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Letter to a friend template

A letter to a friend can make an ordinary update feel worth keeping. Start with something that made you think of them, share a little of your life and leave room for theirs. This example is for the friend you want to sit down and chat with, even when you are apart.

Use this free template

Before you start

A memory, moment or small discovery that connects the two of you.
One or two updates you would enjoy telling them in person.
A question about something they care about, and your own sign-off.

Replace the bracketed prompts and change or remove any sentence that does not sound like you. You can leave the subject line and sender address blank for a personal note.

Example wording

Dear [friend's name], [Something I saw or did recently] made me think of you and [a memory you share]. I wanted to write while it was still fresh in my mind. Life here has been [a short update]. The part I most wanted to tell you about is [one detail or story]. How is [something that matters to your friend] going? I would love to hear what you have been enjoying lately. [An idea for your next catch-up, or a warm closing thought.] Take care, [your name]

Step 1Choose a starting point

Start with an example or a blank letter. Make the words your own and replace every square-bracket prompt before you send.

Letter type

Share a small update, a memory and a question for a friend.

Step 2Add the people

The recipient details appear in your PDF and carry through to the envelope address in checkout. You can review and edit them there.

Your name

Date

Your address (optional)

Recipient name

Find a UK address (optional)

Suggestions use OpenStreetMap and may be incomplete. Search text is sent to Photon. You can also enter the address manually. Privacy

Recipient address line 1

Address line 2 (optional)

Town or city

UK postcode

Writing to an organisation? Find its postal address before drafting your letter.

Step 3Write the letter

Keep the facts clear. The PDF will be laid out like a normal letter and can run to more than one page.

Subject (optional)

Letter text

Make it sound like you

Begin with a moment they can picture

Try a detail such as spotting the same book you both loved, walking past your old café or cooking a meal you once shared. For example: ‘I tried making your soup on Sunday and remembered our tiny kitchen.’ A concrete opening gives you something natural to build on.

Tell one small story

You do not have to summarise your whole life. Choose an update and include the part your friend would find funny, surprising or familiar. A description of an ordinary afternoon can say more about how you are than a list of everything you have done.

Make space for their news

Ask about a hobby, project or person they have mentioned before. One thoughtful question is easier to answer than a long list. Close as you would in conversation, whether that is ‘Love’, ‘Take care’ or an expression that belongs to your friendship. A subject line is optional.

Is the PDF really free?

Yes. Edit the letter and choose “Download free PDF”. There is no account or payment to download it. PostOwl only charges if you choose printing and postal delivery; the full price is shown before payment.

Can I print or email it myself?

Yes. Keep the downloaded file, print it or attach it to an email if the recipient accepts that method. The PDF is generated in your browser. Choosing postal checkout carries it to the send page, where you can review the document and address.