Printing advice, artwork guides & ideas

Blog

How to Prepare and Print Professional Certificates

How to Prepare and Print Professional Certificates

Printed certificates are used by training providers, schools, colleges, universities, professional organisations, sports clubs and event organisers to recognise attendance, achievement, qualifications and awards. Whether every certificate is identical or personalised with a different recipient’s name, preparing the artwork and information carefully helps ensure the finished certificates look professional and are ready on time. Standard […]

Read more
How to Prepare Court Bundles for Printing

How to Prepare Court Bundles for Printing

Preparing court bundles for print can be time-consuming, especially when deadlines are tight or documents are still being updated. A little preparation before sending your files to print can help avoid delays, confusion and unnecessary extra costs. This guide covers the main things to check before sending a court bundle to a printer, including file […]

Read more
Stapled or Wire-Bound Booklets? How to choose and prepare your artwork

Stapled or Wire-Bound Booklets? How to choose and prepare your artwork

When printing a brochure, report, programme or training manual, the binding method affects both the appearance of the finished document and how the artwork should be prepared.  Stapled and wire-bound booklets are both professional options, but stapled booklets are often the best choice when presentation and print quality are the main priorities. What is a […]

Read more
New Artwork Guide: How to prepare your files for print

New Artwork Guide: How to prepare your files for print

Preparing files for print can sometimes feel confusing, especially if your artwork has been created in Canva, Adobe, Microsoft Office or using AI design tools.  To make things easier, we’ve published a new Artwork Guide with simple, practical advice on supplying files for professional printing.  The guide explains the key things to check before sending […]

Read more
How to print flipcharts for a conference or training workshop

How to print flipcharts for a conference or training workshop

Printed flipchart sheets are useful for conferences, workshops and training sessions where information needs to be displayed clearly around a room. They can be prepared in advance with questions, diagrams, instructions, headings or presentation slides, while leaving space for attendees to add notes and ideas during the session. Why use professionally printed flipchart sheets? Preparing […]

Read more
How to Create a Funeral Order of Service Booklet

How to Create a Funeral Order of Service Booklet

Creating a funeral Order of Service can feel difficult when there is already so much to organise. A carefully prepared booklet guides guests through the ceremony and often becomes a keepsake for family and friends. This guide explains what to include, how to arrange the pages and what to check before sending the booklet to […]

Read more
How to Design Artwork for Print Using AI

How to Design Artwork for Print Using AI

AI artwork · Canva · ChatGPT · Gemini · Design tools AI can create great artwork — but it still needs to be ready for print AI design tools have made it much easier to create your own leaflets, posters, invitations, menus, business cards and other printed material, even without professional design software. The important […]

Read more
Our New Website Is Live

Our New Website Is Live

We’re pleased to say that our new website is now live!  The new site has been designed to make ordering print online easier, clearer and more flexible. We’ve added many more products, more ordering options and improved the way customers can choose the service that best suits their deadline and budget. More Products Available to […]

Read more
How to Create a Wedding Order of Service Booklet

How to Create a Wedding Order of Service Booklet

A wedding Order of Service helps guests follow your ceremony and understand what is happening next. It is especially useful for church weddings, religious ceremonies, civil ceremonies, readings, hymns, music and personal vows. It can also become a lovely keepsake from the day, especially when printed neatly with names, dates, photographs and personal details. What […]

Read more
Can’t find what you need? Just ask

Can’t find what you need? Just ask

We are often asked: “I can’t find what I need on your website—can you still print it?”  In many cases, yes. Our website covers our most commonly ordered products, but we also produce bespoke items and source specialist printing when required. Bespoke products we can help with Recent examples include: Fabric banners and event flags […]

Read more
Introducing Multi-Page NCR Forms

Introducing Multi-Page NCR Forms

We now offer multi-page NCR forms for documents that run over two or more pages. Each page is produced as its own NCR set, then collated in the correct order. For example, if you order 100 copies of a 2-page form on 2-part NCR paper, you’ll receive 100 collated 2-page forms, ready to use. Multi-page […]

Read more
Gift Vouchers printed today

Gift Vouchers printed today

Printed gift vouchers can help shops, restaurants, salons and other businesses generate advance sales and encourage repeat visits. A good voucher should look professional, be easy to complete and clearly explain how it can be used. What should a gift voucher include? Keep the layout simple and leave enough room for any information that will […]

Read more
Same-Day Business Card Printing: Can I Collect Them Today?

Same-Day Business Card Printing: Can I Collect Them Today?

Yes, it is often possible to have professional business cards printed and ready for collection on the same day. Our same-day business card service is designed for last-minute meetings, conferences, presentations, networking events and travellers passing through Heathrow or West London. Can business cards really be printed today? Most suitable orders can be printed on […]

Read more
Trade show and exhibition printing checklist

Trade show and exhibition printing checklist

The right printed materials depend on your stand size, how you are travelling and what you want visitors to remember afterwards. This checklist covers the main items to consider before ordering. Displays for your stand A roller banner is easy to transport and quick to set up. Use it for your company name, main service […]

Read more
New options added online for custom paper pads

New options added online for custom paper pads

From promotional giveaways to essential admin tools, our glued writing pads are perfect for: Branded Desk Pads: Keep your logo front of mind with every note taken. Telephone & Enquiry Pads: Capture orders and messages professionally. A6 Jotters: Handy, pocket-sized pads for quick notes on the go. Business Forms: Great for receipts, invoices, survey sheets […]

Read more
Schools and Education: Comprehensive Printing Services

Schools and Education: Comprehensive Printing Services

Schools, colleges and training providers regularly need printed materials for lessons, assessments, administration and events. Planning the specification carefully helps keep costs controlled and ensures everything arrives in the correct order. Mock exam papers and assessment materials Mock exam paper printing is usually produced as black-and-white A4 folded and stapled booklets. Colour can be used […]

Read more
What printed materials do you need for a conference or training course?

What printed materials do you need for a conference or training course?

The printed materials required for a conference or training course will depend on the number of attendees, the event format and what delegates need before, during and after the session. Planning the complete delegate journey will help you avoid missing badges, outdated agendas and last-minute shortages. Conference and training-course printing at a glance Most events […]

Read more
A guide to creating place name cards

A guide to creating place name cards

Personalised place name cards help guests find their seats while adding a coordinated finishing touch to the table. They are ideal for weddings, formal dinners, awards ceremonies, conferences and business events. A clear guest list, an easy-to-read design and careful proof checking will help ensure every card displays the correct name. Our folded place-card size […]

Read more
Why choose us?

Why choose us?

Independent print shop · Established 1986 Professional printing with real people behind it Original Copy Centre is an independent print shop based in West Drayton near Heathrow. We have been helping businesses, organisations and individuals with professional printing since 1986. Most of our work is produced in-house by our experienced team, giving us control over […]

Read more
Plastic Paper or Laminated Plans?

Plastic Paper or Laminated Plans?

When drawings need to withstand wet conditions, repeated handling or use on site, we offer two durable options: laminated plans and plastic paper plans. Both are waterproof and tear-resistant, but they feel and perform differently. Which Option Should You Choose? Plastic paper plans are printed directly onto thin, flexible synthetic paper. They are lightweight, easy […]

Read more
NCR Pads – why use them?!

NCR Pads – why use them?!

NCR pads are used when you need two or more copies of a handwritten form without using separate carbon sheets. Pressure from a pen transfers the writing onto the coloured sheets underneath, creating an instant duplicate, triplicate or quadruplicate copy.  They are commonly used for invoices, receipts, delivery notes, job sheets, waste transfer notes, inspection […]

Read more
Plan Printing: A0, A1, A2, A3 Drawings 

Plan Printing: A0, A1, A2, A3 Drawings 

Need architectural drawings, construction plans or CAD drawings printed quickly? Ordering plan prints online is straightforward, but it is important to choose the correct size, colour option and file format.  We print A0, A1, A2 and A3 drawings on 80gsm white paper, with machine folding to A4 included. Orders can be delivered across the UK […]

Read more
How to choose and order name badges for an event

How to choose and order name badges for an event

Printed name badges help attendees identify one another and make registration, networking and event management easier. They are commonly used for conferences, training courses, exhibitions, corporate meetings, visitor passes and awards events. Planning a larger event? View our event, exhibition and wedding printing services . Lanyard or pin-and-clip name badges? Lanyard name badges Lanyard name […]

Read more
How to design and print your own greetings cards

How to design and print your own greetings cards

Custom greetings cards can be used for Christmas, birthdays, thank-you messages, corporate greetings, invitations or selling your own artwork and photography.  Before ordering, you will need to choose the finished size, card material and whether the inside will be printed or left blank. Choosing a Greetings Card Size Greetings card sizes are normally described by […]

Read more
Printing Mock Exam Papers for Schools

Printing Mock Exam Papers for Schools

Mock exam printing can involve several subjects, different quantities, answer booklets, colour pages and strict delivery deadlines. Supplying the information clearly helps ensure every paper is printed correctly, packed in the right order and ready for distribution. We print mock papers for schools, colleges, tuition centres and private tutors, from individual subjects to large multi-department […]

Read more
How to design a leaflet for printing

How to design a leaflet for printing

A good leaflet should communicate its main message quickly, be easy to read and be supplied at the correct size for printing. Here are the main things to check before ordering. Choose the right size The best size depends on how the leaflet will be used and how much information it needs to contain. A6: […]

Read more
What is a waste transfer note and which form do you need?

What is a waste transfer note and which form do you need?

In the world of waste management, it is essential to ensure proper handling and documentation. One crucial document that plays a vital role in waste management is the Waste Transfer Note (WTN). For non-hazardous business waste, a Waste Transfer Note or another document containing the same information is required when waste is transferred. Hazardous waste […]

Read more
How to design a poster to print

How to design a poster to print

A good printed poster should be easy to read, correctly sized and supplied in a format that prints well. Here are the main things to check before ordering.  Choose the right size Set your artwork up at the size you want it printed, such as A3, A2, A1 or A0. Avoid designing at A4 and […]

Read more
What should I include in a wedding invitation pack?

What should I include in a wedding invitation pack?

A wedding invitation pack gives your guests all the information they need before the day. Depending on your wedding, it may include a main invitation, an RSVP card, an information card and separate invitations for day and evening guests. Planning the complete pack before printing helps everything match and reduces the risk of leaving out […]

Read more
When should you choose black-and-white leaflet printing?

When should you choose black-and-white leaflet printing?

Black-and-white leaflets are a practical, low-cost option when the main purpose is to distribute clear information to a large number of people. They are particularly suitable for letterbox drops, local advertising, notices, price lists and simple promotional messages. When black-and-white works well Choose black-and-white leaflet printing when: You need a large quantity at a low […]

Read more
Christmas Cards

Christmas Cards

We now print Christmas cards in house!  This year we invested in an automated slitter cutter creaser machine, which allows us to cut out and crease cards from large sheets as soon as they are printed! This means we can usually print and finish cards the same day they are ordered. We offer 2 types […]

Read more
Which printed products are zero-rated for VAT?

Which printed products are zero-rated for VAT?

VAT on printing can be confusing because the rate depends on the finished product, its content and how it will be used. Some printed publications are zero-rated, meaning VAT is charged at 0%, while other printed products are subject to the standard 20% rate. Printed products that are usually zero-rated These commonly qualify for zero-rated […]

Read more