Double-sided alignment is measured before cutting
A calibration sheet lets you check the file, the scale and the flip direction together, before you cut anything. Double-sided alignment depends on your printer, tray, driver and paper: the test is there to record your own result.
Prepare a calibration sheet
- Download the file for your medium format: A4 calibration or US Letter calibration.
- In your PDF reader, check the chosen format, then select “actual size” or a 100% scale if your file requires it.
- Print one side, reload the sheet according to your printer diagram, then print the other side.
- Measure the guides before cutting, then note the direction the sheet was reloaded, the tray and the scale used.
Adjust one setting at a time
If the guides do not line up, keep the sheet as a record and change only one setting for the next test: orientation, flip, tray or scale. That way you know which setting changed the result. Once the guides line up, follow the same procedure for your card file.
Sources and scope
- Adobe Acrobat: adjust PDF page size when printing
Adobe documents scale options, including “Actual size” without scaling. Check the equivalent label in your PDF reader and printer driver.