Guide to Document Printing (A4 / A3)
Last Upated: 14 June 2023
Before you order (please read)
All prints will have a small white border (around 3–5mm) on each side. Printers cannot print right to the edge. If you need printing to the edge (full bleed), contact us and we’ll guide you.
We do a quick check that the file is printable, but we don’t proofread, verify references, or check page sequence. For confidentiality, we don’t read your document text.
Colours on screens can look different when printed. If you need very accurate colour matching, contact us for assisted print services.
How to order (step-by-step)
1) Upload your file (PDF only)
Upload your document in PDF format. This avoids layout changes that can happen with Word/PowerPoint/Excel files.
Tip: If you’re using Word/PowerPoint, use Save As → PDF (or Print → Microsoft Print to PDF).
2) Check the pages
Once uploaded, the system detects the number of pages automatically.
If you don’t want to print certain pages, edit your file first, save it again as PDF, and upload the new version (use a different file name to avoid confusion).
3) Choose paper size: A4 or A3
A4 (210 × 297mm)
A3 (297 × 420mm)
If you need larger than A3, use Large Format Printing instead.
4) Select scaling mode (how your document fits on the page)
Choose how your document should fit on the paper:
Actual Size (100% – No Scaling)
Prints at the exact size your file was created.
Best when size matters (labels, drawings, scale documents)
If your content is bigger than the paper, parts may be cut off
Leave at least a 5mm margin around the edges (anything inside that may not print)
Fit to Paper Size & Printer Margins (Auto Scale)
Automatically resizes to fit the selected paper size (including the printer’s border).
Best for most everyday printing
Helps ensure nothing gets cut off
If your content is smaller than the paper, it scales up to use more of the page
5) Choose one-sided or two-sided (duplex)
One-sided: prints on one side only
Two-sided (duplex): prints on both sides (back-to-back)
Notes:
Some paper types don’t support duplex.
If you choose duplex, you can print Black Only or Full Colour (Mixed mode isn’t available with duplex).
6) Choose paper type (simple guide)
Everyday documents
80gsm white (standard): best for notes, school prints, general use
A nicer, more premium feel
100/120gsm premium white: slightly thicker and smoother (good for reports and nicer handouts)
Thick card (like “kartonċin”)
200/300gsm white card: learning cards, certificates, notices
Reading-friendly options
80gsm ivory (dyslexia-friendly): softer on the eyes for some readers
Coloured paper
80gsm coloured / 200gsm coloured card: best with black print (dark colours are avoided so text stays readable)
Smooth coated paper (brighter colours)
135gsm coated (silk): good for flyers and colour documents
250gsm coated (silk): thicker option for premium handouts or covers
Photo printing
280gsm gloss photo paper: glossy, high-quality finish for photos and image-heavy prints (not ideal for writing on)
Textured / specialty
Certificate paper (vellum look): classic certificate feel (usually not duplex)
Linen textured: elegant textured finish (usually not duplex)
Overhead projectors
Transparency sheet (for overhead projectors): clear film used for OHP presentations (not duplex)
Stickers
Paper sticker (self-adhesive A4): indoor labels and temporary signage
Polyester waterproof sticker (white/transparent): wipeable, more durable, suitable for short-term outdoor use
7) Choose colour mode
Black Only: most cost-effective
Full Colour: for colour pages/images
Mix (Black + Colour): choose which pages print in colour
Note: If you selected two-sided, Mix may not be available.
8) Choose finishing (how your prints are delivered)
Pick how you want the printed pages prepared.
Keep pages loose
No finishing: loose pages in one stack (best for 1 copy)
Sorted (Collated): prints in full sets (Page 1–end, then repeats). Best for handing out complete sets.
Grouped (Uncollated): prints by page (all Page 1 together, then all Page 2). Best if you want to distribute page-by-page.
Staple / Punch
Stapled top-left: basic stapling (good for short documents)
Punched (2-hole): ready to file in a 2-ring folder (long edge)
Stapled + punched: both together (useful for filing + keeping pages together)
Side stapled (side stitched): two staples on the side (simple booklet-style for short documents)
Binding (booklet-style)
Plastic comb binding: common for reports/assignments; can be opened to add/replace pages
Coil binding (plastic): durable, folds back 360°, great for school/training
Wire binding (metal): more “professional look”, but handle with care
Transparent cover book binding: neat “book look” without designing a cover (spine + clear front)
Soft cover book binding (perfect binding): custom cover + spine; professional finish (doesn’t open flat)
Protection / folding
Lamination (gloss or matte): protects from spills/tears; note that cutting laminated sheets isn’t recommended
Fold / crease & fold: for folding A3 → A4 or A4 → A5 (thicker paper usually needs creasing)
Quick recommendations (if you’re not sure)
School notes / everyday printing: A4, Auto Scale, 80gsm, Black Only, Sorted (if multiple copies)
Reports / presentations: 100–120gsm, Full Colour (if needed), comb/coil binding
Certificates / formal prints: certificate paper or 300gsm card
Menus / wipeable sheets / signage: lamination or waterproof sticker (depending on use)