Best Paper & Print Settings for Your Downloadable Mystery Game
New Release: Best Paper & Print Settings for Your Downloadable Mystery Game
Level-up your kit from “home printed” to “professional prop” in five easy steps.
1. Why Paper Choice Matters
Clue cards passed between greasy fingers, evidence photos taped to a corkboard, fold-out maps
repeatedly referenced—your printables take a beating. The right stock prevents
smudging, show-through, and curled corners, keeping immersion intact all night.
2. Recommended Paper Weights & Finishes
| Component | Ideal Stock | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Clue Cards & Character Briefs | 200–220 gsm matte card | Sturdy enough to shuffle; matte avoids glare under warm lights. |
| Evidence Photos | 180 gsm satin photo paper | Satin pops color but fingerprints less than gloss. |
| Host Script & Timeline | 90–100 gsm copy paper | Lightweight for annotation; saves ink & cost. |
| Posters / Backdrops | 120 gsm bond | Rolls flat, tapes easily to walls. |
3. Optimal Printer Settings
Inkjet
- Quality: “High” or “Best” for photos, “Standard” for text-heavy pages.
- Paper Type: Match to stock (e.g., “Matte Photo Paper”).
- Borderless: Off—our PDFs include bleed; let trim guides do the work.
Laser
- Media Weight: Card or Heavy 1 for 200 gsm.
- Toner Save: Off for dark backgrounds—keeps blacks dense.
- Color Calibration: Run test sheet to avoid magenta shift on photos.
4. Ink-Saver Tips Without Sacrificing Quality
- Switch background-heavy pages to our included Ink-Friendly files.
- Print double-sided for player scripts; single-side for cards.
- Use composite-gray (K-only) setting for black-and-white text.
5. Specialty Options
- Linen Card (216 gsm): Adds tactile luxury to invitations.
- Kraft Stock (170 gsm): Perfect for Victorian or Western themes; inkjet only.
- Avery Sticker Sheets: Print evidence labels to slap onto props or bottles.
6. Troubleshooting Print Problems
Ink smears? Increase drying time; switch to “Matte” paper type.
Papers curl? Flip stack every 10 pages and print in smaller batches.
Text cut off? Ensure “Actual Size” or “Scale 100 %” is set—never “Fit”.
FAQs
Can I use 65-lb cover stock instead of 200 gsm?
Yes—65-lb ≈ 176 gsm; still sturdy for cards.
No color printer?
Our kits ship with built-in grayscale versions. Use colored pens to mark act numbers.
Is glossy photo paper okay for evidence pics?
Gloss works but fingerprints easily. Provide protectors or gloves if you choose gloss.