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PRINT • PREPARE • USE

Turn your visual supports into everyday tools.

A simple step-by-step guide to printing, cutting and protecting your Visual Steps resources — whether you have a printer and laminator at home or not.

🖨️ Printing✂️ Cutting✨ Laminating💡 Budget options

QUICK START

From screen to ready-to-use.

You don't need special equipment to get started. Choose the approach that works for your home and budget.

1
📄

Download

Create your visual schedule or social story and download the printable PDF.

2
🖨️

Print

Print at home or use a local or online printing service.

3
✂️

Cut

Cut individual cards only if the resource is designed to be used as separate pieces.

4
✨

Protect

Laminate it, use self-adhesive sheets, or place full pages inside reusable sleeves.

5
🏠

Use

Place the finished support somewhere easy to see and access during the routine.

STEP 1 • PRINTING

How should I print it?

A regular home printer is enough. If you don't have one, there are several easy alternatives.

🏠
Easiest at home

I have a printer

You can print Visual Steps resources using a normal inkjet or laser printer.

Suggested print settings

Paper sizeLetter / A4
OrientationUse PDF setting
ScaleFit to printable area
ColorColor recommended
QualityNormal / Standard
💡

Print one test page first before printing a large set.

🏪

I don't have a printer

Download the PDF to your phone or computer and take the file to a printing service.

🏢Office / print storesAsk for standard color document printing.
📚Local libraryMany libraries provide public printing for a small per-page fee.
🌐Online printingUpload the PDF and have printed pages delivered or prepared for pickup.
👥School or community resourcesSome schools, therapy programs and community centers may be able to help with printing.
💡

Save the PDF to your phone, email, cloud storage or USB drive before visiting a print location.

CHOOSING PAPER

Regular paper or cardstock?

Both work. Choose based on how often you expect to use the resource.

📄

Regular printer paper

Good for getting started

Fine for schedules, stories and resources that will stay on a wall, in a binder or inside a protective sleeve.

Lowest-cost option
🗂️

Cardstock

Helpful for reusable cards

Thicker paper can make individual visual cards easier to handle and more durable before laminating.

More durable
💡

You don't have to buy cardstock. Regular paper plus lamination or a protective sleeve is enough for many everyday uses.

STEP 2 • PROTECTING YOUR PRINTS

Do I need a laminator?

No. Lamination can make frequently handled resources last longer, but there are several ways to protect printed pages.

✨
OPTION 1

Home laminating machine

Useful if you expect to create and reuse visual supports regularly.

Typical starter equipmentAbout $20–$50+

How to use it

  1. Print your resource.
  2. Place the page or cards inside a laminating pouch.
  3. Warm the laminator according to its instructions.
  4. Feed the sealed edge of the pouch into the machine first.
  5. Allow the finished sheet to cool.
  6. Cut cards apart if needed, leaving a small sealed border around each card.
👐
OPTION 2

Self-adhesive laminating sheets

A useful DIY choice when you don't want to buy a laminating machine.

Typical small packAbout $5–$15+

How to use them

  1. Print and trim the resource if needed.
  2. Place it carefully onto the adhesive sheet.
  3. Slowly press the protective layer over the print.
  4. Smooth from the center outward to reduce air bubbles.
  5. Trim around the outside, leaving a protective border.
📁
OPTION 3

Reusable page protectors

One of the easiest options for full-page schedules and social stories.

Budget friendlyNo laminator needed

How to use them

  1. Print the page normally.
  2. Slide the page into a clear page protector.
  3. Place it in a binder, folder or another convenient location.
  4. Replace the printed page whenever the routine changes.

* Cost ranges are rough examples only. Prices vary by brand, store, location and package size.

KEEPING COSTS LOW

You can start without buying equipment.

Try the resource first. You can always make it more durable later if it becomes something you use often.

💵
LOWEST COST

Print + use

Print on regular paper and use the resource as-is.

$
📁
SIMPLE & REUSABLE

Print + page protector

Great for full schedules, routines and story pages.

$$
✨
MORE DURABLE

Print + self-laminate

Useful for individual cards without buying a machine.

$$
🖨️
FREQUENT USE

Home laminator

Worth considering if you regularly create reusable visual resources.

$$$

CUTTING & FINISHING

Making reusable visual cards.

If your schedule uses individual activity cards, a few simple finishing steps can make them easier to handle and reuse.

1

Print the cards.Use regular paper or cardstock.

2

Laminate the sheet.Laminating before cutting can make alignment easier.

3

Cut carefully.Leave a small sealed border around laminated cards.

4

Round sharp corners if needed.This can make frequently handled cards more comfortable to use.

5

Add reusable fasteners if useful.Hook-and-loop dots can help attach and move cards on a schedule board.

READY TO USE

Where should I put the finished resource?

Place visual supports where they are useful during the actual routine or activity.

🧲

Refrigerator

Useful for morning and meal routines.

🛏️

Bedroom

Helpful for getting ready or bedtime routines.

🚪

Near the door

Useful for leaving-home routines.

📁

Portable binder

Keep stories and supports available while away from home.

♡

A quick safety note

Laminators can become hot, and scissors, paper cutters and small attachment pieces may require adult handling or supervision. Follow the instructions provided with your equipment and choose materials appropriate for the person using the resource.

READY TO CREATE?

Start with a visual support.

Create it online, print it when you're ready, and use the option that works best for your home.

Create a Visual ScheduleCreate a Social Story