Printing Tips – For Beautiful Printable Cards

So you’ve downloaded your printable card—yay!

Here’s how to print it just right so your card looks polished, professional, and true to the design.

1. Use "Actual Size" or 100% Scale

When you open the PDF, make sure your printer settings are NOT set to “Fit to Page” or “Shrink Oversized Pages.”

✔ Choose “Actual Size” or set the scale to 100%.

2. Page Setup: Borderless Paper

To avoid cutting off the trim marks or design edges:

• Go to your Page Setup

• Select a borderless paper option

• If your printer doesn't offer that, create a custom paper size with borderless margins.

Without borderless settings, some printers will slightly crop the trim marks—even if you're using "Actual Size." It’s not always noticeable, but if you're a perfectionist (and we love that), borderless is best!

3. Recommended Paper

• Heavyweight matte cardstock

• 100–110 lb (270–300 gsm)

• Bright white for the most accurate colors

✨ Bonus Tip: If you want an extra pop, try textured paper—it gives that handmade touch even on digital prints.

4. Cutting and Folding

• Use the trim marks as your guide.

• A paper trimmer works best, but scissors work fine with a steady hand.

• For folding: gently score the fold line with a bone folder, blunt butter knife, or back of a scissor before creasing.

5. Printer Differences

Every printer is a little different! If colors look off, try:

• Changing paper type settings (e.g. from "Plain Paper" to "Matte")

• Turning off any “Photo Enhancement” options

• Using higher quality print mode

And don’t be afraid to test-print on plain paper first.

6. Too difficult? Don’t worry—“Fit to Page” is totally fine too!

   If all this talk of trim marks and borderless printing feels too technical or time-consuming, no problem.You can simply choose “Fit to Page” in your print settings.

   Just keep in mind:

   • Your card will print slightly smaller than 5x7 inches,

   • And the trim marks may not show completely.

   But honestly? It still looks lovely—and your thoughtful message will shine no matter what!

7. Recommended Tools for a Pro Finish

   • For the cleanest fold, we recommend using a creaser (also called a bone folder).  It gives you a smooth, professional crease—no crumpling, no cracking.  No creaser? A blunt butter knife or the back of a scissor works in a pinch!

   • Scissors are fine, but if you want crisp, straight edges, a paper trimmer makes a world of difference.  Especially if you’re printing multiple cards—it saves time and looks neat.

   • 
     

💬 Still need help?

Feel free to contact us anytime—we’re happy to troubleshoot!