First, we need to understand the term ''collate.'' In simpler words, it is known as the printing of several document copies in an already symmetrical order. Print multiple copies in a predetermined order. It works best with a multi-page document when you want more than one copy. It prints pages, and you get a file by keeping these pages in order.
Collation is a great printing technique that can be used to improve time management, and also, the work you will have printed will be in the right order.
Rather than using your time rearranging into order after a print. Collate printing saves time.
Printing a document can also be a hassle if not collated. Let's discuss further the major difference between collated and uncollated prints. Keep in order, or keeping the sequence of the file, means to “collate.”
Collate printing is great if you are dealing with a multi-page document and you have to print 2 or more sets. Where there are multiple pages of a document and they are collated, you do not have to revise the order of the pages of the document. The print in your hand is the final copy you are looking for, as it was already in order, which means you do not have to rearrange the document. Collate saves you time and also keeps you hassle-free. The bigger the number of copies, the harder it will be to rearrange the document pages in order. It has a great aftermath to be done to use that document.
"Collate means to collect, and collate on a printer means the pages are in the correct sequence when assembled."
The printing process with collate has significant importance with book-form documents because it is a predetermined order or sequence.
When you're printing, you print with quality and print the pages, let's suppose 20 pages or sets of documents, or you can say you're printing more than one copy. You would prefer if the pages were in the correct order, especially when printing. In a 5-page document, it will print according to this sequence
Page 1
Page 2
Page 3
Page 4
Page 5
Once a whole loop or set is completed, it will start again in sequence as above: page 1, page 2, and so on...
Uncollated printing is not sequenced, and it consumes a lot of time. If the document you want to print is more than 1 page, you will need manual collating to keep it in order. The finished printing project will take extra time for sequencing, and copies of each print need to be put in order.
For the same 5-page document, it will print page 1 the number of times you want it to be printed. For example, if you want 5 sets of a document, it will print as follows.
page 11111
page 22222
page 33333
And so on. Now, when manual collating starts, you may need to start collating in a way you wanted, like the order of the document.
In the custom packaging industry, collation is a game-changer; it saves time and works more efficiently. Not only that, no manpower is needed for manual collating. Every box of packaging printing materials is collated, and especially for retail orders in the packaging industry, this createss a win-win situation. You can deliver your customers precise and compact printing plus packaging within a time frame and with 100 % efficient work.
Let's talk about the benefits of collated printing in the packaging industry.
Every packaging company employee can make copies of each logo and their statement in one go, and all output will be in sets, and so on. Employees print copies, and they are in the form of reports; collated printing helps to get it done faster. For the office, it works great.
Printed pages in order need no manual collating. Multiple copies of a document are printed in order.
When it comes to printing large documents with 100 pages, it works in order. Documents are printed and can be used in a predetermined order or symmetrical order. Multiple copies of a document are time-saving.
Almost every product in the market has a user manual, and for better practice, collated printing is the solution.
These are the common use cases for collated document printing and packaging.
A brand logo and a user manual for each box in the packaging are more efficient with collation.
There comes an instruction paper mostly used in pharmaceuticals. They can be printed with efficiency and no need to manually collate the document for each box.
For kids’ toys, there are manuals, such as for jigsaws and puzzles, in this kind of packaging; collated printing is a game changer.
Or any multi-page document needed more than one.
Collated printing projects can be done to test print quality and order. For example, big retail orders for packaging.
Most modern computers allow collate settings, and as new models are made according to the demand of offices and business-related work, it helps save time, and the printer gets the document printed in order. So that you do not need to do it manually.
Turning the setting on means that it automatically collates.
Usually, the printer has this feature as a driver installed within; you don't need to have anything other than a modern printer
Depending on the printer model, you will find the option within. You have a document that is a multi-page document that consists of 10 pages. And you want your pages in order and to print 2 sets.
Now you press the option Print, and in properties you will find the option of Collate. If you check this box, the document will come in order. And two sets will be ready, you do not have to rearrange them in any way.
Before the printing starts, you can always check the print preview so that you are sure the pages are in the correct order for this set of pages. Selecting the collate option will be a perfect pick for bigger sets
Printers have the option to collate, especially when printing multi-page documents like reports.
If you are looking for some suggestions for printers with this feature that help you make your packaging stuff, like print pages that are part of each box, you can check out some printers for collated printing; they work great for startups and small businesses.
+ Inkjet printer
+ HP LaserJet Enterprise MFPs,
+ IM 350/430 printers
+ Xerox B215 Multifunction Printers
As well as various models from Brother, Ricoh, and other manufacturers, all support collate features.
It can be used to print handouts and application forms or when you want to distribute individual pages. Start your print according to your needs. While printing, the setting instructs the printer not to collate, and the box is unchecked.
When the pages are printed, the printer will print according to the command of uncollated printing. The uncollated pages are not sets but a single paper that is printed the number of times you want.
What is collation?
Collation means to print any multi-page document in order.
What is collated vs. uncollated printing?
If you want to print 15 copies of the 13-page booklet, then choose the collate printing option. It will give you 15 copies of 13 pages in sequence. On the other hand, uncollated will work the opposite. It will print the 1st page 15 times, then the 2nd page 15 times, and continue according to this sequence.
Does collated mean double-sided?
No, it doesn't mean double-sided. Collated and double-sided both are different.
What is the most common use of collation in the packaging industry?
In the packaging industry, most user manuals are of great importance and are given in each box with the product.
When should we use the collate printing?
We should use collated printing when we require several copies of a big document, like booklets, reports, and some other presentational documents.
Is it more efficient than manual collating?
Yes, it is more efficient it also saves a lot of time. Manual collating can create a lot of hassle, and also can’t be 100% accurate.
Printing with collate settings helps you to have pages in the correct order. All multifunction printer models have this option to collate; they would print collated pages in the correct order. The number of copies of the page will not exceed if the collate option is active. It is useful to collate; collating pages during printing is far better than manual collating. This also makes your packaging retail order with 100% accuracy when it comes to the symmetry of each user manual for each box.
On the contrary, uncollated is used when you want more copies of a single page.
