Printing help
No experience needed. Here is everything worth knowing about paper, sizes and settings, in plain language.
A4 or US Letter?
A4 is the standard paper size in Australia — if you buy paper at the supermarket, it is A4. US Letter is slightly shorter and wider and is standard in North America. Use A4 unless you are printing overseas.
What is 5x7?
5x7 inches is the classic invitation size. It fits standard invitation envelopes and photo frames. Where we include it, we also include an A4 sheet with two invitations on it, which is easier to print at home.
PDF or JPG?
PDF is best for printing — it keeps the design exactly as it was made and holds its sharpness at full size. JPG is handy for sending an invitation by text or email.
Home printer
A normal inkjet or laser printer is fine. Check the ink is not running low before an important print, and do a single test page first.
Professional printing
For big signs, or if you would like a heavier card, take the PDF to a print shop or upload it to an online printing service. Ask for 100% scale and mention the paper size and stock you want.
Cardstock
Plain paper is fine for games and activity sheets. For invitations, place cards and signs, cardstock around 250–300gsm feels much nicer and stands up on its own.
Trimming
Cut along the trim guides with a guillotine or craft knife and a metal ruler for the crispest edge. Scissors work too — take your time and cut just inside the line.
Actual size, not fit to page
In your print dialog choose "Actual size" or "100%" rather than "Fit to page". Fit to page shrinks the design slightly, which puts the trim guides in the wrong place.
Printing at home, step by step
- Download your files and open the PDF for the size you want.
- Load your paper or cardstock. Cardstock usually prints best one sheet at a time.
- In the print dialog, set the paper size to match the file (A4 or US Letter) and set scale to 100% or “actual size”.
- If your printer has a paper-type setting, choose cardstock or heavy paper — it lays down more ink and dries better.
- Print one test page first, check it, then print the rest.
- Let the ink dry for a minute before trimming.
A note on colour. Screens light colours up from behind and printers lay ink onto paper, so a printed colour is almost always a little softer than it looks on screen. Different printers and papers vary too. It is normal, and it is worth doing a test print before a big run.
Still not sure? Have a look at the FAQ, or email hello@littleprintshop.com.au — we are happy to help.
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