Process

Collation

What “straight” and “reverse” collation mean

When printing on collated multi-part sheets, the paper order matters because the white sheet must end up on top in the finished set.

Reverse collation

The press feeds yellow first, then pink, and finally white. This is used when the job goes through the press once. The last sheet dropped is the white original, so the finished set already has white on top.

Straight collation

If the paper must pass through the press twice, we start with white, then pink, then yellow. After the first pass the stack is reversed. After the second pass, the set returns to the correct final order with white on top.

In short:
Reverse collation = for one / three / odd number of passes
Straight collation = for two / four / even number of passes

Reverse Collation

Best for one pass. Watch the feeder order: Yellow → Pink → White. The completed set finishes with White on top.

3-ply example
Final set top → bottom: White - Pink - Yellow

Feeder

Finished set

1
ALEF

2
ALEF

3
ALEF

Result: one pass is enough because the last sheet dropped is the white original.

4-ply example
Final set top → bottom: White - Pink - Blue - Yellow

Feeder

Finished set

1
ALEF

2
ALEF

3
ALEF

4
ALEF

Result: even in 4-ply, the last sheet dropped is still the white original, so the set is ready after one pass.

2-ply example
Final set top → bottom: White - Yellow

Feeder

Finished set

1
ALEF

2
ALEF

Result: the white original lands last, so it finishes on top immediately.

Straight Collation

Best for two passes. Watch the feeder order: White → Pink → Yellow. This first pass builds the reverse stack, so the second pass brings White back to the top.

3-ply example
Feed order on the first pass: White - Pink - Yellow

Feeder

After first pass

1
ALEF

2
ALEF

3
ALEF

Why: after the second press pass, this order flips back to the correct finished set with white on top.

4-ply example
Feed order on the first pass: White - Pink - Blue - Yellow

Feeder

After first pass

1
ALEF

2
ALEF

3
ALEF

4
ALEF

Why: the first pass builds the reverse stack; the second pass restores the final reading order with white back on top.

2-ply example
Feed order on the first pass: White - Yellow

Feeder

After first pass

1
ALEF

2
ALEF

Why: with two passes, starting with white lets the second pass bring the white sheet back to the top.