SYSTEM FOR PRINTING SOCIAL EXPRESSION CARDS IN RESPONSE TO ELECTRONICALLY TRANSMITTED ORDERS

A system for viewing, ordering, and printing social expression cards includes a database preparation system, a number of card display/order systems, and a number of card printing systems. The database preparation system uses a scanner to input images from a plurality of cards, or a computer software program to create images for use in card designs. A card description database defines the layout of each card in terms of its component images and text, and their locations on the card. The database preparation system can also build a card parameter database to enable a user to select a desired category of cards. Each card display/order system accesses these databases and image files by computer network, modem, cable television, or by transfer of removable data storage media. The card display/order system allows the user to input parameters to pick the category of cards to be displayed.