What Is Collate Printing? A Complete Guide for CO Businesses
Posted on 15 September, 2025 / Under ABT Insights, Commercial Printing Solutions, Document Management Solutions, Office Technology, Print Hardware & Features, Printing Tips & Education
How to do Collated Printing

What Is Collate Printing & Why It Matters for Your Business

The Skinny

If you regularly print multi‑page documents—reports, manuals, presentations, or contracts—you’ve probably seen an option in your print dialog labeled “Collate.” But what does it really mean, when should you use it (or not), and how can mastering collating save you time, reduce waste, and increase professionalism in your business output?

In this guide, you’ll learn:

  • What collate printing is, and what “uncollated” means
  • Key benefits of collating documents
  • Situations where you might prefer not to collate
  • How to use collate settings on modern printers and copiers
  • Common problems with collate printing and how to avoid them
  • A chart to help you decide quickly whether to collate or print uncollated in various scenarios

What Does “Collate” Mean in Printing?

Collate printing refers to printing multiple sets of a document in complete page order for each copy. For example, if you have a 10‑page document and need 5 copies, collated printing will produce:

  • Copy 1: pages 1‑10
  • Copy 2: pages 1‑10
  • … up to copy 5

If collate is not enabled (uncollated printing), the printer will print all copies of page 1 first, then all of page 2, etc. That means after printing you must reorganize or sort pages by hand to assemble complete sets.

In many business settings, collating is the default or nearly always used, but sometimes uncollated printing is more efficient depending on the job.

Collated vs Uncollated Printing: Key Differences

Why Businesses Should Use Collate Printing

  1. Time Savings: Manual sorting adds up. Collating automates logical order so staff don’t have to shuffle pages.
  2. Accuracy & Professionalism: Keeps reports in order for client meetings, proposals, or legal documents.
  3. Reduced Waste & Frustration: Mistakes lead to reprints. Collating avoids mishandled sets.
  4. Better Use of Labor: Staff can focus on more valuable tasks than manual sorting.
  5. Essential for Finishing: Makes binding, stapling, or folding easier and error-free.

When Collation Might Be Less Useful

  • Single Copy Jobs: Collate is irrelevant for 1-copy prints.
  • Low Memory Printers: Collated jobs can tax hardware.
  • Special Layouts: Booklets may require a non-sequential print order.
  • Mixed Media: Requires manual finishing regardless of collation.
  • Bulk, Identical Pages: Flyers or batch jobs benefit from uncollated runs.

How to Use Collate Settings on Printers and Copier Systems

  1. Print Dialog: Enable “Collate” in your app’s print menu (e.g., Word, PDF viewers).
  2. On Device: Look for collate toggle on touchscreen or hardware settings.
  3. Driver Settings: Set collate as default in driver preferences.
  4. Cloud / Managed Print: Set in admin portals for network printers.
  5. Test First: Run a 2–3 copy test before large print jobs.

Common Problems & Fixes

Comparison Chart: Collated vs Uncollated Scenarios

Best Practices to Streamline Collate Printing in Your Office

  • Set collate as default when common.
  • Create named presets: “Reports – Collated,” “Flyers – Uncollated.”
  • Use quality paper to reduce jams.
  • Match printer memory to print volume.
  • Include finishing in workflows (bind, staple, etc.).

Get the Support You Need

Collated printing might seem like a small checkbox—but in business, it’s a big deal. It saves time, prevents errors, and boosts professionalism.

If you’re looking to upgrade your printing setup, ABT can help with consultations, hardware, and managed services.

Contact ABT today to evaluate your printing setup or see a demo of collated vs uncollated printing.