How to Print Step and Repeat in CorelDRAW

This article outlines how to create and print step and repeat sheets in CorelDRAW efficiently. You will learn the two primary methods: using the built-in Imposition Layout tool within Print Preview for automatic multi-up printing, and utilizing the Step and Repeat docker to manually duplicate artwork directly on your design canvas before sending it to the printer.

Method 1: Using the Imposition Layout Tool (Print Preview)

The Imposition Layout tool is the fastest method for printing multiple copies of a single design without cluttering your original design file.

  1. Set Up the Document: Set your document page size to the exact final trim size of your single design piece (e.g., a 3.5" x 2" business card).
  2. Open the Print Dialog: Click File > Print (or press Ctrl + P).
  3. Select Your Printer: Choose your physical printer or RIP software, then click the Print Preview button in the lower-left corner of the dialog.
  4. Activate Imposition: On the left toolbar of the Print Preview window, select the Imposition Layout Tool.
  5. Set Rows and Columns: Look at the property bar at the top of the screen. Enter the desired number of horizontal and vertical pages (e.g., 2 across and 4 down). CorelDRAW will automatically step and repeat your design across the sheet.
  6. Adjust Spacing and Gutters: Click the Auto-Spacing button to space items automatically, or unlock the gutter controls to manually type in specific gaps between designs for cutting margins.
  7. Add Crop Marks: On the left toolbar, click the Marks Placement Tool and enable Crop/Fold Marks if you require cut guides.
  8. Print: Once the preview matches your layout requirements, click File > Print to send the job to the printer.

Method 2: Using the Step and Repeat Docker (Design Canvas)

If you need full visual control over alignment, nesting, or manual registration marks on the page before entering the print engine, use the Step and Repeat docker.

  1. Size the Page: Set your page size to the actual physical sheet size of your printer stock (e.g., 12" x 18").
  2. Open the Docker: Navigate to Edit > Step and Repeat (or press Ctrl + Shift + D). The docker will appear on the right side of the workspace.
  3. Select Your Artwork: Click the object or grouped design you want to duplicate.
  4. Set Horizontal Duplication:
    • Under Horizontal Settings, choose Spacing (to add a specific gap) or Offset (to define the distance from origin to origin).
    • Specify the distance and direction (Left or Right).
    • Set Vertical Settings to No Offset.
    • Enter the number of copies needed to fill the row and click Apply.
  5. Set Vertical Duplication:
    • Select the entire newly created row of objects.
    • Under Horizontal Settings, switch the mode to No Offset.
    • Under Vertical Settings, choose Spacing or Offset, specify the distance, and set the direction (Up or Down).
    • Enter the number of rows needed and click Apply.
  6. Print the Sheet: Go to File > Print, ensure the layout matches your page settings, and output the completed multi-up sheet directly.