1. Make sure you have set "Page Scaling" to "None" when you print. This is by far the most common reason that cards become misaligned on the paper (the top few cards will print ok and the cards will be progressively more "off" as they go down the page) . If you are using a Windows computer to print from a template, the default setting for page scaling is often set to "Fit to Page"... this will cause your cards to print incorrectly. Once you hit print, check in the preferences pane of the print dialog box that comes up - if page scaling is set to "Fit to Page", you need to change it to "None".
2. Choose the "Print Maximum Area" if the artwork on your template goes closer than .5" to the edge of your page, or if you are having issues with the sides or bottom of the card not printing. Usually you will find this option either in page-setup, or as one of the options that are available after you choose "Print" from the "File" menu in the window that pops up. The exact location of this option can vary based on your printer type and driver.
3. Print a test print on a plain sheet of paper. Before you use your pricey specialty paper stock, print on regular paper to make sure your settings are right and there is no problem with your design, and check for typos. You can hold the test print up alongside the pre-cut business card paper and see if it is correctly aligned. If not, check the previous tips.
4. Use the highest quality print setting. If your card contains small text, photographic images, or large areas of color, you might want to select the highest quality setting for printing. This option is usually found in the print preferences under the page-setup or from the print dialog box that pops up when you choose "Print" from the "File" menu.
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