Application Form Printing
The printing of applications must be completed with extreme care to ensure high quality image scanning and optical character
recognition (OCR). If there is a need to print multiple batches of application forms, care should be taken to ensure that all batches
are identical in layout and position. Even a minor change may affect scanning success. Before any changes are made to a standard
application PrimeroEdge should be consulted before the printing of applications to ensure it will work with the scanning process.


Printer
 Applications should be printed professionally whenever possible. If any District/State chooses to print applications onsite in their
district, the printer used must be Print Shop quality.


Grayscale

The darkness of the grayscale plays a significant role in the recognition of handwritten text. The grayscale for the gray boxes on the
Application must be printed as Hex color code DDDDDD or the RGB color code equivalent is 221, 221, 221. Even when the
appropriate codes are set for printing, applications must be tested at each district after the sample print run for scan ability.
Sample testing should be coordinated with PrimeroEdge.


Sample printing
Your printer will need to sample print and send at least 5 (if not 10) copies of each language of the application (English, Spanish,
etc.) to your Student Eligibility team for scan testing before you print the entire batch. Once you receive the samples, please
contact PrimeroEdge PrimeroEdge to screen share for scanning and mapping your applications. Please note, the samples that you
use must be printed on the printer that you’ll use for the mass printing. This will ensure that the application fits the requirements
for scanning. Once the application has been tested and all parties agree all is in order, you can then print the entire order.


Recommended Paper Colors
 Applications should be printed on colored paper below with brightness of 96 or higher and thickness of 24 lbs. or higher

  • Green, yellow, white and pink work well with scanner
  • Blue, purple, and grey do not work well with scanner and users should be discouraged from printing apps in these colors


PDF printing

While printing PDFs, configure these following options in the Print dialog box:

  • Should be unchecked
    • Shrink oversized pages to paper size
    • Expand small pages to paper size
  • Should be checked
    • Auto-rotate and center pages


Additional Information Gathered from Print Vendors

  • Printing systems are configured to run files with strict parameters, including;
  • Under Color Removal and Grey Component Replacement with max density of 95 K (black)
  • 175 line screen resolution with Hybrid Screening technology and built in curves for any dot gains on plates or press
  • Use dense black ink with low tack to help you in your optical character recognition (OCR) process.
  • 60# Cougar Opaque has enormous brightness, opacity and Basis weight (bulk), which helps speed the printing process.
  • The document has eight percent screen and the boxes have 13 percent screen