One or more print streams destined for one or more print stream processing modules are optimized prior to printing, based on relevant document attributes. Optimization may balance operation time of a first processing module with that of a second processing module, by appropriate assigning of documents to the print streams. Optimization may separate input print file document pages into sort groups and/or order sort group documents from largest to smallest. Optimization may allocate documents to optimize the inserter throughput without damaging the integrity of the sort groups. With 2-up or 3-up printing or the like, allocation of sort groups between the multiple outputs to be created after printed paper is split may ensure that parallel paper document outputs are as nearly the same length as possible, to minimize paper wastage. Separation of pages of the same document among different streams/modules can be avoided.