Helpful Hints | Print and Copy Services

Contact Print and Copy Services at 231-5000 before any big project to get advice that could save you frustration and money.

Create documents as 8½ X 11 pages if they’re being printed as 11 X 17 booklets. Create documents as 5½ X 8½ pages if they’re being printed as 8½ X 11 booklets. However, for a booklet centerfold that spans two pages, create in the full size.
To create booklets, make sure the total number of pages, including covers, is divisible by four. Blank pages will be added if needed. Right-hand pages are odd-number pages, and left-hand pages are even-number pages.

A “bleed” is when the printing goes off the edge of the paper rather than having a margin. Bleeds usually cost more to print since the pages must be run on larger paper and edges must be trimmed to the finished size. Bleeds must extend at least ¼-inch beyond the cut line.
The largest size paper Print and Copy Services can run is 12 X 18, which means the largest size that can be printed with bleeds is an 11 X 17 finished size.

Margins need to be at least ¼” from the edge of the paper unless you are printing bleeds.
Include the NDSU nondiscrimination statement on all documents for the public.
Use copyrighted information only if you have written permission or the quantity is within fair use guidelines.

Color costs more than just black ink, but full color costs the same as one or two colors.
Be aware that colors might not be the same printed as what you see on your monitor, especially when printing from Word or Publisher.

Low-resolution photos do not print well. Do not include photos or logos copied from websites, unless they’re provided in a high-resolution version (300 dpi for most photos, unless the image is large).
Use the appropriate logos from NDSU University Relations.

Contact Print and Copy Services before printing or merging anything to be mailed to make sure the documents avoid as much labor as possible and meet Postal Service discounts.
Provide electronic files of addresses rather than printed labels so they can be run through software to provide corrections and discounts.