Frequently Asked Questions
Printing your own invitations is easy, but if you run into problems we have composed a list of troubleshooting FAQ’s. Feel free to contact us if you still can't resolve any problem(s).
Template Questions: |
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Click on a question below:
- Do I have to use Microsoft Word ® to use the templates?
- Which version of Microsoft Word ® will these templates work with?
- The template that I have selected doesn't open when I click on the image.
- I downloaded the template, but my Microsoft toolbar went away. How do I bring it back?
- The template I've selected has text in it. How do I delete it to add my own wording?
- Can I change the margins on the template?
- How do I insert clipart images into my template?
- What print setting should I use to print the templates?
- When using the Templates, my words are not quite centered vertically on my invitation. How can I fix this problem?
- The templates always center the words. Can I change it to left or right justification?
- Can I change fonts, colors or sizing from those offered in your templates?
- Since the Response/ Reception cards are “two-up” per sheet, if I make a change on one will it automatically change the other??
- My invitation stock has a border on it. Does the template account for this??
- Do I HAVE to put the same info on both halves of my two card template?
- Do I have to re-type the same information on both sides of the Response/Reception Card template?
Do I have to use Microsoft Word® to use the templates?
Yes. Your system must be equipped with Microsoft Word ® '97 or above.
Which version of Microsoft Word® will these templates work with?
All of the templates are formatted for use with Microsoft Word® '97, 2000, 2002 and 2003.
The template that I have chosen doesn't open when I click on the image.
If the file doesn't open or you get a message saying that you can't open it, open Microsoft Word® in the background and then attempt to open the template again. If you do not have Microsoft Word®, the template most likely will not work.
I downloaded the template, but my Microsoft toolbar went away. How do I bring it back?
Simply "Save" the file rather than "Open" it. This action will resurrect your usual Microsoft Word® toolbar.
The template I've selected has text in it. How do I delete it to add my own wording?
The templates already have text inserted to give you an idea of the layout and what the final product will look like. Simply highlight the words that you want to change and type or copy in your own text.
Can I change the margins on the template?
If you would like to change the margins or the tabs, simply go to "File" then "Page Setup". You can change your margins and tabs from there.
How do I insert clipart images into my template?
You will either need to pull from a saved image or copy an image to insert it into your document. To copy the image, right-click and select "Copy" from the drop down menu. You can now go back to your document and paste it in by going to "Edit" and then "Paste". To save the image right-click, select "Save As" from the drop down menu and choose where on your computer you would like to save it. You can now go back to your document and insert the image by going to "Insert" then "Picture" then "From file" and selecting the file from the location where you saved it.
What print setting should I use to print the templates?
Once you are ready to print the final version, your printer should be set at either the normal or best printer settings. Also make sure that the paper type is set for either card stock or heavyweight paper.
When using the Templates, my words are not quite centered vertically on my invitation. How can I fix this problem?
Easy, add a couple of empty “rows” at the top to lower the wording or delete a couple of empty “rows” to move it closer to the top. You can do this simply by setting your curser in the empty space at the top of the template and hit the “enter” key as many times as you need to add blank rows and move the wording down, or hit the “delete” key to take out “rows” and move the wording up.
The templates always center the words. Can I change it to left or right justification?
Yes, just change the setting on your tool bar icons to left or right justification. If you do not have this tool bar, you can get the same result by clicking on “Format” then “Paragraph” then change the drop down menu to your desired selection.
Can I change fonts, colors or sizing from those offered in your templates?
Absolutely. Remember these templates open up into Microsoft Word®. You have the same capability as any word document. Just click on “Format” then “Font” and make your selections. Done!!
That is the whole beauty of printing your own invites – choose your style, choose your font. Create an invite which is unique to you.
Since the Response/ Reception cards are “two-up” per sheet, if I make a change on one will it automatically change the other??
No. Like any word document, you must make the same changes to both sections of the template; however, you can "Copy" and then "Paste" any corrections from one section into the other section.
My invitation stock has a border on it. Does the template account for this??
Yes. There are individual templates for each of the styles (Traditional, Contemporary, and Hampton Rose). For best results, be sure to choose the correct one for your style. There is room for you to change the font size and such, as long as you stay within the set template boundaries. The templates for the Traditional line takes into account the various embossing and borders within this collection.
Do I HAVE to put the same info on both halves of my two card template?
You can set up the template any way you would like – you can print the response cards all at once using both halves of the card; you can print the reception cards all at once using both halves of the card; or you can print them as a set – use one half of the card for the reception card the other half for the response card. If you decide to mix the wording, they must both print in the same direction. You cannot print one vertically (portrait) and one horizontally (landscape). That type of formatting affects the entire sheet.
Do I have to re-type the same information on both sides of the Response/Reception Card template?
No. If you get one side typed, you can just highlight it, then “Copy” and “Paste” it onto the second side or even another template. The same goes for corrections or changes. If you make adjustments in one place, you can "Copy" and "Paste" to correct the second side. Just make sure you “Save” your changes for future use.
Printing Specific |
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Click on a question below:
- Can I print my Outside Envelopes using my inkjet or laser printer??
- I am printing my reception/response cards. Do I insert them vertically (portrait) or horizontally (landscape)?
- When I try to print my invitations, my printer shows a “paper size” error and won’t print. What do I do?
- When I try to print my cards, they don't print in the center even though they look right on the screen. Why?
- The ink is smudging or smearing. How do I correct this problem?
- My invitations printed great, but they are curling. What do I do?
Can I print my Outside Envelopes using my inkjet or laser printer??
I am printing my reception/response cards. Do I insert them vertically (portrait) or horizontally (landscape)?
You should insert them vertically (portrait). We recommend printing a test sheet on plain paper first to make sure everything prints correctly. This “trial run” should be a standard practice with all components of your invitations and stationery.
When I try to print my invitations, my printer shows a “paper size” error and won’t print. What can I do?
This does happen with some printers. First, try changing your paper size in “printer set-up” mode. If you don’t have a selection for the proper size, use the custom size and enter the dimensions of your sheet. In most cases this will correct the problem. However, in other cases, you can simply hit the “blinking” print button on your machine again to override its “brain” and it may print just fine. Sometimes, the printer paper size detection does not automatically “talk” to the software holding your template. If you continue to have problems, you may need to contact the help line for your printer company. Remember, this problem is usually connected to your printer, not your system. This level of problem is rather rare.
When I try to print my cards, they don't print in the center even though they look right on the screen. Why?
Sometimes the printer is not automatically reading the template. This happens mostly in multi-function machines. You may need to change some settings in your printer's set-up menu. You can try to set the page size here, or you may need to set it to print in the Center of the sheet. This is an option that usually defaults to “top of sheet” in many multi function machines. Changing the setting should alleviate the problem in most cases.
The ink is smudging or smearing. How do I correct this problem?
First, check that your printer’s Paper Quality/Type (generally found by clicking on the “Properties” tab in the Print Dialog Box) is set for heavyweight paper or cardstock. If it is still smudging, unfortunately it means that your printer is not compatible with the invitations. Our products are ink jet guaranteed – so you can return you product directly to us for a full refund. Any items made with 100% cotton (stationery and programs) work great in both ink jet and laser printers. However, the invitation items are not always laser printer friendly.
My invitations printed great, but they are curling. What do I do?
First of all - don't panic. It will be OK! Sometimes the heat of the printer will cause the smaller cards to curl after being printed. Simply place the cards curl side down while you contine to print the remainder of the items. The weight of the cards will usually even out the curl. If not, take all the cards at once and gently bend slightly against the curl.
General Paper Questions |
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Click on a question below:
- Why is cotton used in paper?
- Why should I use cotton fiber paper?
- Will cotton fiber paper work in my printer?
- Why are fine papers watermarked?
- What weight of paper should I use?
- Will embossed invitations work in my printer?
- What is "acid free" paper?
- Where can I find out more about Southworth products?
- I have a question that was not answered here; where can I get an answer?
Why is cotton used in paper?
Cotton is one of the strongest and most durable fibers known to man. Papers manufactured from cotton fiber will last longer and hold up better under repeated handling and various environmental conditions than paper made from non-cotton sources (wood pulp). Generally, you can expect one year of usable life for every 1% of cotton contained in the sheet. Typically cotton fiber papers are made of either all cotton fiber (100% cotton) or a blend of cotton and wood pulp. The most common blend is made of 25% cotton and 75% wood pulp. Other blends include 50% and 75% cotton fiber, the balance of each being made up from wood pulp.
Why should I use cotton fiber paper?
Behind the words and below the images, the paper and cardstock you use makes an impression. The look and feel of cotton says quality, prestige and permanence - and sends a message even before ink is applied. However you choose to use it, cotton fiber paper is the start of something special. While it remains the paper of choice when you are concerned about image, cotton fiber performs well in a range of roles. The richness of Southworth’s cotton fiber paper leaves a lasting impression - its strength and adaptability shouldn't be overlooked. Cotton fiber paper's natural composition makes it strong enough to stand up to complex printing processes and deliver consistent results.
Will cotton fiber paper work in my printer?
Yes. Advances in papermaking have kept pace with innovations in printing equipment, making Southworth’s cotton fiber paper compatible with today's most demanding printing technologies. All of Southworth’s papers are guaranteed to work in all popular inkjet printers. Most of these papers also work well in laser printers.
Why are fine papers watermarked?
The watermark on Southworth paper is a sign of quality. It assures the user that the paper is a Fine Paper. The watermark generally will identify the manufacturer, the brand name and the amount of cotton fiber, if any, in the sheet. Through the use of a special roller called a "dandy roll", the watermark is impressed inside the paper early in the manufacturing process.
What weight of paper should I use?
Fine Papers are manufactured in various weights, commonly 32, 24, 20, 16 and 9 (also known as onionskin) pound weights. The most common paper weight today is 20 lb. Twenty pound paper is adequate for everyday use. Résumés, letterheads, correspondence, reports, presentations, proposals and legal documents should be on paper with a weight of 24 lb. or higher. Card stock for invitations and announcements is typically 54 lb.
Will embossed invitations work in my printer?
Yes. All of Southworth’s embossed papers and card stock are guaranteed to work in all popular inkjet printers.
What is "acid free" paper?
Paper which has no acid or residual acid-producing chemicals is called "acid free". Papers and card stock which are "acid free" will resist yellowing and disintegration longer than sheets that are not acid free. Cotton papers are less likely to disintegrate or yellow than papers made of all or part wood pulp (paper with a pH factor of "7" or higher are considered acid free). All of our wedding line invitations are acid free.
Where can I find more about Southworth products?
To find out more about Southworth and our products, visit us at our main website www.Southworth.com.
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