- Order single-panel flat cards for quick-start steps and promo codes, or pre-scored folded cards for 4-panel manuals and mini lookbooks.
- Print on one side or both sides using full-color CMYK, guaranteed Pantone spot inks or opaque white ink on natural kraft.
- Finish cards with matte, gloss or soft-touch lamination plus foil stamping, embossing, debossing or spot UV.
- Minimums depend on the product and are confirmed with your quote; delivered in 10 to 14 business days with free US shipping.
Custom Insert Cards
Custom insert cards printed on one or both sides in flat or folded formats to slip inside product cartons, stand-up pouches and shipping boxes. Share usage instructions, warranty QR codes, recipes and cross-sell offers in CMYK, Pantone or white ink on kraft. Minimums depend on the product; we confirm yours with your quote. Delivered in 10 to 14 business days with free US shipping.
What are custom insert cards?
Custom insert cards are flat or pre-scored folded cardstock sheets placed inside primary product boxes, pouches, jars or shipping mailers to guide customers after purchase. Where an outer folding carton only has room for ingredients and barcodes, an internal card gives you dedicated space for step-by-step usage directions, dosing schedules, brewing recipes, warranty registration QR codes, batch verification numbers and cross-sell product catalogs. (If you need a 3D die-cut tray or foam cavity that holds bottles in place, see our custom box inserts page.) We print insert cards on one side or both sides in full-color CMYK, exact Pantone spot inks or opaque white ink on natural brown kraft, and finish them with matte, gloss or soft-touch lamination plus metallic foil stamping, embossing, debossing or spot UV. Minimums depend on the product; we confirm yours with your quote. Standard production takes 10 to 14 business days with free shipping across all 50 US states.
Insert cards facts
- Minimum
- Confirmed with quote
- Turnaround
- 10-14 business days
- Rush
- 4-5 business days, quoted
- Styles
- Flat card or Folded card (4-panel)
- Common sizes
- 2 × 3.5, 3 × 3, 3.5 × 5, 4 × 6, 5 × 7 in or custom
- Printing
- One side or Both sides · CMYK, Pantone, White on kraft
- Finishes
- Matte, gloss, soft-touch, foil, embossing, debossing, spot UV
- Prepress help
- Free layout check, dieline & digital proof
- Shipping
- Free to all 50 states
Which custom insert card style fits my product packaging?
| Insert card format | Construction | Best product application | Print & finish options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flat instruction card | Single rigid cardstock sheet printed 1 or 2 sides | Quick-start steps, dosing charts and skincare routines | CMYK or Pantone with matte or gloss lamination |
| Folded 4-panel manual card | Pre-scored center crease folding to half width | Multi-language user guides and mini lookbooks | Both-side print with grain-aligned scoring |
| Warranty & QC check card | Stiff card with serial, batch or inspector fields | Electronics, watches, leather and apothecary jars | Foil front seal with uncoated write-on back |
| Promotional reorder card | Visual card with scan-to-reorder QR and offer code | DTC mailers, subscription kits and poly bags | Soft-touch with spot UV or foil accents |
| Die-cut jar & pouch card | Custom circle, arch, slotted or rounded-corner cut | Candle dust discs, hair clips and clear pouches | Any contour with zero die or plate charges |
Not sure which style fits?
Request a Quote →What size custom insert card fits inside my carton, pouch or mailer?
Size your card 1/8 to 1/4 inch narrower than a folding carton, or 1/2 inch smaller than a pouch or mailer: Whether you are comparing printed product insert cards, e-commerce box insert cards, instruction and warranty insert cards, promotional package insert cards or insert cards with logo, we size the template to your exact container.
| Card size (W × H) | Fits package type | Typical insert content |
|---|---|---|
| 2 × 3.5 in | Dropper cartons & pill boxes from 2.25 × 4 in | Serum steps, dosage table or batch card |
| 3 × 3 in (square / round) | Candle tumblers, balm tins & 3.5 in cube boxes | Round candle care disc or square ritual guide |
| 3.5 × 5 in | 8 oz to 12 oz pouches & small tuck cartons | Coffee brewing ratios, tea chart or recipe card |
| 4 × 6 in flat | Mailer boxes, poly mailers & shoe boxes | Quick-start guide, cross-sell grid & warranty QR |
| 4 × 6 in folded (8 × 6 flat) | Cosmetic kits, electronics & subscription boxes | 4-panel manual, ingredient glossary or lookbook |
| 5.5 × 8.5 in | Appliance cartons, hardware kits & apparel boxes | Assembly diagram, safety checklist & parts table |
Have your inside dimensions ready? Request pricing across up to 3 quantities.
Request a Quote →How do I choose insert cards?
- Confirm card vs 3D trayOrder custom insert cards for printed instructions and promos; order custom box inserts for 3D trays or foam cavities.
- Pick Flat vs Folded by lengthUse a flat card for up to 150 words; switch to a folded 4-panel card for multi-step manuals or multiple languages.
- Size to your tightest containerDeduct 1/4 inch from carton width and 1/2 inch from pouch seal width so cards drop in smoothly on the packing line.
- Laminate for damp roomsPick gloss or matte lamination for bathroom skincare and kitchen recipe cards so water droplets wipe off cleanly.
- Leave QC stamp zones uncoatedIf packers stamp lot numbers or sign inspection dates on the card, keep that side unlaminated for fast ink drying.
- Split multiple SKUs in one runKeep the same card size and stock across 2 or 3+ product SKUs to print your instruction variants in one order.
What are insert cards made of?
Which finishes can insert cards have?
Which functional features can I add to custom insert cards?
Insert cards specifications
| Spec | Options |
|---|---|
| Card styles | Flat card (2-sided) or Folded card (pre-scored 4-panel bifold) |
| Dimensions | 2 × 3.5, 3 × 3, 3.5 × 5, 4 × 6, 5 × 7, 5.5 × 8.5 in or custom |
| Cardstock materials | White card, natural brown kraft, recycled board |
| Printing | One side or Both sides · Full color (CMYK), 1/2/3+ Pantone, White ink on kraft |
| Finishes | No lamination, Matte, Gloss, Soft-touch · Foil stamping, Embossing, Debossing, Spot UV |
| Multi-SKU splitting | 1 design, 2 designs or 3+ designs per order |
| Minimum order | Minimums depend on the product; we confirm yours with your quote; presets 500, 1,000, 2,500, 5,000 |
| Design & proofing | Free design help, custom dielines, digital proof & 3D mockup; no die or plate fees |
| Turnaround & shipping | 10-14 business days (rush 4-5 days); free shipping to all 50 states |
Ready to quote your insert cards? Compare up to 3 quantities with a free 3D mockup.
Request a Quote →What do brands print on custom insert cards?
An insert card works inside your package right when the buyer unboxes the product and wants to know how to use it, register a warranty, mix a recipe or order a refill. Tell us which container your card drops into and what action you want the customer to take after opening
Insert cards design ideas
Example designs with made-up brands. Your packaging is made to your design.
What mistakes should you avoid when ordering custom insert cards?
Small sizing, typography or coating oversights can slow down packing or block QR scans. Avoid these five mistakes. When specifying branded insert cards, wholesale insert cards, bulk custom insert cards, personalized insert cards and custom size insert cards, avoid these common production mistakes
- Ordering a card the exact width of your folding carton instead of 1/8 to 1/4 inch narrower.
- Setting dosing or safety instructions smaller than 7 pt type or in low-contrast pastel ink.
- Printing a QR code smaller than 0.75 × 0.75 inches or omitting the white quiet-zone border.
- Applying slick gloss lamination to a back panel where QC staff stamp batch numbers or sign dates.
- Confusing flat printed insert cards with 3D structural box inserts that hold bottles in place.
Chat with a designer now
Share your logo, a sketch or an AI image. We'll rebuild every element cleanly onto your box dieline and send a 3D mockup, free.
Made your design with AI?
Generated a concept in Google Gemini, ChatGPT, Claude or Midjourney? Send us your AI image: we rebuild every element onto your box dieline and show you a 3D mockup before you pay, free.Custom printed insert cards vs generic office-printed flyers: how do they compare?
| Office-printed paper flyers | Custom insert cards from CubitPack | |
|---|---|---|
| Fit inside narrow cartons | Office flyers that jam or fold awkwardly | Trimmed to your exact carton or pouch width × height |
| Moisture resistance | Copy paper that wrinkles near jars or steam | Matte, gloss or soft-touch lamination that wipes clean |
| Multi-SKU efficiency | Separate runs for every product manual | Combine 2 or 3+ SKU designs in one order |
| Die-cut shapes | Plain square corners only | Jar discs, hang slots or rounded corners with no die fee |
| Color & brand match | Drifting desktop-printer colors | Guaranteed Pantone match to your outer box |
Get custom insert cards sized to your product, with a free 3D mockup before you pay.
Request a Quote →Are insert cards safe and sustainable?
FSC paperboard and partner certifications
FSC-certified paperboard stocks and ISO 9001 production are available on request through partner facilities.Small-text legibility and pre-score check
Our prepress team checks minimum font sizes for dosing text and scores folded cards along the paper grain.High-contrast QR and barcode verification
We verify quiet zones and dark-on-light contrast on every QR code and serial barcode on your free digital proof.How do I order custom insert cards?
Tell us what you need
Size, quantities or AI conceptCompare volume pricing
Dedicated account managerApprove your proof
Digital proof + 3D mockupMade and shipped
Free to all 50 statesWhat affects the price of custom insert cards?
The price depends on four things, and every custom quote is free.
Card dimensions and style
A flat card uses half the board area of a pre-scored folded 4-panel cardOne-side vs both-side print
One-side printing costs less; both-side printing fits steps on front and offers on backLamination and finishes
Uncoated or matte/gloss cards cost less than soft-touch cards with foil or embossingQuantity & SKU versions
Per-card cost drops across 500, 1,000, 2,500 and 5,000+ presetsStandardize on one flat card size (such as 3.5 × 5 in or 4 × 6 in) and select '2 designs' or '3+ designs' in Step 2 to group SKUs. You never pay die or plate fees, your first order is 10% off, and US shipping is free. Buyers ordering flat instruction card insert cards can compare up to three quantities in one quote.
10% off your first order.
Request a Quote →What do I need to send for a quote?
- The product and how many you need
- The inside size, or what goes in it
- A style, or ask us to suggest one
- Your logo or artwork (an AI image is fine)
- Pantone codes, if you have them
- Delivery ZIP code and the date you need it
Can I see a sample first?
Sample kit
Board and finish swatches, sample boxes, labels and bags. Credited to your first order.Digital proof + 3D mockup
See it before you payPrinted sample
Of your own designHow does shipping work?
- Free shipping to all 50 states
- Worldwide with DDP prices: duties and taxes included
- Blind and split shipping
- Damaged in transit? We reprint the damaged units free
Why brands choose CubitPack
Dedicated specialist
One account manager from quote to deliveryPantone guaranteed
Clearly off? We reprintReprint or refund
If we get it wrong, you chooseBBB accredited
A US business you can checkInsert cards questions
What is the difference between custom insert cards and custom box inserts?
Custom insert cards are flat or bifold printed cardstock sheets slipped into a package for instructions, warranties, recipes or promotions (RFQ family: cards). Custom box inserts are 3D die-cut cardboard trays or foam cavities that hold products in place (see /custom-box-inserts).
How do custom insert cards differ from custom thank you cards?
Both share our cards printing and finishing options, so you can order them together. Thank you cards focus on personal gratitude and founder notes, whereas insert cards focus on step-by-step usage instructions, dosing charts, warranty registration, authenticity certificates and cross-sell catalogs.
What size custom insert card fits inside a small folding carton or stand-up pouch?
For serum dropper or supplement cartons, a 2 × 3.5 inch flat card or 4 × 3.5 inch folded card slips right beside the bottle. For 8 oz to 12 oz stand-up pouches, a 3.5 × 5 inch card clears the zipper and gusset.
Should I choose a flat insert card or a folded 4-panel insert card?
Choose a flat two-sided card when your quick-start steps, QR code and promo offer fit in 80 to 150 words. Choose a pre-scored folded card when you need four panels for multi-step diagrams, ingredient glossaries, safety warnings or multi-language translations.
What is the minimum order quantity for custom insert cards?
Minimums depend on the product; we confirm yours with your quote. In Step 1 of the quote form, click quick-add presets of 500, 1,000, 2,500 or 5,000 cards to compare unit price breaks.
Can I combine multiple product SKU instruction cards in a single order?
Yes. In Step 2 of the quote form, choose '2 designs' or '3+ designs' under Designs in order and list your SKU quantities in the notes. Keeping the same dimensions, cardstock and lamination across all SKUs lets us print them together.
Can you die-cut round candle care discs or bottle-neck hang cards?
Yes. CubitPack never charges cutting die or plate fees, so we can die-cut round jar-topper discs with a center wick hole, slotted accessory backing cards, arch cards or 1/4-inch rounded corners at no extra tooling cost.
Which finish is best if my insert card goes with bathroom skincare or kitchen foods?
Choose Gloss or Matte lamination on both sides so water splashes and oil smudges wipe clean on vanities or counters. If you need to stamp a batch number on the back, ask for front-only lamination.
What rules should I follow when printing insert cards for Amazon FBA products?
For marketplace-fulfilled products, keep your insert card focused on neutral product instructions, safety steps, warranty registration URLs and customer support details. Avoid offering compensation in exchange for reviews, which violates marketplace seller policies.
How long do custom insert cards take to produce and ship?
Standard turnaround is 10 to 14 business days from digital proof approval and payment. Rush production in 4 to 5 business days is available (quoted per order), and standard shipping to all 50 US states is always free.
Still have a question? Ask a packaging specialist.
Request a Quote →Insert cards terms, explained
- Insert card vs box insert
- An insert card is a printed flat/folded info card; a box insert is a 3D tray or foam cavity
- 4-panel bifold card
- A card pre-scored down the center to create four printable pages
- Jar-topper disc
- A circular die-cut card placed on top of a candle or cream jar under the lid
- Quiet zone (QR)
- The clear white margin around a QR code required for fast phone scanning
- Multi-SKU ganging
- Printing 2 or 3+ different product card designs of the same size in one order
- Grain-parallel score
- Creasing cardstock parallel to the fibers so folded cards lie flat
More for your e-commerce packaging
Learn more
Get your insert cards price
One dedicated account manager prepares pricing across up to 3 quantities.
- Free design & AI-to-print studio + 3D mockup
- No die or plate charges · 4–5 day rush available
- Free shipping to all 50 states
- 10% off your first order
- Reprint or refund if we get it wrong
Every CubitPack fact on this page comes from our confirmed offers (flat and folded cards, one or both sides, CMYK/Pantone/white ink, laminations and finishes, 10-14 business day turnaround and free 50-state shipping) and was checked by a packaging specialist. Tell us if something looks wrong.
Sources
What changed
- October 22, 2026: First published.
- October 22, 2026: Updated specifications, terminology, and verified source links.