Printing Guidelines

Learn how to print your documents either at home, at your local shipping store, or your local office supply store.

 

1. Paper Size and Orientation

  • Paper Type: Use A5 paper that matches the size of your inserts.
  • Orientation: Ensure your document matches the orientation of the inserts (portrait or landscape).

2. Printer Settings

  • Paper Size: Set your printer to "A5" paper size in the settings.
    • On Windows: Go to "Printer Properties" > "Paper/Quality" > "Custom Size".
    • On Mac: Go to "Page Setup" or "Print" dialog > "Paper Size".
  • Scaling:
    • No Scaling: Select "No Scaling" or "Actual Size" in your print settings to ensure the design is printed at the correct size without resizing or distortion.
    • Avoid settings like "Fit to Page" or "Shrink to Fit," as they can alter the proportions.

3. Document Setup

  • Page Setup: Design your inserts in A5 format (148 mm × 210 mm).
  • Bleed and Margins: If your design goes to the edge, include a bleed (3 mm on all sides). Trim the paper after printing if necessary.

4. Double-Sided Printing

  • If your inserts are double-sided:
    1. Test the printer’s duplex mode (if available).
    2. For manual duplexing:
      • Print odd-numbered pages first.
      • Reinsert the paper and print the even-numbered pages.
    3. Pay attention to flipping/rotation to align the front and back correctly.

5. Quality Adjustments

  • Print Quality: Use "High Quality" or "Best" settings for clear text and vibrant colors.
  • Ink Considerations: For heavy designs, ensure sufficient ink levels to avoid uneven printing.

6. Test Print

  • Print a single page or two first to check alignment, quality, and color accuracy before printing the entire batch.

7. Common Troubleshooting

  • Margins cut off: Adjust margins or paper alignment in the tray.
  • Pages misaligned: Test and correct manual duplexing settings.
  • Paper jams: Use the proper paper size and weight (90–120 gsm recommended for inserts).