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Adobe Illustrator/Lining up 2 pages exactly - for double-sided printing

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Expert: - 3/17/2011


Question

box template
Hi,

I'm trying to print off two different images on one double-sided piece of paper but would like for them to line-up exactly with each other.

I'm trying to make a cd cover, and am making a box out of printed card. I'm using a template for this (please see attached email) but as I've now illustrated each side differently I have two different images for the front and back side. I'm trying to print these on double sided card and then cut out to form a perfect box. Would there be a way that I can make sure both images are exactly in line with each other?

So far I've tried saving the image as a JPEG in photoshop, and then painfully trying to align in word. This is o.k. but it's still about 5mm off with it's reverse image, which makes a big difference as I've marked off the spine etc...

On this occasion I'm trying to line up a box template. However I would also really find any answers incredibly useful for double-sided flyers, and perhaps even greetings cards or business cards.

I would be happy to use photoshop, illustrator or even word to solve this problem as long as I can solve it.

Thank you so much for your help this is much appreciated.

Theresa

Answer
Hi Theresa,

This one is something that could be difficult depending on the printer's feed mechanism. I've struggled myself on my inkjet printer at home with this same problem.

This is one way to try. Bring both images into Illustrator and put them on different layers and you will be able to line them up precisely. The other thing is you'll be able to move the direction you need to with precision.
Without know your printer I suggest printing about 4 or 5 test prints on one side with just the outline. Make sure your paper is aligned and pushed against the side and back stop in the tray. Doing this will help when you need to print the other side. If you align the second pass sheet the same way you'll have a better chance of it aligning.
So after printing your first prints. Flip and place all the sheets in the tray and align as best you can the way you did with the first pass. Print one copy... hold up to light and see how much movement you had and then repeat with the next sheet.

Depending on the total coverage you may have a little skewing but following this method should help you identify the movement and compensate for that.

I hope this helped. Please feel free to contact me again. There are some other things to try but this is the easiest to explain quickly.

Thank you,

Tom

Tom Rouze

Expertise

I can answer Graphics questions related to Adobe Illustrator 9, 10, and CS. I also have Photoshop experience. Setting up files for printing is my main area of expertise. I am familiar with both PC and Mac platforms. No question is too silly. The only thing silly is a question not asked!

Experience


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