If you are new to the world of document printing, you may wonder if you can print on cardstock. The answer is usually “Yes”, but you will need to make sure your specific printer can. The best printers, after all, ship with a wide variety of designs and functionalities, and many of these models go above and beyond the simple task of printing on paper.
Key Takeaways_
- Printing onto cardstock is a great way to reproduce photos and illustrations and to create invitations and business cards.
- Not all printers accept cardstock as a reproduction material, so check the specs ahead of time to see if it integrates with heavy paper in the paper tray.
- Additionally, this type of paper comes in a wide range of thickness options, paper types, and paper sizes, and not all will integrate with your inkjet printer.
Why Print to Cardstock?
If you are learning how to print quality photos at home, cardstock is an appealing option. This material is hearty and durable, which is useful for creating unique offerings like business cards, greeting cards, and invitations. Cardstock is also easy on the eyes, helping to create gorgeous prints.
In other words, cardstock is built to last, unlike regular paper. Cardstock is an elegant solution in many instances, so go ahead and try out this unique printing material.
And if you print a lot of long documents as well, check out the best duplex printers to help reduce how much paper you use.
General Tips for Printing on Cardstock
While most modern printers can print on cardstock, how well and what type of cardstock will depend on the make and model of your printer. Here are some tips to make sure you can integrate cardstock with your workflow.
Printer Compatability
The first thing you should do, particularly if you are still shopping for a printer, is to check on the gadget’s specs to ensure it can use cardstock. Look for this information on the marketing materials or retail sales page. If you already own a printer, look for this information in the instructions. You should find out whether or not the printer works with cardstock and the various thicknesses and sizes the printer can handle.
Adjust Your printer Settings
Before printing, you should adjust your printer’s settings. In your printer settings, look for an option like “Paper Type,” “Media Type,” or something similar. Select the appropriate option, “Cardstock,” “Glossy Cardstock,” “Heavy Paper,” or something along those lines.
Load the Cardstock Correctly
Follow your printer’s manual on how to properly print cardstock. Some models will require you to manually feed the paper for thicker material. If it will automatically feed the paper, ensure that you are only using a few sheets at a time to prevent paper jams.
STAT: Using the wrong media could cause issues or, in the worst case, damage to your printer internally. You need to look for what media types your printer can support and the maximum media weight. (source)
Print a Test page
Print a test page with regular printer paper to ensure that the content is in the correct placement before printing on cardstock. Cardstock is more expensive than standard paper, so its best not to waste any if you can help it.
Mimic Cardstock
If your printer simply won’t handle cardstock, you can mimic the look and feel of cardstock by going with thicker paper and adhering several layers together. Do this after the print job to reduce the chances of any jams.
