NCR / Invoice Books
Introduction
This article takes you through setting up NCR/Invoice files for print.
NCR / Invoice Books
NCR Basics
NCR can be a little tricky because there is a bit of confusion between Portrait vs Landscape, Long vs Short edge binding.
Tip: Think of it like this...
Long Edge Bind = Portrait
Short Edge Bind = Landscape
The orientation of your artwork is no consequence. Just pay attention to whether it is bound on the long or short edge.
To make things easier, there are a range of InDesign templates. These are available to download under the Resources tab in Print IQ.
When choosing the correct template, you will need to know a few things about your job first:
- Finish size (A4, A5, DL or Custom)
- Bound on Long or Short Edge
- Is the front cover Printed or Unprinted?
- Is the artwork for the NCR pages Common or Unique for each sheet?
- Is the finish size including or excluding the 10mm butt for binding?
Knowing all of the above information will help you drill down within the folder structure to find the correct template. Once you open your template, you will see a big notes area. We’ve included all the information you will need to know to adhere to our print specifications below.
Orientation
You can rotate your artwork and ‘Start Number’ to either portrait or landscape. But the Perf Line and Butt area must not be rotated as this is where the bind will be.
Perforation Line
This is locked in at 15mm from the edge of the page with a 5mm quiet zone on either side of the perforation. If you are printing 2 sides, be aware of where the Perf will line up on the 2nd page in regards to your artwork.
Common Artwork (2, 3 or 4 part)
If the artwork is exactly the same on all NCR pages, you only need a 1-page PDF or 2 pages for 2-sided print to upload per job. For example, for a Triplicate book, printed on both sides, you only need 1x PDF file with a front and back page, you do not need to create all 6 pages.
Unique Artwork (2, 3 or 4 part)
Unique Artwork is when you have different elements on each of the NCR pages within a set. For example, the top sheet has Customer Copy written on it, the 2nd sheet has Supplier Copy and the bottom page has Internal.
If you are designing for a Unique Artwork invoice book, just duplicate the page (or pages for 2-sided print) with the same number of ‘Parts’ you are printing.
You will need a 1 page PDF (or 2 pages for 2 sided print) to upload per section (or part).
Start Number
You do not need to type a start number on your artwork, just set the position where you would like it printed. You will get an opportunity to update the start number in Print IQ when you place your order.
This will then auto-fill into your Start Number text box during Imposition. Whatever you put into this box will appear as your Start Number, so please only input numbers, no extra notes or text. It’s done this way so that when it comes time to reorder books, you just need to update the quote and not the artwork.
Back in the template, there are 4 start number text boxes. You can choose between 4 - 7 digits. Delete the 3 text boxes you do NOT want, leave one box only.
Info: Do not delete or change the X’s or the auto-fill won’t work.
If your job does not require numbering, feel free to remove all the Start Number boxes.
Move the remaining field to where you want it positioned on your artwork, leaving a 5mm quiet zone around it.
The number will be printed using Arial Bold and you can choose a size between 16-20pt.
Printed Covers
We have provided templates for these covers as well, just to keep it all together. However, they are very straightforward. The quiet zone/butt area is marked,
so just as long as you don’t put any important elements in this zone, you can design and export as you usually would.
Layout Example
Questions?
If you have any questions, please contact your account manager.
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