Sometimes you want to print to paper that is not a standard size. For example, people who make arts and crafts may want to print something on odd-shaped paper when making greeting cards or paper decorations. Others may want to embellish scrapbook pages. If the paper you want to print on is square or rectangular, you can try changing the printer settings on your computer. If the paper is a rounded or irregular shape, you can attach it to a sheet of standard size paper for printing.
Printing on Odd-Shaped Square or Rectangular Paper
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Step 1
Open the software application on your computer from which you want to print. The type of application depends on what you want to print. A word processing program would be appropriate for printing text. A graphics program would be good for printing pictures or other images. Open or create the text or image file you want to print on the odd-sized paper.
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Step 2
Open your printer settings. Usually you can find them by clicking "File" then "Print" in your application. When the print dialog box appears, look for a menu item or button that says "Settings" or "Options." Another way to find your printer settings is in the Control Panel of Windows or System Preferences on a Mac.
Step 3
Measure your odd-sized paper and customize the settings to this paper size in the dialog box for the printer settings. The exact choices you will see depend on your computer operating system version and printer brand. Check your operating system's or printer's user manual for specifics about how to customize printer paper size. Save the settings.
Step 4
Insert the odd-shaped paper into the printer. It must match the orientation settings you chose in the printer settings box. Click "Print" in your software application to begin the printing process.
Printing on Irregular or Rounded Paper
Step 1
Open the software application on your computer from which you want to print. The type of application depends on what you want to print. Word processing software is appropriate for printing text. A graphics program would be good for printing different kinds of graphics. Open or create the text or image file you want to print on the odd-sized paper.
Step 2
Spray the back of your odd-shaped paper with an even coat of repositionable adhesive spray. The adhesive must cover the entire back of the paper with no gaps. The adhesive spray will dry to a sticky, tacky consistency immediately.
Step 3
Position your odd-shaped paper carefully on a piece of standard printer paper. Smooth out the odd-shaped paper from the middle toward the edges with your hand. The paper must have no bubbles or wrinkles. The edges must be stuck flat to the standard paper.
Step 4
Insert the paper into your printer in the correct orientation for your particular model. Print the text or graphics. The printer will treat the paper "sandwich" as a single sheet.
Step 5
Carefully peel off the odd-shaped paper from the standard paper after printing. Stick it on your greeting card or into your scrapbook. The adhesive you applied earlier will hold it in place.
Tip
Print your text or graphics on plain paper first in draft mode to make sure it will turn out the way you want it. That way you do not waste any of your craft paper.
The paper “sandwich” method will only work with relatively thin paper. If the paper is too thick it will jam the printer.
Warning
Do not use the paper “sandwich” method with laser printers, only inkjet printers. Laser printers expose paper to very high heat and the adhesive can fail or even catch fire.