Collated Printing FAQ

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Support › Product FAQ › Collated Printing FAQ

Custom flashcards printed with graphics of animals and uppercase and lowercase letters.

Have questions about collated printing? These collated printing FAQs explain when to use collating, how slip sheeting works, recommendations for playing cards and more.

When should I use collated printing?

Collated printing is ideal for projects that contain sets of pages or pieces that need to be printed and grouped in a specific sequence. Common examples include marketing and informational packets, instruction manuals, flashcards, event and wedding table cards, custom playing cards, tarot and oracle cards, recipe cards, trivia cards and devotional decks. Learn more: Collated vs. Uncollated

A motivational card deck laid out in rows with custom illustrations and encouraging phrases.

Can you do reverse collating?

Yes. Reverse collating means printing a project in backwards page order, with the last page first. To request reverse collating, upload your print-ready file with the pages in reverse order. This allows your digital proof to match the file you submitted. Learn more: Print-Ready Files

When should I add drill holes?

Drill holes make it easy to add collated sets to three-ring binders, making them useful for projects such as training manuals and marketing or informational packets. A single drill hole can also be used to attach flashcards to a binder ring.

Do you do slip sheeting?

Yes. Slip sheeting places a blank sheet of paper between each collated set, making it easier to identify where one set ends and the next begins. You can request slip sheeting through a Custom Quote.

Is each collated set stapled?

Collated sets can be stapled using the Corner Stapling dropdown on the product page. If you don’t select stapling, you can use shrink wrapping to bundle your sets. If you select neither option, your collated sets will be shipped unseparated.

Two custom flyers stapled together with the top flyer folded over and a scent list printed on the bottom flyer.

Do collated sets come secured with belly bands? If not, can I order belly bands?

Collated printing sets do not automatically come with belly bands. If you’d like to add belly bands to your project, you can request them through a Custom Quote.

Two decks of cards stacked on top of each other with a clear belly band.

Do you print packaging or tuck boxes for your collated sets?

Yes. Smartpress prints custom packaging and tuck boxes for collated sets. You can find our selection here: Packaging & Product Boxes. If you need a custom size or different packaging, you can request it through a Custom Quote.

Will I be able to proof my collated printing job?

Yes. A digital PDF soft proof will be available for your review within one business day after we receive your file upload. You can review your project’s content, format and other details and request changes before it goes to print. Learn more: Proofs

What is the recommended stock and weight for playing cards?

For playing cards, we recommend coated stocks such as coated matte or coated gloss. We recommend 80# or 100# cover stock for the weight. Learn more: Small Format Stocks, Text Weight vs. Cover Weight

We do not recommend Soft Touch laminate for playing cards because its tactile surface can make shuffling more difficult. Learn more: Soft Touch Laminate

Two hands holding custom playing cards above a pile of scattered playing cards.

What are the recommended round cornering dimensions for standard playing cards?

The standard round corner radius for playing cards is 1/8″. Smartpress offers 1/4″ and 3/8″ corner rounding, but 1/8″ corner rounding can be requested through a Custom Quote.

Custom playing cards designed with collated printing and skeleton designs.

If you have questions about these collated printing FAQ or other printing services, please contact customer service.