How to frank your mail correctly

Correct addressing is the first step to ensuring smooth delivery. Properly addressed items can be processed by machine – saving both time and money. Whether you’re sending mail within Austria or abroad, here you’ll find out how to format addresses correctly and avoid common mistakes.

Requirements

  • Formats: only rectangular or square items without holes, die cuts or Velcro fastenings.
  • Paper quality: small formats (up to A6): min. 160 g/m², larger than A6: min. 200 g/m², max. 500 g/m²
  • Materials: no glossy, reflective, fluorescent or phosphorescent surfaces. No glued-on objects, staples, or moving parts.
  • Envelopes: paper envelopes with sealed sides (except at the top), windows allowed only on the front. Minimum window size: 90 × 35 mm. No tinted or matt window materials.

The address must be left-aligned, with no blank lines, and written in clear printed text. It is important to include all details: name, street, postcode and town/city – and for international items, the destination country in capital letters.

Leave a margin of approximately five millimetres around the address block. The coding zone at the bottom and the franking zone in the top right corner – where the stamp is placed – must remain free of any text or printing.

To ensure your item meets all requirements, we recommend having your layout checked by Austrian Post. We’ll review your envelope or mailing PDF design for machine readability and compliance with formatting standards. Simply contact your customer service team for assistance.

Parcel stamps

With Austrian Post’s parcel labels, you can frank your parcels quickly and easily online. Simply choose the appropriate parcel size, pay securely online, and print the label from the comfort of your home. You can then drop off your parcel at an Austrian Post branch, self-service area, or have it collected – it’s fast and hassle-free. The parcel label is a great choice for domestic shipping within Austria and to selected EU countries.

All information at a glance 

This booklet provides a compact summary of all key details, requirements and examples for correct addressing – clearly laid out for your convenience.

Folder "Adress correctly"

pdf, 5 mb

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