Creating your own custom card games can be a fun hobby. But when it comes time to print out your cards, making sure each page has multiple cards can save time, money and hassle. So that’s what we’re covering in this quick guide.
In 2024, printing game cards is easier than ever thanks to modern technology. Even so, maximizing each page is more of an art than a science. As a professional custom game cards printing manufacturer, I will share some tips for how to print game cards from pdf multtiple on page. Follow the simple tips below and you’ll be ready to churn out multiple cards per page like a pro.
How to Print Game Cards from a PDF Multiple on a Page
Use the Right Paper Stock
You’ll want to print your cards on heavy paper stock rather than flimsy copy paper. Cardstock and premium photo paper work beautifully with most home printers and really help your cards look and feel more professional:
- Cardstock: Look for paper that’s around 110-120 lbs (200-300 gsm). This will give your cards enough firmness to stand the test of gameplay without being too thick for home printers.
- Premium Photo Paper: The slight gloss and vibrant color reproduction of good photo paper makes game cards really pop visually. Just make sure it can handle high ink coverage without feathering or bleeding.
Check Print Settings Before Printing
At this stage your image files are arranged neatly into a print-ready PDF. But before mashing “print”, take a minute to double check a few key printer settings. Getting these wrong means misprints, wasted ink and frustration:
Step 1: Select “Properties” or “Preferences” to access print options for your specific printer model. Look for a “multiple pages per sheet” or “n-up” setting.
Step 2: Choose how many card pages will print per sheet. “4-up” works well for larger cards, while you can squeeze 8 small cards onto an 8.5″ x 11″ sheet.
Step 3: Enable 2-sided printing mode and set page ordering appropriately so fronts and backs align. Some trial and error here is normal till you understand how your printer handles duplex jobs.
Step 4: For best registration of colors between sides, choose Best Print Quality mode even if it’s slower. Ink coverage is typically heavy on game cards so quality matters more than speed.
Carefully Construct Print-Ready Files
Getting optimal use of paper when printing game cards starts before you hit print. Thoughtfully arranging your card images into a PDF ensures reliably printing multiples per page.
Here are some file creation tips:
- Build one tall PDF file with all card images stacked in order
- Alternate card face images with matching backside images
- Insert blank pages periodically to shift fronts/backs across sheets
- Center card images on pages with sufficient bleed space
- Use crop lines to validate alignment isn’t broken
Taking extra care during file construction prevents nasty surprises and makes n-up printing succeed every time.
Trim and Finish With Care
Successfully getting four or more cards printed per sheet feels great when you pull it off. But don’t undo your hard printing work with careless trimming. Take your time and use good tools here.
Straight edge and hobby knife: Use an aluminum yardstick and fresh blade for clean cuts along card edges. Apply medium pressure with multiple scoring passes till cards separate cleanly.
Paper trimmer: Rotary paper cutters make straight cuts through small stacks quick and safe. Lever-powered models give lots of cutting force to slice cardstock cleanly.
Corner rounder: Take rough 90-degree card corners off with a corner chomper for smooth, professional feel. Some also cut rounded notches for easy dealing.
Like so many DIY papercrafts, patience and the right gear makes all the difference between frustration and fun when self-publishing card games.
Carefully prepping files, wisely configuring print settings and taking your time during final trimming let you efficiently print attractive card decks at home. So be creative designing games and cards but also diligent with technical details — that way you’ll end up with awesome printed results.