Start with what goes inside
Before choosing a size, decide what the packet will hold: a flat banknote, a folded note, a card, or nothing at all as part of a gift box. The contents set the smallest usable size; the format and artwork come after that.
The sizes below are the outside dimensions marked on the blank red samples in the catalog (width × height, in centimetres). The usable inside space is smaller once the flap, folds and glue areas are taken into account, so confirm the final format before ordering.
| Sample | Outside size | Format |
|---|---|---|
| NO.201 | 9 × 16.5 cm | Vertical |
| NO.210 | 8 × 12.5 cm | Vertical |
| NO.202 | 8 × 11.5 cm | Vertical |
| NO.209 | 5.8 × 8 cm | Small vertical |
| NO.208 | 8.7 × 8.7 cm | Square |
Compare with a banknote
A 100-yuan note of the fifth series of the renminbi measures about 15.5 × 7.7 cm. Against the table:
- 9 × 16.5 cm is larger than the note in both directions, the only one of the five that may take it unfolded. The margin is small, so check with a real sample.
- 8 × 12.5 cm and 8 × 11.5 cm are shorter than the note, which has to be folded in half.
- 5.8 × 8 cm is a small size for a folded note or a small card, often made as a matching mini packet.
- 8.7 × 8.7 cm square also needs a folded note; the square face suits centred artwork.
Banknotes of other currencies differ in size. If the packets will hold Hong Kong, Singapore or Malaysian notes, measure them before confirming the format.
Matching format and size
Of the 256 red packets in the catalog, 228 are vertical, 18 are horizontal (西封) and 10 are square. Vertical packets are the most common, with artwork and text arranged top to bottom; horizontal envelopes open on the long side and suit wide compositions and long brand names; square packets suit a centred motif or a seal-like design.
The same artwork placed on another size changes its proportions and text size. Settle the size before the final artwork so text does not end up too small or motifs cropped.
What to state when ordering
Give the outside size or a sample number, what will go inside, the format (vertical, horizontal or square) and whether matching sizes are needed. See the quotation checklist and the artwork preparation guide.
