If you've ever stood in a crowded business centre watching the clock, you already know the problem: printing is rarely slow because of the printer. It's slow because of everything around it — transferring files, explaining settings, waiting for someone else's job to finish and fixing mistakes after the fact.
This guide walks through a simple, repeatable process that removes almost all of that friction. Whether you're printing a CV, a 200-page project or a stack of flyers, the same principles apply.
1. Prepare print-ready files
The single biggest time-saver is sending a file that needs no adjustments. That means the right page size (usually A4), sensible margins and fonts that are embedded rather than substituted at the shop.
- Export to PDF to lock in fonts, images and layout.
- Check page count and orientation in the preview before you upload.
- Name your file clearly — e.g. 'Final_Report_Ade_Bello.pdf'.
2. Choose the right shop
Not every shop is equal for every job. Some specialise in high-volume black-and-white, others in colour, binding or large format. On Preentah you can compare nearby verified shops by price, services and estimated turnaround before you commit.
3. Order ahead and track it
Placing your order before you leave home is where the queue disappears. The shop receives your file and settings instantly, queues the job, and you get a notification the moment it's ready for pickup.
I used to lose my whole lunch break waiting to print. Now I order from my desk and pick it up on the way back.
4. Pick up and review
When you collect your prints, take ten seconds to flip through them. If anything looks off, the shop already has your exact file and settings, so fixing it is quick and painless.
Wrapping up
Skipping the queue isn't a hack — it's simply moving the slow parts of printing to before you arrive. Prepare your file, pick the right shop, order ahead and let tracking tell you when to show up.
Written by
Adaeze Okafor
Head of Content
Adaeze writes about the small details that make printing faster, cheaper and less stressful — for students, professionals and the shops that serve them.