Envelope Format

With the advent of emails, sending a personal hand written letter has become a thing of the past. People, however, send out business letters by post. Although, people follow the correct business letter format, they tend to forget that following a proper envelope format will not only help their letter reach in time but also look professional to the receiver. In this article, we shall understand two correct envelope formats, that is, business envelope format and college envelope format, that will help you create a good impression over the receiver.

Business Envelope Format
When addressing a business envelope, proper formatting can make a huge difference in helping you achieve your professional aim. The letter will reach the addressee on time and help you receive immediate response. The business envelope format should include the return address in the upper left hand corner of the envelope. In case of pre-printed envelopes, you need to carry out modifications, if any, below the pre-printed information.

You need to follow half-inch margin around the letter and totally avoid writing in this area. This half-inch margin is useful for the automated machines at the Postal Department to read the address on the envelope. The address of the receiver should be written in the center of the envelope. The address should contain the name and address of the recipient. The name of the receiver should be followed by the street address, apartment name, office or suite number, name of city followed by the zip code. The address is normally single spaced. You can read more on addressing an envelope formally.

In case the envelope contains a window, the address printed on the letter should be seen clearly through the window. You can even add PRIVATE or PERSONAL on the top of the envelope, if the letter contains confidential data. The right hand top corner should be pastes with a stamp with the correct postal stamp value. The following business letter template will help you understand the formatting in detail.

PRIVATE/PERSONAL
Your Name Return Address Line 1 Return Address Line 2				Stamp
		Recipient Name Recipient Address Line 1 Recipient Address Line 2

College Envelope Format
Addressing a college envelope is similar to a business envelope. In the upper left hand corner you need to write your full name. Then continue with your return address in the next line. In the middle center you need to write the name of the recipient or the designation of the recipient (if you do not know the name). If both are known to you, write the name followed by the designation of the recipient. The upper right hand corner should be pasted with a postage stamp with correct postal amount. You should remember to write on the address before stuffing in the papers or letters. This will help avoid tearing off the envelope. The following college envelope template will help you with the proper formatting.

Your Name Return Address Line 1 Return Address Line 2				Stamp
		To, Name or Designation of Recipient Name of College or University Recipient Address Line 1 Recipient Address Line 2 City, State, Zip Code Country Name

Informal Envelope Format
There are times when one needs to send over a personal letter to friends and family. In some cases, we need to send an informal letter to some of our business acquaintances. An informal envelope should be written by hand. You need to write in a more causal, friendly way. You can address the receiver by his/her first name. You can even skip writing the titles like 'Mr.', 'Mrs.', etc. It is not necessary you use black or blue ink pen. You can use colored ink pens and even place stickers, if you are writing to a dear friend or sending out a party invitation. The return address should be written on the back flap of your envelope.

This was some information related to envelope format. You need to write the address correctly and clearly for letter to reach on time. Always stick the postal stamp with glue and never with sticky tape as the postal equipment cannot read the ultra violet ink if it is covered. Write the address with a bold, non-messy, waterproof pen. I hope this article has been a useful guide for you and helps you follow the correct envelope format.