What's the difference between an NCR pad, an NCR book and NCR sets?

An NCR pad holds 50 sets glued along the top edge, and you tear off the whole set once it's filled in. An NCR book is stitched with a cover and a perforated top copy, so the bottom copy stays in the book as your record. NCR sets arrive loose, with each set glued on its own, which suits a clipboard or document wallet. Choose a pad if you hand over or file every copy yourself.

Is an NCR pad the same as a carbon copy invoice pad?

It does the same job without the carbon sheets. The paper has its own coating, so pressure from your pen makes a copy on each sheet below. People still search for "carbon copy pads" and "duplicate pads", and an NCR pad is what they mean.

Which pen works best on NCR paper?

A ballpoint pen pressed firmly gives the clearest copies. Gel pens, felt tips, and fountain pens don't press hard enough for a clean transfer, especially on 3-part and 4-part pads.

Will the bottom copy on a 4-part pad be readable?

Yes, if you press firmly with a ballpoint. Each copy gets a little lighter than the one above, so the fourth copy is the faintest. If your team writes quickly or lightly, a 2-part or 3-part pad gives stronger copies.

Can I choose different colours for each copy?

Yes. You set the colour of each copy sheet when you order, and the top copy is white. Different colours make it easy to see which copy goes to the customer, which goes in the office and which stays with the job.

What should I include on my invoice pad design?

If you're VAT-registered, HMRC requires a full VAT invoice to show a unique sequential invoice number, your business name and address, your VAT number, the invoice date, the customer's name and address, a description of the goods or services, and the VAT rate and amounts. Limited companies must also show their registered name, company number and registered office address. Adding numbering to your pad covers the sequential number. Check GOV.UK for the full rules on your business type.

Can my NCR pads be numbered?

Yes. Add black numbering when you order and choose your starting number, so each set carries its own reference. It makes it easier to track invoices, spot a missing receipt and match copies later.

Can I have NCR pads drilled for a ring binder?

Yes. We drill holes on the left-hand edge in the standard position for ring binders. Keep text and graphics at least 15mm from that edge so the holes don't cut through anything.

Can I print on the back of the pad?

Only on the top copy can be printed single or double-sided. If you add terms and conditions to the reverse, use 70% black for the text so it doesn't show through to the front. The copy sheets print on one side only.

How should I store NCR pads?

Keep them flat in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. NCR paper reacts to pressure and heat, so stacking heavy items on top or leaving pads on a van dashboard can mark the copies before you use them.

How many pads do I need?

Work it out based on how many invoices, receipts or job sheets you write each month. Each pad holds 50 sets, so if you write around 100 a month, 12 pads will cover you for six months.

If I order several numbered pads, does the numbering run on from pad to pad?

Yes. Set the starting number, and the numbering continues through every pad in order. Ten pads starting at 1001 run from 1001 to 1500.

Can you send NCR pads direct to my customer?

Yes. Our white-label shipping sends orders straight to your customer with no Tradeprint branding on the parcel.

NCR Pads, Custom Invoice Pads

NCR Duplicate Pads | NCR Printing

When it comes to handling invoices, orders, or delivery notes, traditional NCR pads offer a dependable and time-tested solution. Whether you’re a small business seeking a streamlined way to create duplicates, or a larger company looking for a backup to your digital systems, these pads provide the convenience and reliability you need to keep operations running smoothly.

NCR, or "no carbon required," technology eliminates the need to fiddle with carbon paper between sheets. With our NCR pads, you simply fill out the form, and in a single step, you have two or even three copies instantly—no smudging, no hassle. Ideal for on-the-go paperwork, these pads let you create professional records effortlessly, wherever business takes you.

Available in both duplicate and triplicate formats, each pad can be fully customised with your logo, company name, and contact information. With vibrant, full-colour digital printing, your brand won’t just be part of the paperwork—it will stand out, giving every transaction a polished, professional touch. These NCR pads are the perfect combination of simplicity, practicality, and brand visibility, ensuring that your business remains organised and efficient, whether you're in the office or out in the field.

Our NCR Pads comprise 50 sets of NCR paper, glued at the top with a cardboard backing, ideal for when you’re on the road. Available in A6, DL, A5 and A4 sizes, with or without black numbering according to your preferences.

Numbering will run sequentially from the first to the last pad. e.g. Pad 1: 1-50, Pad 2: 51-101 and so on.

UK shipping is free, exceptions apply

Technical Specifications for NCR Pads Printing

Download Our Templates

Download the NCR artwork templates from the product page. These clearly mark the printable area and non-printable zones to help set up your design accurately.

Non-Printable Areas

NCR products have non-printable edges—this is where the paper is gripped during production. No ink can be applied in these areas, so avoid placing any design elements within them.

Artwork Guidelines

Please Avoid Background Colours or Borders

Backgrounds and borders that extend to the edge will be rejected as they risk entering the non-printable area.

No bleed is required for this product.

Files to Upload:

One print-ready file with no guides or overlays. For more details, visit our Help Centre article

Drilling Requirements (Optional)

Leave a 20mm margin on the edge to be drilled. Keep all text, graphics, and colour clear of this space.

Files to Upload:

One print-ready file with no guides
One file with the drilling guide overlaid

For more details, visit our Help Centre article

Numbering Setup (Optional)

Show the numbering position using a simple box or marker

Standard numbering is printed in Courier New, 20pt, black ink

Files to Upload:

One print-ready file with no guides
One file with the numbering guide overlaid

NCR with both Numbering & Drilling (Optional)

If your NCR includes both numbering and drilling:

Files to Upload:

One print-ready file with no guides
One file with both the numbering and drilling guides overlaid

For more details, visit our Help Centre article

UK shipping is free, exceptions apply.

High Quality Printing with Sustainability in mind.

We are working hard to mitigate our environmental impact and are following an emissions reduction program to lower our direct and indirect emissions which will lead us to Net Zero by 2040.

We are working hard to introduce more environmentally credible products in our range and we encourage you to consider using more of those products.

Tradeprint supports Two Sides, the print and paper advocacy group that aims to dispel myths around greenwashing and promote paper as a truly sustainable product.

We are committed to reducing waste and in particular aiming to eliminate problematic plastics from our printing and fulfilment operation.

Read full Environmental policy here.

Free Sample Packs

Discover our bestselling products

Our sample packs are bursting with our bestselling products: from business cards, to folded leaflets, and presentation folders to banners. Order one today to feel the quality of our products for yourself, for free!

NCR Duplicate Pads | NCR Printing

Numbering will run sequentially from the first to the last pad. e.g. Pad 1: 1-50, Pad 2: 51-101 and so on.

UK shipping is free, exceptions apply