When you want to print several pages of a document, there are many options you come across in a print setting. One of them is “collate” but what is collate? What does collate mean when printing? Why does it exist? How does it benefit the entire printing process? And most importantly, if you do not want to collate, how can you disable it in the setting?
Here you will get a comprehensive answer to all your questions. So let’s dive deeper and explore multiple aspects of collate printing.
What Does Collate and Mean When Printing?
If you want to understand what does collate mean when printing, first have a look at the term “collate”. Collate means collecting and assembling the printed paper sheets. However, it is done with a preset order or a sequence. Once you give the print command, all the pages in that document are printed at once. The printer repeats the process for the second set and so on. This keeps on going unless all the required number of document sets are complete.
In simpler words, collating is the process of arranging printed documents in a specific order. It assembles every set in a perfect sequence, rather than printing every page in a stack. It prints several copies in a consecutive order, despite mass printing the pages one by one.
Why is Collate Useful in Printing?
To have a better understanding of collate printing meaning and its usefulness, let’s suppose that you want to print 10 copies of a document that consists of 20 pages. Without collation the printer will start printing the 1st page 10 times, then the 2nd page 10 times, the 3rd page 10 times, and so on. At the end, you will get 20 stacks of 10 pages each that you have to arrange manually in the correct order.
On the other hand, when you choose the option to collate, the printer itself prints the 1st copy from page 1 to page 20. The same thing is repeated with the second copy and the process continues unless you get a set of 10 copies in a sequential order. No manual sorting is required in this case.
Examples of Collating in Everyday Life
Printing the pages of a booklet packaging is the biggest example of it. You accurately need the information from the starting page to the ending to acknowledge the readers, so the option to collate can print the pages in the desired order and only you have to staple at the end to bind the document.It provides premium finishes on your printing products which enhance your sales.
Teachers also use this option to prepare test booklets so that they can effectively hand over a booklet to every student. Other examples include informational packets, promotional handouts, product manuals, syllabus books, calendars, brochures, pamphlets, catalogs, and a lot more!
How to Collate on a Printer?
After having good knowledge about what does collate mean when printing the next step is to know how you can collate on a printer. When you collate die cutting printing ensure that the die cut sheets are properly aligned.
In the case you are copying a file, go to the “options” menu and look for the “collate” feature. If you have an old model without advanced touchscreen features, the collate option might be represented by any button on the keyboard.
Furthermore, in the case of printing a document of many pages that you are willing to collate, closely view the settings on your printer function. You will find the “collate” option under the “Settings” tab.
A vital thing to note here is that collating is an option, not a default setting. So if you want to print only one copy of your 10-page document, you do not have the option to collate. However, in printing multiple copies you have to enable this feature.
The Benefits of Collation
The main purpose of collation is to print many copies of a multi-paged document more easily. Before the use of this feature, you had to manually collate but now things have become convenient due to many reasons. Once you know better what does collate means when printing, it is easier for you to implement it and enjoy maximum advantages. Let’s view them one by one:
- Time-saving: Collation saves time as it needs no manual sorting. It helps in enhancing your business workflows especially when printing multi-page documents.
- Convenience: The process ensures convenience as it eliminates extra work. After printing your documentation is ready to use instantly as everything is already organized.
- Accuracy: The process leads to accuracy as it minimizes the chance of errors and misplacement due to manual sorting. Even it eliminates the need for double-checking.
- Cost-Saving: Collation proves to be cost-effective as it eradicates the steps of sorting and organizing. Also, it requires no human resources.
- Better Quality: This feature creates a better level of consistency and quality as all the pages are in the same format and placed properly without any errors.
- Fast Production: By using the collation function, you can create your desired set of documents much faster than any other traditional method. It also reduces the need for reprinting as everything is handled automatically and accurately.
- The Simplicity of Usage: It is a simple, user-friendly, and straightforward process.
Manual Collation vs Automated Collation
For user facilitation, the process of collation is available in two main forms. The first one is manual collation and the second one is automated collation. In addition, measuring box dimensions accurately is best for ensuring a proper fit in the printing machine. Both of them are similar except in the way how to assemble the printed pages in the desired sets.
- Manual Collation: In it, the printed pages are arranged and stacked by hand. It is a comparatively time-consuming process that may be subjected to some human error. But it is good for small-run orders or complicated projects requiring vigilant assembling.
- Automated Collation: When it comes to automated collate printing, the process is carried out with a machine that arranges and stacks the pages in complete sets. It is faster, more reliable, and minimizes the risk of errors, making it a good choice for high-volume production runs.
Final Words
After reading this detailed discussion you are most probably clear about what does collate mean when printing. It makes your work much easier, more organized, and highly efficient. So if you need the best printing services near me, Unique Custom Packaging is a reliable option. We are best at addressing your professional printing needs providing you with the best results by fulfilling your requirements.
