Easiest/Cheapest way of printing customs professionally?

**jake** · 12-21-2012, 07:53 PM

I know that the majority of people on here who make customs print customs themselves but i was wondering how i might do so at a store like walgreens or walmart etc. I wouldnt really need them to be the correct thickness as i could just glue cardstock for added thickness. I have tried printing them two to a 4x6 but for some reason every time no matter what they end up being around a 1/2 inch too short. I have heard that at Target the wallet photos are exact card size but they are 30cents each. I know that there must be a cheaper way to do this. If you know how to format them or something like that i woudl greatly appreciate any tips. Thanks!

**valguerra** · 12-21-2012, 10:16 PM

If your going to print the 4x6. I set the up in PS. On a 4x6. Import the card I want to print. Than turn them into smart object. So it will be easier to import more cards. If am printing 8.5x11. I set 8 on the sheet the same way as above. Get them printed at Office Depot, on there version of card stock. I get a matte finish. Than cut the access of the card, if you leave a bleed area. I sprayed the gloss so the ink will not get ruin. Hope this help.

**jake** · 12-22-2012, 12:24 PM

Originally Posted by valguerra

If your going to print the 4x6. I set the up in PS. On a 4x6. Import the card I want to print. Than turn them into smart object. So it will be easier to import more cards. If am printing 8.5x11. I set 8 on the sheet the same way as above. Get them printed at Office Depot, on there version of card stock. I get a matte finish. Than cut the access of the card, if you leave a bleed area. I sprayed the gloss so the ink will not get ruin. Hope this help.

That is pretty much what i do but it always prints a 1/2 inch to short each sides, they endup like 2x3 instead of 2.5x3.5. I have tried walgreens, cvs, and walmart. None will work.

**bruphilo** · 12-22-2012, 01:52 PM

Every printer as a threshold. I print at Costco (0.08$ per 4x6) I use Indesign to make a template, just change the image, it's really fast. Each image is at 97% of original size, so when it prints, it's exactly 2,5x3,5. Ask your printer what is it' "blow up" or "blow down" percentage... If they are professionnal, they should know.

**jake** · 12-22-2012, 03:59 PM

Originally Posted by bruphilo

Every printer as a threshold. I print at Costco (0.08$ per 4x6) I use Indesign to make a template, just change the image, it's really fast. Each image is at 97% of original size, so when it prints, it's exactly 2,5x3,5. Ask your printer what is it' "blow up" or "blow down" percentage... If they are professionnal, they should know.

I made the image 4x6 300 Resolution RGB. If i saved this and sent it to Walgreens it should print perfectly?

Uploaded with ImageShack.us

**valguerra** · 12-22-2012, 04:07 PM

yes it should print correctly. But you should be able to get two cards. turn them vertically.

**jake** · 12-22-2012, 05:19 PM

Originally Posted by valguerra

yes it should print correctly. But you should be able to get two cards. turn them vertically.

Alright just ordered one at walgreens, will let you know how it turns out when i pick it up...Thanks!

**jake** · 12-27-2012, 05:27 PM

I ordered one at walgreens (97%) but it came out a little too small, not off by a ton, im sure if i tried 97.x% it would work. Will try a few more times.

**size17shoes** · 12-27-2012, 11:30 PM

you know there are printing companies that actually print trading cards

**jake** · 12-28-2012, 11:53 AM

Originally Posted by size17shoes

you know there are printing companies that actually print trading cards

Yes i am aware of those companies but from what i have seen they are very expensive, i am only 17 and dont have a job so i couldnt really afford to spend a lot of money, unless you know of a place that does it for cheaper?