double sided printing problems

[trm2204]

hi GDF!!
i was wondering if any1 could help me:
im basically trying to print a double-sided booklet in quark (roughly 20 pages). The method im using is feeding the paper back through the printer to print on the other side of the pages. but when i do this, the print is not alligned with the opposite page. even though ive centred the positioning and centred the registration in the setup.
does any1 know how to solve this problem?
im using a non-postscript printer - but this shoudn't be the problem.....
should it??

[PrintDriver]

Most desktop printers have by default a larger 'bottom' margin than 'top' margin. If you are turning the sheet sideways, you will have a bigger margin on one side than the other. When you print the other side, your print area is offset in the other direction.

Unless you can tell your printer to center the print area, you will have to compensate in Quark. Not fun.

[PrintDriver]

As for non-postscript printers, yes, it could be a problem if your images aren't tifs and if you don't have the proper image resolution for output. Placed .eps files will look like crap too. To avoid problems, learn the proper presets or print from pdf.

[trm2204]

thanx for the reply printdriver!
the images are cool as they are tiffs and of a high resolution.
it's just the alligning - ive gone through all the printer settings and cant seem to find anywhere that i can cente the print area.
by compensating in quark, do you mean manually adjusting the layout of the even pages - so they allign with the odd pages??

[hewligan]

Yup, that's probably your only option.

[trm2204]

alright, will do...thanx

[Virgo Nightingale]

I do this all the time. Our Canon printer has the capability to duplex, but one side is always shifted. We've tried to have Canon fix this, only to have them tell us that this is done on purpose to help prevent counterfeiting. :confused: Like that's going to deter an office full of determined graphic designers. :rolleyes:

If we're doing an in-house duplexed print job, I have to set the document in printer spreads, and move every other spread 1/16" up and to the right. And then I have to do smaller runs and continuously recheck the alignment, as the printer will often start to shift that second side as its printing.

[trm2204]

hey virgo....that's exactly what im doing now!
taking a while though, coz the resolution on my pics are quite high -
adjusting one spread's taking all day!

[PrintDriver]

What? Counterfeiting?
For shame.
You only make it harder for the rest of us you know...
:)

[Virgo Nightingale]

I know, I make it hard for everyone. :D

[PrintDriver]

Now, now...Don't even go there... :D

[Virgo Nightingale]

Lol...