How to design a greeting card with Powerpoint and not drive your printer crazy

Recently I wanted to design my own greeting card using Microsoft Powerpoint. Admittedly, it is not the best tool of choice.  Most print shops will cringe at designers who use it...

Here are steps to make the file "print ready",  minimizing the chance of "graphic design" charges:

• create a blank template (letter size, portrait) 
• locate artwork - be careful to avoid copyright infringement --free artwork can be found on the Microsoft Office Powerpoint web site under free artwork.
• start with a blank slide and make an unfilled box to the finished card dimension. Increase the box size by 1/8" on any side where color is to extend to the edge. (for example, if the color is to go to the edge on all 4 sides, make the box 1/4" larger in height and width dimensions and center it on the page).  
  
• duplicate slide #1 so that the box appears in the same spot slides 2-4. 
• edit the slides: 
• Slide #1 (card front): fill the box with a background color, add the artwork on top of the box. and add a greeting with a readable font and color that complement the design.  
• Slide #2 (inside card either top or left depending on fold): add greeting and graphics as desired.  if the box is larger than the finished card, it can stay. 
• Slide #3 (inside card, either bottom or right depending on fold): add a greeting and any graphics. If the box is larger than the finished card, it can stay.   
• Slide #4: (back side of card): add a "designed by" notation if desired. If the box is larger than the finished card, it can stay. 

• print to a "PDF" -- select "highest quality", indicate  "letter" paper size, indicate "portrait" orientation, and  add "printers marks"
• inform your printer what the final size should be and where the fold should go (top or left).  Note: if an alignment box is left on slides 2-4, let the printer know that too.

Following these steps will make the handling of your file much easier for your print shop.