Cardstock or the cover paper is not the same as writing paper. It is thicker than writing paper but thinner than the paper board. You can also distinguish between cardstock papers by their weight.
However, if you’re thinking of printing postcards for your or a friend’s upcoming wedding ceremony or some cards for a new business, understand that you can’t print on every paper.
On the other hand, the ease of printing on a paper differs from one type of paper to another. While some papers are hard to print on, others are easier.
Now, here’s what you need to know about printing on cardstock.
Can you print on cardstock?
Yes, you can print on cardstock. But have at the back of your mind that cardstock isn’t like your writing paper. It is sturdier, thicker, and much stronger.
Therefore, printing on cardstock will be more difficult. Thus, your printing machine would have to work much harder to print on cardstock.
So, you can print on cardstock, but you have to make slight adjustments to your printer.
Keep reading as we discuss more on must-know information when printing on cardstock paper.
Things To Consider Before Printing On Cardstock
When it comes to printing on 81/2 x 11 copy papers, many people won’t encounter any hurdle. They are already experts in printing on such papers.
Unfortunately, the situation could be different when using cardstock. Most people don’t even have experience with how to print on cardstock papers.
If you’re seeking ideas on how to print on cardstock, you’re in the right place. Here are some tips to help you get through with it.
1: Match cardstock Dimension to the Word Processor’s Page Setup:
Ensuring that your cardstock paper’s size matches the document settings on your Microsoft Word is one of the first and most important steps before printing commences. If both settings aren’t the same, whatever you’re printing on the cardstock won’t be great.
Your cardstock paper has a specific size. Suppose it is 5 ½ x 8 ½, then the settings on the Word or any word processor you’re using should be 5 ½ x 8 ½.
How can you ensure the setting on your Microsoft Word processor (if this is what you’re using) and your cardstock paper is the same? It is a simple task.
Firstly, use a ruler to measure your cardstock paper to know the exact size. After discovering the cardstock’s actual size, go to document settings on Microsoft Word and adjust the figures there.
In Microsoft Word, you’ll find document settings in the Page Setup area. Enter the cardstock’s exact dimension to get the printing on the paper right.
2: Inform The Printer You’re Printing A Custom Paper:
The Word processor on the computer you’re using and the printer are the two components that combine to make whatever you’re printing on the cardstock appear great.
So, since you have successfully adjusted the document setting on your Word processor to match the cardstock’s size, do the same on the printer.
If you’re printing a different paper from the 8 ½ x 11 that your printer is used to, let the printer know you want to print something different.
By default, your printer acknowledges that every paper you slot in to print is an 8 ½ x 11. So, if you plan to print something different regarding size, you need your printer’s dimension and that of the custom paper to align.
You can enter your custom dimension on the printer via the device’s driver.
3: Check If The Printer Driver Requires An Update:
Did you try adjusting the printer driver but weren’t successful? If this is what you’re experiencing, check if a new update is available.
If you’re lucky, the printer’s manufacturer might have made available new drivers with the option to change custom sizes.
4: Consider Your Portrait Or Landscape Settings:
Are the printed texts in the wrong direction on the cardstock? Are the texts cutting off? If yes, the portrait (vertical) or landscape (horizontal) orientation isn’t correct.
Like paper size, you can adjust portrait and landscape settings on the Word processor and printer driver.
Now, how are these settings done?
If you’re printing on a rectangular cardstock paper, you have to decide if you want the text to print in portrait mode (tall or vertical) or landscape mode (wide or horizontal).
The printer driver is another area where you have to make some adjustments. If you want the settings to be in portrait mode, know that the printing will be from right to left.
On the other hand, if you want the settings to be in landscape mode on the printer driver, know that you’re talking about how the texts would be printed from top to bottom.
5: Check if the printer supports your card size:
Adjusting custom paper size on the printer driver is crucial to make the texts print correctly on the cardstock paper.
So, make the necessary adjustments and start printing. However, if you tried adjusting your cardstock paper’s size on the printer driver but couldn’t, know that your printer doesn’t support it.
Every printer has a maximum and minimum for the size of paper they can print on. So, if yours falls within this range, count yourself lucky.
If you tried adjusting the size or choosing from the list of options and couldn’t find an accurate match, know that your printer cannot print on the said paper.
You can prevent this by checking the minimum and maximum size of paper your printer can print before buying your paper. When you know the exact size, you can make the right choice when purchasing your cardstock.
Another thing you have to do is consider the minimum and maximum size of papers your printer can print before buying the printer. You can ask the seller for more information in this regard and make your inquiries too.
6: Consider the weight and thickness of paper your printer supports:
When buying a printer or paper, paper size should not be the only factor to consider. You have to consider the thickness and weight of the paper too.
Note that printers have maximum and minimum regarding the weight and thickness of the paper they can print. The output won’t be pleasing if your printer doesn’t support the cardstock’s weight and thickness.
When you put cardstock thicker or heavier than the recommended into a printer, you may experience a paper jam. In general, the outcome won’t be desirable.
So, if you’re buying a new printer and want to print on specific cardstock, consider the minimum and maximum weight the printer supports before splashing the cash.
The Numerous Uses Of Cardstock
Cardstock papers boast a wide range of uses, but the most common is printing wedding invitation cards.
Besides wedding invitations, you can use cardstock to print scrapbooks, origami projects, bookmarks, holiday cards, business cards, posters, banners, and photos.
Photos printed on cardstock renders great on the paper, thanks to its thickness.
Tips On How To Print Your Wedding Invitation Cards On Cardstock
Are you considering printing 20 wedding invitation cards at once? Here is what you need to know.
Printing such a large quantity of wedding invitation cards at once will save time and would have been a more logical approach. But the problem is there is a possibility that you could experience a paper jam. Don’t forget that the cardstock paper is thicker and sturdier than writing paper.
So, instead of feeding such a considerable amount of paper into the printer, take it one step at a time. It is cheaper to correct a mistake on one paper than to waste multiple papers.
Another thing you need to consider is the condition of the printer. If the printer isn’t working as expected, please consider handing over your printing project to a professional or fixing the printer.
Conclusion
Can you print on cardstock? Yes, you can. But keep in mind that printing on cardstock is not as simple as printing on writing paper.
Cardstock paper is harder, sturdier, and thicker than writing paper. Different cardstock papers exist.
We discussed factors to consider when printing on cardstock paper. We shared how important it is for users to ensure the document settings on the Word processor align with the cardstock paper’s size.
Choose papers your printer can handle. Note that printers have maximum and minimum when it comes to thickness and weight of paper. If the cardstock paper you want to print on is thicker than the maximum the printer can handle, there would be a paper jam.
