Save Money by Selecting Print Paper Size Wisely

Paper quality and size can account for up to 30 percent of the overall cost of a printing job. And if your publication has a larger page count, then the cost of paper will rise accordingly. Experts at Documedia’s online printing services have come up with some tips you can implement to make the most efficient use of press sheets to reduce overall costs.

Save Money: Dos and Don’ts of Choosing Paper Size

Here are a few things the experts at Documedia recommend you keep in mind to save money when choosing paper size for a printing job.

Your printer’s presses are designed to accommodate certain cut size sheets more efficiently. You can obtain these sizes from your paper manufacturer’s paper sample book. However, you need to make sure that you discuss the print sheet size, once you have picked the paper stock, with your printer. Typically, sheet fed paper sizes are available in multiples of the standard 8.5” x 11”, with room for color bars, bleeds, etc.

When designing a brochure, lay it out unfolded on the diagram of a press sheet. Note down the placement of panels and leave room (about 1/8”) for bleeds. Nothing would be better if you are getting two or maybe even four copies of the brochure on a press sheet. If you do not mind reducing the brochure size a bit (say ½”), you can lay out more copies on a press sheet and waste less space. This can save you a significant amount of money, as less paper is wasted. Remember, it is you who pays for the paper that is trimmed away.

For multi page publications, first make a fold up paper dummy of the book. Unfold it to get the right idea of how many pages you can fit onto the press sheet. Now, adjust the dimensions of the individual pages, such that together, their dimensions fit into the area of the sheet the printer’s press will accommodate.

Keep these tips in mind while choosing paper size and you will save a great deal on the printing costs. We, at Documedia, offer online printing services and manage large as well as regular printing projects for individuals and businesses. Our team of experts and printing consultants offer high quality printing services while deploying the best practices to make it all affordable for you.

DocuMedia Group is a unique collection of graphic communications specialists with a remarkable range of individual expertise and experience in printing, imaging and information rendering of all types.