:
- ✍️ Handwriting robots use real pens on real cards—no fonts or printing tricks
- 📬 Each card is hand-addressed and stamped with a real USPS First-Class stamp
- 🧾 Upload your message, design, and recipient list directly into the platform
- 🔁 Use merge fields (like first name, company, donation amount) to personalize each card
- 🧠 LettrLabs handles everything: printing, handwriting, envelope stuffing, addressing, and mailing
- ⚙️ Works with tools you already use—Zapier, HubSpot, Shopify, Klaviyo, Meta, and more
- 🕒 Set it up once or create an automated campaign that sends cards based on triggers (like purchases, form submissions, or donor anniversaries)
This is handwritten mail at scale—built for teams who want human connection without manual effort.
See It for Yourself
Want to see how a handwritten bi-fold card actually looks and feels?
LettrLabs offers a free sample pack so you can experience the quality, texture, and design possibilities firsthand. You’ll get to see:
- Our premium paper stock
- Real ink handwriting
- A fully designed bi-fold card with envelope
- Custom elements like QR codes and branding
🎁 Request Your Free Sample
Whether you're considering it for donor outreach, B2B follow-ups, or loyalty campaigns, this is the best way to get inspired.
👉 Request a Sample or Schedule a Demo to talk with our team.
See how LettrLabs brings direct mail to life—at scale, and with heart.