Creating beautiful wedding invitations doesn’t need to break your budget. Corjl brings you an online design platform where you can customize and print your own wedding invitations. The platform offers hundreds of stunning templates for your special day, putting creative control right in your hands.
Digital templates give you amazing flexibility. You can edit text, adjust colors, and make changes until everything looks just right. Plus, you’ll save money compared to traditional custom-printed invitations. With digital files, you can print as many copies as you need and even make last-minute adjustments.
Let me guide you through the steps to get perfect results. I’ve helped hundreds of couples print their own invitations, and I’ll share all my tips and tricks. You don’t need design experience – just follow along with these simple instructions.
Getting Started With Corjl
Setting up your Corjl account takes just minutes. Head to Corjl.com and click “Sign Up.” Use an email address you check often since this is where your templates and updates will go. Pick a password you’ll remember, and you’re ready to start.
After purchasing a template, you’ll find it in your account dashboard under “My Designs.” Click on the template to open the editor. Each template comes with sample text that you can easily change to match your details.
The basic tools sit at the top of your screen. You’ll see options for text, colors, and design elements. The left sidebar holds your layers panel, where you can select different parts of your design. The right sidebar shows settings for whatever element you’ve selected.
Technical Requirements
For the best experience, use Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. These browsers work smoothly with Corjl’s editing tools. Safari users might see some differences in how fonts display. Internet Explorer isn’t supported, so pick a different browser if that’s your usual choice.
Your screen should be set to at least 1920 x 1080 resolution. This lets you see all the fine details in your design. If text looks fuzzy, check your display settings and adjust as needed.
A stable internet connection makes editing much easier. You need at least 10 Mbps download speed to work without delays. Corjl saves your work automatically, but good internet prevents any hiccups while saving.
Make sure you have about 1GB of free space on your computer. This gives room for your template files and any changes you make. If you’re working with multiple designs, you might want extra space.
Before You Start Editing
Always save your original template file in a safe spot. Think of it like keeping your original recipe card clean while you try new things in the kitchen. Create a new folder on your computer named “Wedding Invitations” and keep your original file there.
Make at least three copies of your template to practice with. This gives you freedom to try different styles without worry. Name each copy clearly – maybe “Practice1,” “Practice2,” and “Final.” This way, you won’t mix up your files.
Watch out for these common mistakes: adding too many fonts, making text too small to read, or picking colors that won’t print well. Start with small changes and build up to bigger ones. This helps you stay in control of your design.
Set up your workspace with good lighting and a clean desk. Put your computer at eye level and use a mouse instead of a trackpad for better control. Keep your wedding details handy – you’ll need dates, times, and spelling of names.
Text Customization Tips
Start by adding your basic information – names, date, time, and location. Type slowly and double-check spelling. Nothing’s worse than finding a typo after printing 100 invitations!
For fonts, stick to two or three types maximum. Pick one fancy font for names and titles, and use a simple font for details. This makes your invitation easy to read while still looking special.
Text size matters more than you might think. Main headings should be 16-24 points, with body text around 12 points. Always check how it looks printed – text often appears smaller on paper than on screen.
Match your text colors to your wedding colors, but keep readability in mind. Dark text on light backgrounds works best. If you want light text, make sure the background is dark enough for contrast.
Working With Design Elements
Moving pieces around is as simple as click and drag. Click once to select an item, then drag it where you want it. Hold Shift while dragging to keep things perfectly straight.
When scaling graphics, hold Shift to maintain proportions. This stops images from looking stretched or squished. If something looks off, try making it slightly bigger or smaller.
Background changes can make a big difference. Try different colors behind your text, but remember that lighter backgrounds usually print better. If you use patterns, keep them subtle so they don’t overshadow your words.
For color schemes, stick to 2-3 main colors plus black or white. You can find your exact wedding colors by typing in color codes or using the color picker tool. Save your favorite colors to use them consistently across all your wedding stationery.
Advanced Text Editing Features
Text effects can transform your invitation design. Drop shadows add depth and make text stand out. Use a light shadow for subtle depth – dark shadows can look heavy. Adjust the distance and softness until it looks natural.
Text outlines (strokes) work well for bold statements. Keep outlines thin – about 0.5 to 1 point thick. Thick outlines can make text hard to read. Match outline colors to your wedding theme.
Outer glow creates a soft, romantic feel. Use white glow on dark backgrounds or a light colored glow on white. Keep the opacity low – around 20-30% looks best. This effect works great for names and dates.
Color adjustments need careful attention. Use the color picker to match your wedding colors exactly. Save your colors in the palette for easy use later. Make text slightly darker than your main colors for better readability.
Control text opacity to create watermark effects. Full opacity (100%) works best for main text. Lower opacity (50-70%) creates subtle background elements. Text below 50% opacity might not print well.
Character spacing helps text flow better. Tighten spacing for titles (-5 to -10 tracking). Keep body text at normal spacing. Line spacing should be about 120% of text size for easy reading.
Text alignment tools help create balance. Center alignment works well for formal invitations. Left alignment feels more modern. Use guides to keep text blocks perfectly placed.
Adding Your Own Images
Before uploading images, prepare them properly. Size images to at least 300 DPI for printing. Save files as JPG or PNG format. Keep file sizes under 5MB for smooth uploading.
The upload process is simple. Click the image icon in the toolbar. Choose your file from your computer. Wait for the upload to finish before moving or editing the image.
After upload, adjust your image carefully. Hold Shift while resizing to keep proportions correct. Use the crop tool to focus on important parts. Position images behind or between text elements.
Adjusting and Arranging Objects
Resize elements by dragging corner handles. Keep design elements in proportion to each other. Main text should be larger than details. Images should balance with text size.
Rotate objects for creative layouts. Use the rotation handle for free rotation. Hold Shift for 15-degree increments. Flip elements horizontally or vertically using toolbar buttons.
Layer arrangement matters a lot. Use “Bring Forward” and “Send Backward” to control overlap. Keep backgrounds on bottom layers. Put text on top layers for clarity.
Align objects using guide tools. Snap to grid for precise placement. Use alignment buttons to line up multiple elements. Space items evenly using distribution tools.
The duplicate tool saves time. Copy elements that repeat in your design. Adjust copies separately for variety. Delete extra elements you don’t need.
Downloadable Formats
PDF format works great for home printing. Choose your paper size in the export settings. Letter size (8.5×11″) is standard in North America. A4 size works better in other countries.
Enable multiple images per page to save paper. This works well for smaller items like RSVP cards. Add bleed marks if your design goes to the paper edge. Trim marks help with cutting.
Select specific pages to download. This helps if you only need certain pieces. Download invitation, RSVP, and details cards separately. Keep track of which file is which.
JPG format suits professional printing needs. Many print shops prefer JPG files. They’re also perfect for sharing previews online. Pick 300 DPI resolution for best print quality.
Download each page you need in JPG format. Name files clearly – like “Invitation_Front.jpg”. This helps organize your files. Share these files easily with your printer or family members.
Paper Selection Guide
Your paper choice makes a huge difference in how your invitations feel and look. Card stock between 110-120 lb works great for invitations. This weight feels substantial without being too thick for home printers.
When picking paper, look for “bright white” options. Cream or off-white papers can change how your colors look when printed. Many brides love cotton paper for its soft, luxurious feel. But remember – cotton paper costs more than standard card stock.
Paper finish affects both look and printing. Matte finish gives a clean, modern look and works well with most printers. Glossy paper makes colors pop but can show fingerprints. Semi-gloss offers a nice middle ground.
Standard invitation sizes are 5×7 inches or 4.5×6.25 inches. These sizes fit perfectly in common envelope sizes. Buy a few extra sheets of paper for test prints. This helps you avoid running out at the last minute.
Printer Settings
Quality settings matter more than speed when printing invitations. Pick “Best” or “Photo” quality in your printer settings. Yes, it prints slower, but your invitations will look much better.
Load paper one sheet at a time for important final prints. This stops paper jams and feeding problems. Make sure your paper tray guides touch the paper edges without squeezing them.
Check your printer’s color settings. Pick “Color Matching” or “ICC Profile” if available. Print a test page with your exact colors. Compare it to your screen to see if adjustments are needed.
Always print a test invitation first. Look at it in good lighting. Check that all colors match your plan. If something looks wrong, adjust your settings before printing more.
Printing Methods
Home printing works well if you have a good printer. Clean your printer heads first. Put fresh ink cartridges in. Print in small batches of 10-15 to avoid overheating.
Local print shops can be great partners. Take your test print with you. Ask about paper options they carry. Many shops let you bring your own paper. Get pricing for different quantities – bigger orders often cost less per piece.
Online printing services offer another option. They often have good prices for large orders. But you can’t check results right away. Order early so you have time for reprints if needed.
Compare costs between all three methods. Don’t forget to count paper, ink, and shipping costs. Sometimes professional printing costs less than doing it yourself, especially for large orders.
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Quality Check Steps
Print preview saves time and materials. Look at your design in both 100% size and zoomed in. Check every word. Make sure nothing gets cut off at the edges. Your design should sit at least 1/4 inch from the paper edge.
Colors need careful checking. Print a small test area with your main colors. Look at it under different lights – daylight, indoor lights, and evening light. Colors can look different under each type of light.
Text alignment needs to be perfect. Use a ruler to check if lines are straight. Measure margins on all sides – they should be equal. If you’re printing double-sided, check that both sides line up well.
Get fresh eyes on your work. Ask someone else to read every word. They might catch things you missed. Print out your final proof and mark any spots that need fixing.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Blurry prints usually mean printer problems. Clean your printer heads using your printer’s maintenance menu. If that doesn’t help, slow down your print speed. Sometimes the ink needs more time to lay down smoothly.
When colors don’t match your screen, try printing in “Draft” mode first. This uses less ink and helps you see if colors are too light or dark. Adjust the color balance in small steps until it matches.
Text problems often come from fonts not loading right. Try saving your design, closing Corjl, and opening it again. This refreshes all your fonts. If text still looks wrong, pick a different but similar font.
Size issues happen when printer settings don’t match your design size. Check that “Scale to Fit” is turned off in your printer settings. Your invitation should print at exactly 100% size.
Packaging and Storage
Give prints at least 2 hours to dry completely. Ink needs time to set, especially on coated papers. Don’t stack fresh prints – lay them out separately until fully dry.
Store finished invitations flat in a cool, dry place. Keep them away from sunlight, which can fade colors. Put a piece of plain paper between each invitation to prevent sticking.
Test your envelopes before printing all invitations. Some printers need bigger margins for thick envelopes. Practice feeding a few envelopes through your printer to check alignment.
Cost-Saving Tips
Buying paper in bulk often reduces costs significantly. Look for sales at craft stores or online suppliers. Many stores offer 40-50% off coupons regularly. Stock up when prices drop low.
Pick papers that work well with your printer type. Some specialty papers need special inks or printers. Basic card stock usually prints fine on any printer. This saves money on special equipment.
Plan your printing schedule carefully. Set aside one full day for final printing. This saves ink because your printer stays warmed up. Print similar colors together to use ink efficiently.
Split your budget wisely. Spend more on paper quality, less on fancy envelopes. Most guests focus on the invitation itself. Simple white envelopes work fine and cost less.
Final Checklist
Review these points before final printing:
- All text checked three times for spelling
- Dates and times verified
- Colors match your samples
- Margins look even
- Paper has acclimated to room temperature
- Printer is clean and full of ink
Set up quality checkpoints during printing:
- Check every 10th print
- Look at prints under good light
- Compare to your approved sample
- Listen for printer problems
Make this timeline:
- Order supplies 3 months ahead
- Start printing 2 months before mailing
- Allow 1 week for assembly
- Keep extra supplies for last-minute needs
Save backup copies of your final design:
- One on your computer
- One in cloud storage
- One on USB drive
- Print copy of approved design
Extra Resources
Watch Corjl’s tutorial videos on their website. They show step-by-step instructions for common tasks. The videos work great for visual learners.
Corjl’s support team answers questions quickly. Email them or use live chat for help. They’re very good at solving technical problems.
You can modify templates in many ways. The Corjl blog shows examples of changes other couples made. This gives you ideas for your own designs.
Join wedding planning groups online. Other brides share their printing tips and experiences. You’ll find honest reviews of papers and printers. Many groups have files with recommended settings for different printers.
Remember, your invitations set the tone for your wedding day. Take your time and enjoy the process. With these steps, you’ll create beautiful invitations that match your vision perfectly.
Use tissue paper between invitations when storing. This stops ink from transferring between sheets. Keep everything in a box with a lid to protect from dust and spills.
