Printing from your home desktop printer can save both time and money. However, it’s essential that you are conversant with your advanced printer’s capabilities, especially if you are looking to print non-standard-sized documents like a half-letter size. Printing a half-letter size isn’t a standard printing format. There’s a bit of a learning curve, especially for first-timers. On the other end of the spectrum, you can read our guide on printing legal-size paper documents.
Key Takeaways_
- Half-letter-size documents or 8.5 X 5.5-inch paper can be printed twice per page or directly on a standard US letter.
- Ensure that your printer has a borderless printing option. If your desk printer doesn’t have this option, it may have difficulties aligning the pages.
- Print settings will vary from one application and operating system to the next. Therefore, you need to first experiment with the correct paper from the print menu.
The half-letter size is a popular print format, especially for planner lovers. Layouts printed in this size are neither small nor big and are pretty easy to carry around. Half-letter-size documents or 8.5 X 5.5-inch paper can be printed twice per page or directly on a standard US letter. Before printing, you will need to match the page size to the printer paper size using the printer’s available options. If you happen to notice you are out of color ink but need to print a text document, check out our page on black-and-white printing without color ink for a quick guide.
Tips for Printing Half-Letter Size Documents
Printing half-letter-size documents from your desk printer at home is relatively easy. If you want to simplify your printing process, use a USB cable to connect to your printer. However, there are a few things you need to note before you proceed.
- If you are printing a half-letter size document at home, it’s recommended that you use a fresh ink cartridge and high-quality paper for the task.
- Also, ensure that your printer has a borderless printing option. If your desk printer doesn’t have this option, it may have difficulties aligning the pages. Depending on your printer’s make and model, it may not have this feature, forcing it to print off-center.
- It’s important to note that the half-letter size is designed to be printed as a booklet and later trimmed down in the middle. If you are unsure of your printer’s capabilities, perform a test print before printing all the pages.
STAT: The U.S is the global leader in paper usage, using more than 30% of the total paper usage in the world. On average, a single individual in the U.S uses more than 700 pounds of paper in a single year (source)
Printing a Half Letter Size Document
Printing a half-letter-size document is easy. Before you begin the task, check that your printer has half-letter size printing capabilities.
You can check the owner’s manual booklet or check the product description on the manufacturer’s website.
- First, open the document you wish to print from your word processor. Find “File” and then “Page Setup.” Scroll through the options in the drop-down menu that says “Paper Size” and select either Statement, Half-Letter, or Organizer. These titles are for the 8.5×11 paper.
- Next, choose the less precise A5 document size that’s 5.8 x 8.3-inches. You will still be able to use the same paper.
- Click “Okay” to save the settings. Edit your document to your satisfaction and save it.
- Find the File menu and choose “Print.” Search for “Paper Handling” or “Page Settings” from the dialog box. Select this option to view the paper options. Find the box that says, “Scale to fit the paper size.” Select it, and then choose your desired paper size.
Please note that the print settings will vary from one application and operating system to the next. Therefore, you need to first experiment with the correct paper from the print menu. It will ensure that you can get professional-looking photo prints out of your home printer when you finally print.
Finally, place the half-letter-size paper into your printer’s feeder tray. You must adjust the tray so that the paper sits snugly. In case your initial try isn’t successful, try other paper sizes and formatting like A5.
And if something goes wrong with loading the paper, we have a great guide on how to fix a jammed printer.
