In this article, we will detail settings and steps to properly print on cardstock paper.
How to tell if your settings may be incorrect
If you encounter any sort of ink staining in incorrect areas, you may need to change your settings when preparing to print. Example below.
Navigate to the file you want to print, find the Print option (this is usually on the very top menu bar of your Mac screen under File). For this walk-through, we will be using Microsoft Word, interface may vary depending on the app you use.
Once pulling up the print menu, scroll down until you find "Printer Options"; go ahead and open that drop-down menu.
From here, select the "i" button next to Paper Feed. In the new window, click the collapsible list that says "Auto Select".
Clicking this reveals a list of various settings, depending on the paper weight you will use Heavy Paper 1, 2 or 3.
If you're unsure of which setting to use, please refer to the table at the bottom of this article to find out what paper weight falls under which setting.
After this, click print and see if the content printed correctly.
To open up the print menu on Windows, click the printer icon on the top menu from the Photos app, right click on the file you want to print from the Files app, or use the menu on your web browser to print from there.
A print menu will open in a new window/tab with a few options to choose from. At the top of the left menu, make sure you have the correct printer selected.
Open the Paper Tray drop-down menu and select the Bypass Tray.
After that, click the menu under Paper Type and select the type of paper you will be using.
If you're unsure of which setting to use, please refer to the table at the bottom of this article to find out what paper weight falls under which setting.
After this, click Print and check to see if the content printed properly.
Please note, you cannot print a PDF on Cardstock
| Paper Weight | Paper Type Setting |
|---|---|
| 29 lbs. - 110 lbs. (106g/m2 - 220 g/m2) | Heavy Paper 1 |
| 111 lbs. - 140 lbs. (221 g/m2 - 256 g/m2) | Heavy Paper 2 |
| 141 lbs. - 202 lbs. (257 g/m2 - 300 g/m2) [Also known as 110 lbs. Cover Paper] | Heavy Paper 3 |