On this page 8 sections
A well set-up file goes straight to print. Every upload gets an automatic check for size and resolution; add File Check for £4.99 and a person looks over it as well. NCR forms have a few rules of their own, covered below.
The 60-second check
- Right size: the finished size you ordered, for example A5 at 148 x 210 mm.
- Bleed: 3 mm extra on every edge where colour runs off the page.
- Safe area: text at least 4 mm inside the trim, and further from a bound edge.
- Room to write: boxes and lines big enough for handwriting.
- Sharp: logos and photos at 300 dpi at printed size.
- Fonts: embedded in the PDF or converted to outlines.
Which file to send
A PDF is best, with fonts embedded or outlined. AI, EPS and SVG are fine, and so are high-resolution JPG, PNG and TIFF files. Made the form in Word or Excel? Export it as a PDF at full quality rather than sending the original document.
Sizes with bleed
| Size | Finished | With bleed | Used for |
|---|---|---|---|
| A7 | 74 x 105 mm | 80 x 111 mm | Event tickets |
| A6 | 105 x 148 mm | 111 x 154 mm | Invoice books, NCR pads and sets |
| DL | 99 x 210 mm | 105 x 216 mm | Compliment slips, NCR sets, tickets, desk pads |
| A5 | 148 x 210 mm | 154 x 216 mm | Invoice books, NCR pads and sets, desk pads |
| A4 | 210 x 297 mm | 216 x 303 mm | Letterheads, continuation sheets, NCR pads and sets |
| A3 | 297 x 420 mm | 303 x 426 mm | Desk pads |
NCR invoice books, pads and sets
Parts and colour order
The top sheet is always white. 2-part sets add yellow; 3-part sets add yellow then pink; 4-part sets add yellow, pink and blue. Your artwork prints on every part of the set, so one file is all you send. If you want different wording on each copy, such as “Customer copy” and “Office copy”, ask through the quote form before ordering.
Numbering
Invoice books come with every set numbered in sequence, so leave the number out of your artwork. If your form has a box where the number should sit, or you need a starting number other than the first, for example to follow on from your last book, write it in the order notes and we confirm it with you before printing. NCR pads and loose sets are not numbered; add a “No.” box if you want to write one in.
Binding edge and cover
Invoice books are stitched and taped along the short edge (the long edge on A4 and some A5 books) inside a white or manilla cover. NCR pads are glued along the top edge onto a card back. Keep text, boxes and logos at least 10 mm from the bound edge so nothing disappears into the binding and every line can be written on.
Perforation
Perforation is not one of the options on our NCR products. If your form needs a perforated tear-off strip or stub, send the details through the quote form first.
Printing and writing space
Black-only forms stay crisp on every copy. Full colour suits a logo and brand colours. Lines and boxes need room for real handwriting: allow at least 7 to 8 mm between writing lines, and make total and signature boxes generous. On loose sets printed on both sides, the back usually carries terms and conditions in black.
Letterheads, slips and continuation sheets
Keep the area where letters will be typed clear, and remember office printers cannot print right to the edge, so check where your printer places text. Continuation sheets usually carry a lighter version of the heading.
Envelopes, stamps and tickets
On envelopes keep printing away from the window, the edges and the flap. Stamp impressions are small, so avoid fine lines and very small text; a simple logo in solid shapes prints best. On tickets keep text 4 mm inside the trim.
Resolution and colour
Logos and photos need about 300 dpi at the printed size. A logo copied from a website is usually too small; ask for the original or choose a logo redraw. Printing uses CMYK inks, so very bright screen colours can look slightly flatter on paper.
No artwork yet?
Design it online on the product page, or add a fixed-fee option from our Artwork & Design Service: typesetting, design from your brief, a logo redraw or a new logo. If the automatic check rejects a file for low resolution, you can upload a better file, send it later, add File Check for £4.99, or hand it to our designers. Not sure? Ask us.