> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.paperjoy.co/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How Paperjoy works

> From your request to a handwritten postcard in the mailbox, and which way of sending fits you.

Paperjoy turns a request into a real postcard. A robot writes your message with a real pen on an A6 card, addresses a C6 envelope in the same handwriting, and we mail it with Poczta Polska. Postage is included.

![A handwritten postcard that reads: Dear Anna, thank you for your first order! We hope the flowers brought you a lot of joy. See you in the spring! Signed Marta from the Linden Florist.](https://mintcdn.com/paperjoy/F1MJj4Vyrx0MCZIR/images/postcards/card-font-1-en.webp?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=F1MJj4Vyrx0MCZIR\&q=85\&s=d30ca0c907f880a0e1249fc1e3c514f0)

The card, written in font-1

![A handwritten envelope with the sender address in the top left and the recipient address in the middle.](https://mintcdn.com/paperjoy/F1MJj4Vyrx0MCZIR/images/postcards/envelope.webp?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=F1MJj4Vyrx0MCZIR\&q=85\&s=b730436957fe28abed5549ed6b1eaee3)

The envelope, with your return address

## Choose how to send

All four methods create the same postcard and use the same credits. Pick the one that matches who or what starts the send.

| Method | Best when | Code needed | Test mode |
| - | - | - | - |
| [Editor](https://docs.paperjoy.co/en/integrations/editor.md) | You write a few cards by hand in the Paperjoy app. | No | Yes |
| [Zapier](https://docs.paperjoy.co/en/integrations/zapier.md) | A form, CRM, shop, or calendar should trigger a card. | No | Yes |
| [MCP](https://docs.paperjoy.co/en/integrations/mcp.md) | You want an AI assistant such as Claude to write and send cards. | No | No, always live |
| [API](https://docs.paperjoy.co/en/getting-started/quickstart.md) | Your own software sends cards and needs full control. | Yes | Yes |

> [!TIP]
>
> Not sure? Write one card in the [editor](https://docs.paperjoy.co/en/integrations/editor.md) first. You'll see exactly how your message looks before you automate anything.

## What you provide

* **Recipient and address.** A person or company with a Polish postal address.
* **Message.** Up to 300 characters. Line breaks are kept. See [Write the card](https://docs.paperjoy.co/en/postcards/write.md).
* **Handwriting.** One of two fonts, and optionally a natural crossed-out word.
* **Signature.** A typed sign-off, or your own [custom signature](https://docs.paperjoy.co/en/postcards/custom-signatures.md) on Pro and Business plans.

Paperjoy handles the rest: writing, addressing the envelope with your organization's return address, stamping, and mailing.

## What happens after you send

```mermaid theme={null}
flowchart LR
  A[new] -->|content check| B[queued]
  A -->|content check fails| R[rejected]
  B --> C[in production]
  C --> D[sent]
```

1. **`new`** — Paperjoy accepts the order. A live postcard uses one credit.
2. **`queued`** — The message passed an automated content check and waits for a robot.
3. **In production** — The robot addresses the envelope and writes the card in one run.
4. **`sent`** — The postcard is in the mail.

If the content check flags the message, the postcard moves to **`rejected`** and the credit is returned automatically. See [Postcard statuses](https://docs.paperjoy.co/en/postcards/statuses.md) for every step.

## Before you begin

**1. Create an account**

[Sign up](https://paperjoy.co/register) and add your organization. Paperjoy looks up your company by its Polish NIP and uses that address as the default return address.

**2. Try it in test mode**

[Test mode](https://docs.paperjoy.co/en/getting-started/test-mode.md) is free. Test postcards are never written or mailed.

**3. Add credits and go live**

Buy credits in [Billing](https://paperjoy.co/billing). One live postcard costs one credit.

> [!NOTE]
>
> Paperjoy currently delivers to addresses in Poland only.


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