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🖨️ Printing Guide - BinderPokedex

⚠️ Important: Print Settings

The PDF MUST be printed at exactly 100% without any scaling to ensure the card size (63.5 × 88.9 mm) fits correctly!

📋 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Open the PDF

  • Open the file pokemon_gen<N>_<lang>.pdf with your PDF viewer
  • Recommended: Adobe Acrobat Reader, Preview (macOS), or system default

Step 2: Open Print Dialog

  • Windows: Ctrl + P
  • Mac: Cmd + P
  • Linux: Ctrl + P

Step 3: Configure Print Settings

CRITICAL - Scaling:

Scaling: 100% (NO adjustment!)
         or "Actual Size"
         or "None"

Important: Do NOT use "Fit to Page", "Shrink to A4", or "Zoom"!

Paper Size:

Paper Size: A4 (210 × 297 mm)

Margins:

Margins: Minimal / Standard (borderless not required)

Color:

Color Mode: Color (RGB)
Quality:    High / Best

Paper Type (recommended):

Paper Type: Plain Paper
            or Glossy/Satin (for better image quality)
Weight:     80-90 g/m² (Standard)
            or higher for more durable cards

🖥️ Software-Specific Instructions

Adobe Acrobat Reader (Windows/Mac/Linux)

  1. File → Print (Ctrl/Cmd + P)
  2. Under "Page Setup" or "More Settings":
    • ✅ Enable "Actual Size" (or set scaling to 100%)
  3. Under "Paper":
    • ✅ Paper Size: A4
    • ✅ Orientation: Portrait
  4. Select printer
  5. Print

macOS Preview

  1. File → Print (Cmd + P)
  2. Under "Paper Settings":
    • Paper Size: A4
  3. Under "Paper Handling" or "Layout":
    • Scaling: 100% (not "Auto Scale")
  4. Print

Windows Print Dialog

  1. File → Print (Ctrl + P)
  2. Open "More Options" or "Advanced Settings"
  3. Scaling: "None" or "100%"
  4. Paper Size: A4
  5. Print

⚙️ Printer Recommendations

Ideal for this project:

  • Color inkjet printer with color output
  • Features: A4 support, borderless options, quality printing
  • Examples: Epson EcoTank, Canon Pixma, HP Envy

Not recommended:

  • ❌ Black & White printer (loses card colors)
  • ❌ Old printers without modern scaling options
  • ❌ Printers without A4 support

Print Shop Option:

  • For professional quality: bring PDF to local print shop
  • Settings: 100% size, color print, A4 paper

✂️ After Printing: Cutting

Card Header Layout:

Each card features:

  • Pokémon ID (#001-#898 etc.)
  • Pokémon name in selected language
  • English subtitle for non-English cards (for reference)
  • Pokémon type indicator

What you need:

  • ✂️ Sharp scissors or craft knife
  • 📏 Ruler (optional, for precise cuts)
  • 🛑 Cutting mat (optional, for safety)

Instructions:

  1. Follow the dashed lines

    • The dashed lines around each card show exactly where to cut
    • They are positioned between cards (4mm spacing)

  2. Cutting technique:

    • Option A: Cut along dashed lines with scissors
    • Option B: Use craft knife and ruler for more precision
    • Tip: Cut vertically first, then horizontally

  3. Recommended order:

    • First cut lines between columns (vertical)
    • Then cut lines between rows (horizontal)
    • Finally cut individual cards from strips

  4. Quality check:

    • Verify all edges are straight
    • Damaged edges can be trimmed with scissors

📐 Size Verification

After cutting, your cards should measure:

┌─────────────────────┐
│                     │
│   63.5 mm Width     │
│                     │
│ 88.9 mm             │
│ Height              │
│                     │
└─────────────────────┘

Test: Card should fit perfectly into a standard TCG binder sleeve!

🎨 Paper Quality & Options

Standard (80g/m² Plain Paper)

  • ✅ Affordable
  • ✅ Suitable for binders
  • ⚠️ May show through with bright light

Recommended (90-120g/m² Matte/Satin)

  • ✅ Better durability
  • ✅ Cards feel more premium
  • ✅ Better image quality
  • ⚠️ Slightly more expensive

Premium (Glossy/Photo Paper)

  • ✅ Professional quality
  • ✅ Images appear vibrant
  • ✅ Very durable
  • ⚠️ Can reflect/glare in light
  • ⚠️ More expensive

❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake Problem Solution
Scaling not 100% Cards too large/small Check print dialog, set scaling to 100%
Printing with page margins Images cut off Ensure scaling 100%; standard minimal margins are fine
Black & White mode No colors Select color mode in print options
Wrong paper size Cutting lines misaligned Verify paper size set to A4
Cutting too fast Uneven cuts Cut slowly and precisely, use ruler if needed

💡 Tips & Tricks

✅ Before printing:

  • Check print preview
  • Do a test print if possible
  • Check printer color calibration

✅ During printing:

  • Have enough paper ready (17 pages!)
  • Don't interrupt printer while printing
  • Check ink/toner levels

✅ After printing:

  • Let cards dry slightly before cutting
  • Store flat (don't roll)
  • Keep in cool, dry place

✅ For cutting:

  • Use sharp tools (dull scissors make rough edges)
  • Start with the straight edge (dashed line)
  • Work slowly and carefully

📞 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I print in Black & White?
A: Technically yes, but not recommended. Pokémon images lose their colors and look dull.

Q: Does my printer need borderless support?
A: Ideally yes, but not required. If not: set minimal margins.

Q: Which paper is best?
A: 90g/m² matte/satin is the best balance between quality and cost.

Q: How long does cutting take?
A: For 151 cards about 1-2 hours with scissors, faster with craft knife and ruler.

Q: Can cards get damaged?
A: Only if cut too roughly. With steady hands and sharp tools, no problem.

Q: Do the cards really fit in binder sleeves?
A: Yes! They're dimensioned exactly to TCG standard (63.5 × 88.9 mm).

Enjoy printing and cutting! 🎴✂️

Last updated: January 17, 2026