What is an NCR Book? How NCR Printing Works Explained

If your business issues invoices, receipts, delivery notes, job sheets, order forms or any other document where you need to give one copy to a customer and keep one for your records — NCR books, pads and sets are the most practical and professional solution available. In this guide, we explain exactly what NCR printing is, how it works and which format is right for your business.

What Does NCR Stand For?

NCR stands for No Carbon Required. It refers to a type of paper that produces a copy of whatever is written or printed on the top sheet, without the need for carbon paper between the sheets. The technology uses a chemical coating on the paper — when pressure is applied by writing or printing, the coating transfers the impression to the sheet beneath, creating an instant duplicate (or triplicate, or more) copy.

How Does NCR Paper Work?

NCR paper works through a reaction between two chemical coatings:

• The underside of each sheet (except the last) is coated with micro-encapsulated ink — tiny capsules that burst under pressure
• The top side of each sheet (except the first) is coated with a clay-based reactive coating that reacts with the ink to produce a visible impression

When you write on the top sheet with a ballpoint pen or press firmly enough with any writing instrument, the pressure bursts the microcapsules and transfers the ink to the reactive coating on the sheet below — producing an identical copy without any carbon paper or additional materials.

2-Part, 3-Part and 4-Part NCR

NCR books and pads are available in multiple configurations depending on how many copies you need:

• 2-part (duplicate) — the most common configuration. One copy for the customer, one for your records. Suitable for most standard invoices, receipts and delivery notes
• 3-part (triplicate) — three copies. Popular for businesses that need to distribute copies to multiple parties — for example, a customer copy, a driver copy and an office copy for a delivery note
• 4-part (quadruplicate) — four copies. Used in businesses with more complex copy distribution requirements — different departments, multiple approval stages or regulatory record-keeping requirements

NCR Books, Pads and Sets — What's the Difference?

At Dipol Print, we offer NCR printing in three formats:

NCR Books

NCR books are bound along one edge — A4 along the long edge, A5 along the short edge — with a 350gsm white card cover, grey pulp backing between each set, a taped spine and a perforated tear line on each set for clean removal. Books typically contain 50 sets. The backing between each set prevents writing from transferring through to the next set.

Books are the most popular NCR format for businesses that use their forms in the field — tradespeople, delivery drivers, sales representatives. The book format is robust and easy to carry. See our NCR books.

NCR Pads

NCR pads are glue-bound at the top with a cardboard backing, similar to a standard notepad. They contain 50 sets per pad and include a loose writing shield to prevent transfer to the set below while writing. Pads sit flat on a desk and are the preferred format for office-based use — reception desks, counters and administration areas. See our NCR pads.

NCR Sets

NCR sets are loose sets of forms — glued at the top or side but not bound into a book or pad. They are typically used where forms need to be pre-loaded into a printer for variable data printing, or where the sets will be stored separately rather than used sequentially from a book or pad. See our NCR sets.

What Can You Print on NCR Forms?

NCR forms can be printed with any combination of fixed and variable elements:

• Fixed printed content — your company name, logo, address, contact details, column headers, form fields, terms and conditions and any other content that stays the same on every form
• Handwritten variable content — customer names, job details, quantities, prices, dates and signatures are filled in by hand when the form is used
• Sequential numbering — optional black sequential numbering is available on all our NCR products. Numbered forms are essential for businesses that need to reference specific invoices or delivery notes and for VAT compliance

Common Uses for NCR Books and Pads

• Invoices and receipts — give the customer the top copy and retain the duplicate for your records
• Delivery notes — driver carries the book, customer signs the top copy which is left with them, driver retains the duplicate
• Job sheets and works orders — engineers, plumbers, electricians and tradespeople record work completed and materials used on site
• Order forms — sales representatives take customer orders in the field
• Inspection and survey forms — record findings on site with an instant copy for the client
• Quotation forms — leave a copy of the quote with the customer at the time of visit

Artwork Setup for NCR Forms

• Bleed: 3mm all round. See our guide: What is Bleed and Safe Zone?
• Safe zone: 20mm for NCR books and pads (larger than standard due to binding). 5mm for NCR sets
• Resolution: 300dpi minimum
• Colour mode: CMYK. See our guide: What is CMYK and Why Does it Matter?
• Format: PDF with fonts outlined or embedded
• Double-sided forms: If content is printed on both sides, use approximately 70% black maximum on the reverse to avoid show-through affecting legibility
• Sequential numbering: If numbering is required, supply two PDF files — one with numbering position indicated, one without. Specify your starting number

NCR Books, Pads and Sets in Brighton & Hove

Dipol Print produces NCR books, pads and sets in 2-part, 3-part and 4-part configurations for businesses across Brighton & Hove and the wider UK. Collect from our print shop at 97 St James's Street, Brighton BN2 1TP or order online for UK-wide delivery.

Need advice on the right NCR format for your business? Get in touch with our team — we're happy to help you specify the right product for your requirements.