Royal Mail has issued guidance for customers who handwrite addresses on envelopes and parcels, focusing on making addresses as clear and easy to read as possible. The postal service says customers should avoid using an ink colour that blends into the envelope or parcel. Royal Mail's official advice states: “Use a pen or ink that is clear against the colour of the envelope or parcel.”
Why Ink Contrast Matters
That means people sending letters should think about the contrast between their chosen pen and the packaging before writing the address. Royal Mail says clear and easy-to-read handwriting should be used, while those printing addresses should choose a clear font. The guidance does not specify a single ink colour that everyone should use, meaning the key consideration is whether the writing can be easily distinguished from the background. A dark pen on a pale envelope, for example, would provide stronger contrast than a similarly coloured pen and envelope, in line with Royal Mail's advice.
Address Layout Advice
Royal Mail also provides guidance on how addresses should be laid out when sending post within the UK. Its instructions say the recipient's name should be followed by the house number and street name, with the town and full postcode included, while the town and postcode should be printed in capitals. Customers are also advised to start each line from the left rather than centring the address, while commas and full stops are not needed. Royal Mail says including a return address can also help ensure an item is sent back if it cannot be delivered.
Practical Tips for Senders
The advice could be particularly useful for people sending invitations, cards or parcels in coloured packaging, where the choice of pen may be easy to overlook. Royal Mail's guidance is ultimately focused on keeping the address clear and readable against its background. So before sealing your next envelope or wrapping a parcel, it may be worth checking that your chosen ink stands out clearly from the colour underneath it.
