Window envelopes: window position and size
On a DL envelope made to DIN 680, the window is 90 × 45 mm and sits 20 mm from the left and 15 mm from the bottom edge. For the address to show in the window, the letter has to be laid out to DIN 5008 and folded at its fold marks.
Contents of this page
Window sizes and positions
| Envelope | Window | Position |
|---|---|---|
| DL (110 × 220) | 90 × 45 mm | 20 mm from the left, 15 mm from the bottom |
| C6/5 (114 × 229) | 90 × 45 mm | 20 mm from the left, 15 mm from the bottom |
| C5 (162 × 229) | usually 90 × 45 mm | 20 mm from the left, height varies by maker |
| C4 (229 × 324) | usually 90 × 45 or 90 × 55 mm | 20 mm from the left, placed for an unfolded letter |
DIN 680 sets the window position for the common sizes. C5 and C4 come in more variants in practice, because they are filled by machine less often. If you send a lot of letters in C4, test one before ordering in bulk.
Outside Germany, window positions are similar but not always identical. Many UK envelopes place a 90 × 45 mm window 20 mm from the left and 15 mm from the bottom, but some suppliers use other positions. Check the supplier’s drawing before you design a letterhead for a particular envelope.
Getting the letter to fit the window
Under DIN 5008, the address field starts 20 mm from the left edge of the sheet and is 85 mm wide. That puts it directly behind the window, which also starts 20 mm from the left. How far down it sits depends on the letter form:
- Form B (the more common one): address field from 45 mm below the top edge. Fold at the fold marks at 105 mm and 210 mm.
- Form A: address field from 27 mm below the top edge. Fold at 87 mm and 192 mm.
Lay the letter face up. Fold the bottom part up at the lower fold mark, then fold the top part backwards at the upper fold mark. The address is now on the outside. Slide the letter into the envelope with that side facing the window, and the address sits exactly in it.
Why the address sometimes slips out of view
It nearly always comes down to one of three things:
- The wrong fold: folding into exact thirds (99 mm) instead of at the fold marks (105 mm for form B) moves the address 6 mm down.
- Too many lines: the address field has room for six address lines. A seventh slips below the window.
- A template with the wrong spacing: some templates found online still place the field at 50 mm, following the old DIN 676. Since 2011 it has been 45 mm (form B).
Print a test letter, fold it and hold it against the light together with the envelope. The address should be at least 5 mm away from the edges of the window. With security envelopes that have a printed inside pattern, it is easiest to check by putting the letter in and looking from the front.
The return address and notes zone
Above the address itself there is a zone for the return address (the small sender line) and for notes such as “Registered”. Form B gives it five lines, form A three. This zone also shows through the window, so it has to stay legible.
Frequently asked questions
How big is the window on a DL envelope?
90 × 45 mm, 20 mm from the left edge and 15 mm from the bottom edge.
Where does the address go so that it shows in the window?
In the DIN 5008 address field: 20 mm from the left edge, 85 mm wide, and for form B from 45 mm below the top.
How do I fold a letter for a window envelope?
At the fold marks, which for form B are 105 mm and 210 mm from the top. Fold the bottom part up first, then the top part backwards.
Which standard covers window envelopes?
DIN 680 sets the sizes and window positions. The letter itself is covered by DIN 5008.