Top 10 Printing Tips

TOP TEN PRINTING TIPS

1. Always download and print your design as a PDF instead of a JPG (unless you are printing your design as an image at a photo lab).
2. Test out different paper types to figure out which you like best, especially before printing large quantities. Paper actually makes a BIG difference (check out our guide to see our go-to paper!).
3. Print on white card stock - not a colored stock.
4. Be sure to thoroughly proofread your file before printing.
5. If your design has ONLY black ink be sure to select that option when placing your order, it will be cheaper than if you print with colored ink.
6. You totally CAN print from home and have it look awesome! The brighter white your paper is to start, generally the better the color will show up for you!
7. If you are printing at an office store look online to see if they have any coupons.
8. Download any design that is 8.5x11 or smaller with multiples per sheet on an 8.5x11 instead of their original size so you can easily print at home or at your local office store on Letter size paper (8.5x11)
9. If you’re printing anything larger than a standard 8.5x11 (unless you have a specialty printer at home) you will need to print these at your local office store!
10. You can always post in the Facebook group (link) using #STUCK to get quick help and use the power of the community.  In addition you can email us at [e-mail].

RECOMMENDED FILE TYPES

PDF:

We recommend this file type to maintain best quality and color.  Use this file to print onto standard size paper at home or at your local print shop.  *Be sure to print as a PDF when downloading files 8x10 and larger to maintain quality.*

JPG:

If you are printing as a 5x7 or 4x6 at a photo lab (Walmart, Walgreens, Costco, CVS etc) this is generally the only file type they will accept.  Anywhere else we would recommend a PDF instead of a JPG.

RECOMMENDED PAPERS & SIZING

SIZING:

As you’ve seen by now, items inside your Celebration Circle kit come in a variety of sizes (5x7, 4x6, 4x4 etc.) BUT we are going to print ALL items that are 8.5x11 and smaller on a standard 8.5x11 (Posters and home prints are larger and an exception!!) we will just print multiples per sheet!  This is the size of paper in any standard printer. 

The way we do this is when you are downloading your designs from corjl you must follow these steps:

1. Select Download -> PDF -> Paper Size: 8.5x11 inches (Letter)
2. Make sure the “Print Multiples Per Page If Possible” box is selected
3. Make sure the “Show Trim Marks” box is selected *This is optional*
4. Download PDF!
   

Once printed you’ll just use a paper cutter or scissors to trim! (Check out our supply guide if you’d like recommendations!)

*Anything larger than an 8.5x11 in original size you’ll print as a poster unless otherwise recommended!

PAPER TYPES:

The best paper to print your stationery on is bright white card stock.  I use two different weights: 32lb and 60lb when printing items on a standard 8.5x11.

1. 32 LB PAPER (My go to brand ->  https://amzn.to/2kiq79O)
   I use this lighter weight for the majority of my printed decor.  This is great for signs, straw flags, bottle labels etc. For items that are going to be wrapped around something (like straw flags or bottle labels) you don't really want any thicker paper or it's actually a lot tougher to get it to stay and look nice, so keep in mind thicker isn't always better!
2. 60 LB PAPER (My go to brand ->  https://amzn.to/2jZyIxT)
   I use this slightly thicker paper for items that either need to stand on their own or just need to be a bit more durable i.e. the invitation, favor tags, tent cards, cupcake toppers, banners etc.  This paper provides just enough thickness while still being able to easily fold or hang if needed.

 *Each type of paper is going to print color differently, I know, crazy!  So my biggest recommendation, especially if you plan on printing large quantities, is to first print just one to make sure you are happy with the result before proceeding with the rest!

**If you prefer a more premium paper or a paper with a unique texture, generally most office stores will allow you to bring in your own paper for them to print on (the average thickness they can go up to is around 200 lb). This is a great option if you find a thicker or unique paper you love.  Keep in mind your standard home printer may not be able to handle a very thick paper, typically they can’t handle more than a standard card stock thickness wise (every printer is different so please refer to your printer manual).  

You can find your own paper at Amazon, at a local craft store or specialty paper store.

PRINTING AT AN OFFICE STORE

If you don’t have a printer at home or would just prefer someone else print for you, printing at an office store is a breeze.  There are likely some great small ma&pa print shops in your hometown, and I definitely recommend checking them out, but in order to best serve our community I recommend two print shops that are found nationwide.

FEDEX OFFICE:

I LOVE Fedex.  They have always done an excellent job printing my designs.

When you go to place an order at Fedex you can submit your order 1 of 3 ways:

1. You can order online - the easiest and most convenient option - and use a coupon code!
2. You can email them the files - call and get their email address first but you also need to include all the paper and sizing requests which is why ordering online is easier!
3. Bring your files in on a flash drive.
   

To order 8.5x11s online:

1. Go to Fedex.com/en-us/printing -> click “Start Print Order” -> under “Document Printing” select “View Products” -> then under “Copies & Custom Projects” select “Get Started” this will take you to a screen to upload your files.
2. Upload your 8.5x11 files from the download section of your computer (or wherever you have stored them).
3. Make any changes to the automatic options (i.e. Black and White only, paper weight, quantity etc)
4. Add to cart!

Printing Posters:

Follow the same steps as above, except when choosing your project instead of Document Printing choose Posters.  If you are wanting to print a B&W design on their 20lb bond paper I recommend emailing your file to them and including the size and paper weight you are wanting.  i.e. “Please print this 24x36 B&W on your 20lb bond paper.” Remember bond paper must be a black and white design.

OFFICE DEPOT OR OFFICE MAX:

Office Depot/Max is a great source as well.  They too have always done an excellent job printing my designs.

When you go to place an order at Office Depot/Max you can submit your order 1 of 3 ways:

1. You can order online - the easiest and most convenient option - and use a coupon code!
2. You can email them the files - call and get their email address first but you also need to include all the paper and sizing requests which is why ordering online is easier!
3. Bring your files in on a flash drive.

To order 8.5x11s online:

1. Go to officedepot.com.  Under print and copy select copies & flyers.
2. Upload your file(s).
3. Select your options (paper weight, quantities, color etc.)
4. Add to cart!

Printing Posters:

1. Go to officedepot.com. Under print and copy select posters.
2. Upload your file(s).
3. Select your options (paper weight, quantities, color etc.)
4. Add to cart!

PRINTING HOME PRINTS & POSTERS

*THIS APPLIES TO ANYTHING LARGER THAN 8.5X11 UNLESS OTHERWISE RECOMMENDED BY BECCA

Unless you have a special printer at home that accepts large sheets of paper you will need to have a local office supply shop print these for you.

COLOR DESIGNS:

I recommend printing posters at your local office store on their 55lb poster paper.  This provides a great quality thickness and finish. You also have the option to have your poster mounted to a foam board for added weight or to stand well on its own on an easel or on a table.  If you don't mind a slight glossy finish you can also have your design printed as a photo at your local drug store (i.e. Walgreens, CVS, etc). Colored designs actually look really great with a gloss finish if you don't mind the shine and you can often find drug stores having photo sales! *See “Printing at an office store” for specific steps.

BLACK AND WHITE DESIGNS:
If your design has no color and is only black and white you have two options:

1. You can follow the instructions above in the color section for a nice thick quality print OR
2. You can print on an economical thinner 20lb bond paper.
   

If you print on 20lb bond paper it's a really thin paper so be warned, but it's also super economical - only about $5 for a huge 24x36 and it goes down from there.  Chat with your local office store for specifics on how to give them the file to print. Generally I email the file to their email address for a job like this.

For posters for special occasions like parties and weddings where you plan to place them on an easel

(welcome signs, seating charts, etc) we recommend a mounted poster.  You can find these at both FEDEX or Office Depot/Office Max. This is a poster printed and then mounted onto a lightweight foam board.  

We highly recommend this method most if you plan to have your poster standing on its own. 

*You can also DIY this method by printing the poster on your own on a thin paper, using spray adhesive to adhere it to a foam board from your local craft store and then trimming if necessary.

*For a premium sign Office Depot and OfficeMax offer a satin poster paper that has a beautiful soft finish. It is a little more price wise but a great quality paper!*

CAN I PRINT AT HOME?

ABSOLUTELY!  You definitely can print your designs at home and have them look awesome!  Try testing out different papers to find ones you love when YOUR printer prints ink on!  Check out our recommended papers on page 2 to give you a place to start!  

If your home printer isn’t working I wish we could help BUT since there are so many different types of printers on the market we recommend you get answers specific to the brand and model of printer you are using.

CAN I PRINT ON COLORED PAPER?

Generally we recommend sticking to just bright white card stock.  However, if you want to print directly on colored paper we recommend the design be only in black. The majority of colored paper options offered standard at your local office store are going to be around the 24-32 lb weight.  If you are wanting to print on a colored card stock (such as kraft paper) you will need to buy the paper at your local craft store first and see if your printing facility will allow you to provide your own paper for them to print on. 

Many office stores do allow you to bring your own paper as long as the paper is laser friendly (and the majority of papers are).  They can print on colored papers, vellum (as long as it isn’t too thin) and Kraft papers. If you are in doubt, my recommendation is to take a sample of your paper in store first to check if they can use it with their printers and even print a sample while you’re there.

*A note about printing directly on colored papers - the ink may appear differently on the paper than on your computer screen because you are printing colored ink directly onto a colored paper and the colors will mix and not appear as vibrant.  The exception is black ink. Printing black ink on any color should be no trouble at all. White ink will not print directly onto colored paper.

*If your design has any other color besides black ink we wouldn’t recommend printing on a colored stock because the color may look funny printed on anything other than white!

We recommend always printing a few samples first before moving forward with your entire print job to make sure you are happy with the results on your chosen paper.

WILL THE WHITE SHOW UP IF I PRINT ON COLORED PAPER?
White ink will not print directly onto colored paper. If your design has any other color besides black ink we do not recommend printing on a colored paper.

We recommend only printing on white paper.

CUTTING AND TRIMMING

Most office stores and your home computer may only allow you to print on a standard 8.5x11, so you cannot print smaller sizes such as 5x7, 4x6, and 5x3.5.  Instead you can choose to print multiple items per 8.5x11 sheet which is on option you can select when downloading your file! This means once printed you will need to trim some items!

For example, two 5x7s can fit on one 8.5x11.  You can then trim your items or see if your local office supply shop will trim them for you.

Fedex currently charges $1.50 per cut BUT one cut is for the ENTIRE stack.  Sof for example, if you printed 200 sheets of 5x7s (400 invitations total) it’s typically 6 cuts for 5x7s printed that way at $1.50 per cut for your entire print job so just $9.  That is a GREAT DEAL! They have industrial sized cutters that allow them to do this and WE 110% recommend it to save you loads of time cutting them yourself at home.

Office Depot and OfficeMax offer the same option, they charge about $0.75 per cut but they can only hold up to about 30 per stack for a single cut.  If you do choose to cut them at home, I recommend using a paper cutter and depending on the sharpness of your blade and the thickness of your paper, cutting 2-3 together max at a time.

More printing tips:

Click to download the printing tips PDF!