When printing multiple pages (and it may be brochures, booklets, or custom packaging inserts), there is good chance you have seen the term collate. What is actually meant by it in printing?
In this blog post, we will discuss how this printing process works, the meaning of collated printing, the meaning of uncollated printing and the difference between the two terms.
What is Collated Printing?
The term collates as it is used in printing just means to place printed pages in right and determined order.
Suppose you have to print a 5-page user manual and wish to make 10 copies of this. Under collated printing every copy will appear as a full-blown ready-to-use booklet:
Set 1: Page 1, page 2, page 3, page 4 and page 5
Set 2: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, Page 4 and Page 5
and so forth.
When using uncollated (or non-collated) printing however, all the like pages will be bundled together (not collated) by the printer.
You would require to sort manually every copy in order to make complete sets. This may take a lot of time, depending on the volume and the complexity of your print jobs and is prone to errors.
These are the differences between Collated and Uncollated Printing.
It is important to know which kind of printing to use when one is manufacturing packaging inserts, promotional kit or some instructional leaflet.
When to Use Collated Printing
- When each copy of the document must be ready for distribution.
- For product manuals included inside packaging.
- When printing brochures or presentation materials in large volumes.
- For marketing materials inside boxes like custom printed pizza boxes.
When to Use Uncollated Printing
- When you need verses of each page separately (just like when you are printing handouts or flyers).
- In case you have intentions to customize or manually prepare the content later.
- To print labels in large numbers or stickers or flyer inserts.
The Role of Printing Software
The most common modern printing software offers the user a great deal of control about the processing of print jobs. The collation is commonly one of the switches you may flip.
The following are the ways that the software of printing aids in collation:
Automatic Sorting: The majority of professional printing software can provide collation options in digital printing as well as offset printing.
Batch Control: You have the option to print even a variable number of different batches via varied sequences or combined-content collated sets.
Integration with packaging Design: In the case of designing custom printed boxes using software, collation can help in the placement of printed inserts or any promotional material out of a particular sequence.
To ensure effective and well-organized production the collate option is imperative regardless of what software you are working with whether Adobe InDesign or software used by any particular printer.
Why It Matters for Custom Packaging?
Custom packaging is not the only place, collation works also in books and brochures.
The first example is Custom Pizza Boxes.
Imagine that you have the customization of pizza boxes in a special-edition campaign. In every box there is:
- One of the promotional leaflets
- A QR insert
- Customer reward card
When printing these inserts it is best to print them in collated so that each of these cosmetics boxes is treated with the complete package of materials in the order they are meant. This spares your group of sorting things manually-and ensures your brand stays authentic.
Follow these Tips for Selecting the Right Printing Option
Know Your Purpose
When your resources must be sent in bundles and in a position to be utilized, go with collated printing. When it is one page you need many copies of, choose uncollated.
Look at your Workflow
The collated printing has the ability to save astronomical manual labor and time in highly expressive production environments, such as the assembly lines that package products.
Take advantage of Digital Print Services
With most online printers, you have the option of collated or uncollated printing output. This may be a setting under which you can select when you make your order or you can simply inquire to your supply source.
Think Ahead for Custom Packaging
When it comes to projects with several printed parts, you should develop your insert strategy in the design phase. About the collation, talk to your print provider in order to simplify it.
Conclusion
ut there is the practical implication of it; especially for businesses investing in custom packaging, branded inserts and promotional campaigns.
If you know the difference between collated printing and uncollated printing, using modern printing software, you will cut down your time and guarantee quality, and provide a professional experience to your purchasers. Whether you are producing a custom printed pizza box, favor boxes, or custom printed luxury packaging the correct printing options are everything.
Do you want to turn your packaging efficient and attractive? Collaborate with a printing company such as ProductBoxes and see your exclusive print concept come to life, collated, clean and customer ready!
