---
title: Add custom inserts to on-demand product orders
shortDescription: Add a branded insert card to every on-demand product order with your own artwork, printed on premium matte card stock at 300 DPI.
articleType: Tutorial
primaryTopic: custom-order-inserts
categories:
  - Products
  - Orders
  - Promotions
tags:
  - custom-insert
  - print-on-demand
  - order-fulfillment
  - unboxing-experience
  - product-personalization
  - creator-branding
  - packaging-insert
  - qr-codes
  - safe-zone
  - crop-tool
relatedModules:
  - name: samples-order
    route: /admin/dashboard/contributions/orders/samples/order
  - name: catalog-product-all
    route: /admin/products/all
  - name: promotion-code-create
    route: /admin/dashboard/promotions/promotion-codes/create/
  - name: blocked-transactions
    route: /admin/dashboard/blocked-transactions
  - name: orders-list
    route: /admin/dashboard/contributions/orders/
last_updated: '2026-06-07'
tasks:
  - Set up custom inserts
  - Upload an insert design
  - Crop and position an insert image
  - Add a branded packaging card
  - Add a QR code to an insert
  - Choose landscape or portrait orientation
terms:
  - custom inserts
  - thank you card
  - branded card
  - packaging insert
  - print on demand
  - unboxing experience
  - personalize orders
  - QR code marketing
  - insert art file specs
  - safe zone
  - crop tool
  - custom insert preview
  - portrait insert
  - 1200 x 1800
labels:
  - custom-insert
  - thank-you-card
  - branded-card
  - insert-card
  - customize-packaging
  - inserts
  - packaging-insert
  - include-message-in-order
contextString: Available on all Fourthwall plans. Applies to creators with on-demand products in their catalog.
breadcrumbPath: "Create and sell products > How to Guides > Adding custom inserts to on-demand product orders"
path: create-and-sell-products/how-to-guides/add-custom-inserts
---

# Add custom inserts to on-demand product orders

Custom inserts let you add a branded card to every on-demand product order. They're printed on premium matte card stock at 300 DPI (Dots per inch) using your own artwork. Use them for thank-you notes, personal messages, promo codes, or QR codes. Each insert costs $0.25 per order for on-demand products, or $0.37 for Third-Party Logistics (3PL) orders.

## How custom inserts work

Once you set up a custom insert, every order that contains at least one supported product includes your insert in the packaging. Only one insert is added per order, regardless of how many supported items it contains. The $0.25 charge appears in that order's cost breakdown.

Custom inserts also ship with 3PL orders at $0.37 per order. For full 3PL packaging details, see the [Fourthwall 3PL fulfillment service guide](/create-and-sell-products/how-to-guides/fourthwall-3pl-fulfillment-service-guide). For a full packaging comparison by fulfillment type, see [Custom branding and labeling](/create-and-sell-products/how-to-guides/custom-branding-and-labeling).

## Art file requirements

Your insert design must meet the following specifications:

- **Landscape (default):** 6 x 4 inches (15.24 x 10.16 cm), 1,800 x 1,200 px at 300 DPI
- **Portrait:** 4 x 6 inches (10.16 x 15.24 cm), 1,200 x 1,800 px at 300 DPI
- **File type:** PNG or JPEG

## Safe zone

The printed card has a 3/8" (about 1 cm) white border around all edges. Keep important content (text, logos, QR codes) at least 3/8" inward from every edge so the border does not cut into your design. Background colors and patterns can extend to the full bleed area.

## How to set up custom inserts

Go to **Settings** > [**Custom inserts**](https://my-shop.fourthwall.com/admin/dashboard/settings/custom-inserts/?redirect) in your dashboard.

[Image: Custom inserts settings page in the Fourthwall dashboard]

Turn on the **Add custom insert** toggle. The switch turns blue when enabled.

[Image: Add custom insert toggle switched on and highlighted in blue]

Click **Upload image** and select your file.

[Image: Upload image dialog for custom insert with Confirm button]

After uploading, a crop tool opens. Drag and zoom to position your design within the card's aspect ratio (landscape or portrait). When the framing looks right, click **Confirm** to apply it.

Once confirmed, you'll see a preview of your insert and a toggle showing it's active. Click **Save** to finish.

[Image: Custom insert preview with active toggle and Save button]

The dashboard preview displays your insert at a reduced scale (max 400 px wide) with a simulated white border. This does not affect print quality or size. Your design prints at the full 6 x 4 inches (landscape) or 4 x 6 inches (portrait).

## Unsupported products

Custom inserts are NOT available for the following products:

- Stationery and stickers
- Wall art (posters, framed posters, and canvas prints)
- Water bottles
- Mugs
- Pet accessories
- Home decor (holiday decor, blankets, candles, pillows and pillowcases, magnets, and tableware)
- Non-printful products

## Creative ways to use custom inserts

Custom inserts aren't just for thank-you notes. Here are ways to use them to connect with supporters and drive repeat orders:

- **Upsell memberships.** Include a "Members-Only" invite card with a QR code linking to perks, early access, or a free trial.
- **Podcaster sponsorships.** Turn your insert into a mini ad read featuring your current sponsor. Add a QR code linking to their offer or exclusive content.
- **Interactive thank-you cards.** Add a handwritten or printed signature, or include a QR code that leads to a short thank-you video. You can also share how each purchase supports you or your work.
- **Promo codes and auto discounts.** Use a QR code that automatically applies a discount at checkout for the next purchase. Update codes over time to align with new campaigns.
- **Early access or secret drops.** Add a password or QR code that unlocks a hidden product page or exclusive collection. This creates a "Vault Access" or "Backstage Pass" feel for supporters.
- **Seasonal or collectible inserts.** Create themed or numbered cards (e.g., "1 of 4 seasonal series") to encourage supporters to collect or trade them.
- **Social prompts.** Add a "Tag us on social" call-to-action to encourage user-generated content.
- **Product tutorials.** Include a QR code linking to a styling guide or setup video.
