What Does Collate Mean in Printing

What Does Collate Mean in Printing

Collate, as defined in the Collins Dictionary, mean “to collect information together from difference sources in order to examine and compare it”. But some may find it confusing when encountered with this word on their printers. Afraid that their documents may be messed up with this uncertain function, many would just hesitate to press that button and cross their fingers that the results come out well. So, what exactly does collate mean in printing?

So, what’s the deal with collate in printing? Essentially, it’s all about putting your printed pages in order. When multiple copies of a multi-page document are printed, collating ensures that the pages are arranged in the correct sequence. For example, if you print three copies of a three-page document with collate turned on, the printer will produce three sets of documents in the correct order – 1, 2, 3, then repeat for each copy.

Now, what about “uncollated” or “non-collated” mode? This is when your printer churns out copies of each page in order before moving on to the next page. So, if you’re printing those same three copies of a three-page doc in uncollated mode, you’ll get all the first pages together, then the second pages, and so on.

But here’s the thing: collating isn’t always necessary. It all depends on what you’re printing. If you’ve got a bunch of copies of the same document that need to stay in order, like manuals or calendars, then collate away. But if each page serves a different purpose, like printing different question forms for different audiences, it is suggested to turn off collating.

In fact, most printers already features collation function, which you can locate within the setting. Knowing how and when to collate a printed project can open doors toward greater creativity and administrative efficiency. That’s why it’s important to know about all your printer’s features and how they work.

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