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Greeting Cards

Advanced Help for Printing Greeting Cards

Hi,

I briefly scanned your article concerning greeting card software. I have used many of the programs you recommended (maybe all, now that I think about it).

My main concern is that some of these cards still do not turn out looking “professional”. Some of them still look homemade (sorry, I'm very picky).

So, I have incorporated high resolution graphics/papers and designed my own templates/graphics layout (even faked a barcode on the backs of the cards). Do you by chance know of greeting card software that can integrate various paper sizes, such as 6.5" x 5" cards?

I don't like everything 8.5" x 11" folded (that is just too large for me) and I really don't care for the quarter fold.

I have used my word processor on the 6.5" x 5", but this is very cumbersome because the WP is not a graphic editor. I would like much more versatility in being creative. I know a package like this could be expensive but I'm willing to pay whatever.

Thank you for your help.

Susan

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Let me make sure that I understand. You say an 8.5" x 11" folded is too large and you would like, for example 6.5" x 5" cards. So I think you mean the 6.5" dimension is before folding and your finished card would be 3.25" X 5". If this is correct, you already have the software you need.

As far as different card sizes, anything your printer can handle can be done using programs such as Print Shop. See my answer to another reader at Printing Tips for Print Shop.

Like you, I prefer to make cards that are uniquely mine. And since I sell many of my cards, I am careful to observe my software programs’ copyright restrictions. Consequently I’ve gotten pretty good at creating my own computer graphics, as well as tweaking the software to make it do things my way.

As far as designs go, if you are not happy with the art in the greeting card programs, I would suggest either Photoshop CS or Photoshop Elements. There is no graphics manipulation job you can’t do with them.

You can then import the images into Print Shop or any of the other greeting card programs for printing.

If this doesn’t answer your question, please write again.

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Dear Eileen,

Thank you a bunch for taking the time to respond to my email and for the links/resources you recommended.

Actually, when I'm referring to a 6.5 x 5 greeting card (this is the folded dimensions--the paper would be double that) and what I'm finding is that the greeting card programs come with a preset (half-fold or quarter-fold). I would like the versatility to print out any card dimensions.

So, you are saying I can do this on Print Shop?

Thank you,

Susan

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Dear Susan,

Yes, you can do that with Print Shop. And once you’ve done it for one custom size, you can use that as a template for new designs of the same size. Just be sure to save each new one to a different name, so that you don’t lose the first one.

As well, once you’ve done this, you will understand how to create any dimension of card. Any size paper that your printer will handle will work. It’s the printer that restricts you; not the software.

Start a new blank design and, for your 6.5 x 5 card, choose landscape orientation. Now you see a white “sheet of paper” on your computer screen. This is your design space. You want to visually lay out a card that is 10 inches wide and 6.5 inches tall. Then you will mark the fold line that will make it a 6.5 x 5 card once folded.

If you don’t see rulers at the top and left sides of your workspace, click on View; and then click on Rulers and Guides. Once these options are check marked, you will be able to set guidelines to help you position your work. You create a guideline by positioning your cursor on the ruler where you desire one and clicking. Voila – a blue line appears on your screen!

Not only do guidelines allow you to visually divide your workspace; but they also assist you in getting lines and objects exactly where you want them and perfectly vertical or horizontal. But that’s another lesson.

Set the guidelines for your card as shown below. The blue lines do not print. They are only there as a guide. Design your card front on the right half and place your bar code logo on the left. Print the front of your card. Then save the file.

The first few times, you will probably want to create a separate file for the inside of the card. Call one “Something Card OS” and the other “Something Card IS”.

After a bit of practice, you may find it just as easy to keep the whole card in one file. To do that you will need to group the elements of the card outside and move them off the printable area of your workspace.

Then use the pre-formatted design space with the same guidelines to create the inside of the card.

Finally, you need to understand how your printer works to make sure you feed the paper correctly. If your Lexmark is a top feed printer that prints on the top of the sheet, here’s how to print your card. Do it with scrap paper first so you don’t risk ruining your specialty paper. You can use the printer’s Draft setting as well and save some ink.

This is tricky to explain, so bear with me. When the card front comes out of the printer with the design on top of your paper, stand so that you can read the message. You want to flip it over so that the printing is on the bottom and if you poked your head beneath it, the message would still be readable. That is the printing would not be upside down. OK?

Now the design is on the bottom and when you place the paper back into the printer’s feed tray, the blank side will be on top to be printed on. Print the inside and save your design (to a new name if you are using two separate files).

Your questions are very good and I’m sure this information will be helpful for other readers. So feel free to write again!

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Thank you, Eileen.

You went to great depth (and hopefully, not too much trouble) to provide this information and it is much appreciated.

I will follow it to a tee.

Gratefully,

Susan

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