[Solved] Printing on 4x6 Index Cards

[cmlivengood]

I looked for the answer to this, but the only thing even close to this is the replies to requests in 2012. However, those answers weren't very helpful then or now.

I need to be able to print index cards, one sided. Maybe later two sided.

If I just customize the page formatting to 4x6, will a .25" margin be acceptable for most printers? I don't know what printer I will have access to when the time comes. Nor do I know what software will be available for use.

Thank you!

[RusselB]

Most current printers will have no problem with a .25" margin.
As to the double sided printing, I'd recommend getting or ensuring that the printer has double sided capabilities built-in, as printing double sided with a printer that doesn't have this ability is a pain & a half.
Unfortunately there's no way to know for sure until you know which printer you'll be using.

[Zizi64]

Nor do I know what software will be available for use.

Then you need create the cards in Writer, Calc and Draw application, and you need export them into more than one file formats:
The native ODF formats, MS formats, PDF, graphical image files...

If I just customize the page formatting to 4x6, will a .25" margin be acceptable for most printers?

We (the helper users of this forum) can not test lots of printers. The most problematic margin is the Bottom margin. The printer can not hold and the bottom of the paper will not be enough stable at end of printing. I suppose it: the safely usable minimal bottom margin of a general A4 (or "Letter") size printer is about 1/2" (10-13 mm). Of course maybe there are some special printers with smaller minimal bottom margin values.

[RoryOF]

It would not be unusual for a duplex (i.e., doublesided) printer to print duplex only on the major page sizes such as US Letter and A4.

[cmlivengood]

Thank you all for your answers! I will save it in multiple formats and try that. I'll also call the location ahead to see that Writer is compatible with it.

You made something frustrating and difficult easy to manage.

Again, thank you!

[RoryOF]

A more complex solution might be to print to 4-up A6 cards on an A4 sheet, then afterwards cut that sheet in four. This presents a difficulty in setting a template that places the correct second side on the sheet in position to the appropriate front side. It also means the resulting cards are not quite 6 x 4 inches - they will be 5 7/8 x 4 1/8 inches, which one might consider "near enough".

[cmlivengood]

That is an excellent idea!! I might try it!