Printing Guide

How to Print Your Little Printabelles Products

Your printable products are designed to create beautiful, professional-quality keepsakes. This guide covers printing for both greeting cards and memory vault books.

Greeting Cards

File Specifications

  • Format: High-resolution PDF files
  • Size: A4 landscape (297mm x 210mm / 11.69" x 8.27"), folds to A5 (148.5mm x 210mm / 5.85" x 8.27")
  • Quality: 300 DPI for crisp, clear printing
  • Color Mode: CMYK for professional printing

Printing at Home

Recommended Paper:

  • A4 heavyweight cardstock (200-300 gsm)
  • Matte or satin finish for elegant results
  • White or cream-colored paper to complement our designs

Printer Settings:

  • Select A4 paper size in landscape orientation
  • Select "Best" or "High Quality" print setting
  • Choose "Borderless" printing if available
  • Ensure "Actual Size" or "100%" scaling is selected (not "Fit to Page")
  • Use color printing for best results

Finishing:

  • Fold along the center to create an A5 card
  • Use a ruler and bone folder for crisp, professional folds
  • C5 envelopes (162mm x 229mm) fit A5 cards perfectly

Memory Vault Books (Baby Vault, Childhood Vault, Teenage Vault, Ultimate Vault)

File Specifications

  • Format: High-resolution PDF files (multi-page documents)
  • Size: A4 (210mm x 297mm / 8.27" x 11.69")
  • Quality: 300 DPI for crisp, clear printing
  • Color Mode: CMYK for professional printing
  • Pages: Varies by product (40-152 pages)

Printing Options

Option 1: Print at Home (Loose Pages)

  • Use A4 heavyweight paper (120-160 gsm)
  • Print double-sided for a professional finish
  • Select "Flip on Long Edge" for correct page orientation
  • Store in a 3-ring binder or folder
  • Add page protectors for durability

Option 2: Professional Binding (Recommended)

For a truly heirloom-quality finish, we highly recommend professional printing and binding:

Where to Print:

  • Local print shops or copy centers
  • Office supply stores (Officeworks, etc.)
  • Online print services (Blurb, Lulu, Mixam)
  • Photo book services for premium results

What to Request:

  • A4 size, full-color CMYK printing
  • Premium paper (120-160 gsm)
  • Double-sided printing
  • Binding options:
    • Spiral/Coil binding: Lays flat, easy to write in (budget-friendly)
    • Perfect binding: Book-like finish with glued spine (mid-range)
    • Hardcover binding: Premium heirloom quality (best for long-term preservation)
    • Saddle stitch: For thinner books only (under 60 pages)
  • Optional: Laminated or matte cover for protection

Printing Tips for Memory Books

Before You Print:

  • Review the entire PDF to ensure all pages are included
  • Check that photos and text are properly positioned
  • Print a test page to verify quality and alignment

For Best Results:

  • Use high-quality paper for longevity
  • Consider archival-quality paper for preservation
  • Print in small batches if printing at home to maintain consistency
  • Allow pages to dry completely before binding

Binding at Home:

  • Use a 3-ring hole punch and binder for easy assembly
  • Add divider tabs for different sections
  • Use page protectors to preserve completed pages
  • Consider decorating the binder cover to personalize

Milestone Cards & Printables

File Specifications

  • Format: High-resolution PDF files
  • Size: Varies by product (typically A4 or A5)
  • Quality: 300 DPI
  • Color Mode: CMYK

Recommended Printing:

  • Heavyweight cardstock (200-300 gsm) for durability
  • Matte or satin finish
  • Professional printing recommended for photo-quality results
  • Consider laminating for cards that will be handled frequently

General Troubleshooting

Colors look different than on screen: This is normal due to screen vs. print color differences. For best color accuracy, use professional printing services with color calibration.

Image appears cut off: Ensure your printer settings are set to the correct paper size and "Actual Size" or "100%" scaling (not "Fit to Page").

Pages printing in wrong order: Check your printer's double-sided settings. Select "Flip on Long Edge" for correct orientation.

Paper jamming: Use paper weight appropriate for your printer (check your printer manual). Most home printers handle up to 200-250 gsm.

Need Help?

If you have any questions about printing your Little Printabelles products, please don't hesitate to contact us. We're here to help you create beautiful, lasting keepsakes!