How to print printables on card stock

Print on card stock

1. Find your printer's heaviest paper: it's in the manual or the printer maker's spec page, usually in gsm or lb.
2. Print the page on plain paper first to check what's on it, the size and the colors.
3. Load a few sheets of card stock at a time. If your printer has a rear tray or a manual feed slot, use it: the straighter path jams less.
4. In the Print window set the paper type (Media type) to Card stock, Heavyweight or Matte, and the scale to Actual size or 100%.
5. Print, then lay the sheets out flat. Let ink-jet prints dry for a few minutes before cutting or stacking; laser prints are dry at once.

Which card stock

1. 65 lb cover (176 gsm): feeds through most home printers; good for game cards, bingo cards and place cards.
2. 80 lb cover (216 gsm): stiffer, for table signs, invitations and props that stand up. Check your printer takes it.
3. 110 lb cover (300 gsm): very stiff; many home printers can't feed it, so a copy shop is the safer choice.
4. Smooth matte white card stock prints the crispest text and colors; textured or linen card stock can look speckled.

Tips

• If the printer won't pick up card stock, feed one sheet at a time and fan the stack before loading.
• Cream or colored card stock changes how colors look; print one page to check.
• For signs that need to stand up, fold along a ruler with a dull edge (a butter knife or a bone folder) before folding.

Questions