Paper Sizes and Printing
All our printables are designed to be printed on US letter size paper 8.5″ x 11″, however you can also print them on A4 size paper 210mm x 297mm (8.25″ x 11.75″).
Please note that the printed color of the pages may differ slightly depending on the type of printer you use as well as the type of printer settings you choose.
When printing on A4 paper
In the printer settings, select A4 paper. Make sure the Page Scaling option is set to “None” or “Actual Size” (or similar wording depending on your pdf program). You may also need to check the “Auto-rotate and center” option depending on the type of printable.
For some printables, particularly if they have a border around the edge, you may need to set the “Page Scaling” option to “Fit to Printable Area”. This will ensure that the page prints without cutting off the border or edge. You may need to play with these settings to ensure that your page prints correctly.
When printing on US Letter size paper 8.5″ x 11″
In the printer settings, select US Letter paper. Make sure the Page Scaling option is set to “None” or “Actual Size” (or similar wording depending on your pdf program). You may also need to check the “Auto-rotate and center” option depending on the type of printable.
When printing pages that are sized 12″ x 12″
The pages are designed to be printed at 12″ x 12″ square. You can print them full size if you have a wide-format printer that supports this size. You can also print them smaller by resizing in Photoshop or similar image editing software, or setting a smaller size in your printer options.
Borderless Printing
You can set your printer to borderless printing if your printer supports this option. Using borderless printing means that you can print the image right to the edges of the page to make a full size 8.5″ x 11″ print.
If your printer doesn’t support borderless printing, the image will print with a narrow white border all the way around and will be slightly smaller than 8.5″ x 11″. The border size will vary depending on the type of printer you use. Once printed, simply trim away the white edges.
If you’re not sure about borderless printing, check your printer manual for details.
Copy Shop
If you don’t have a printer you can have your images printed at full size at your local copy store, or online print stores such as Shutterfly or Presto Printing.
Printing the wrong size
If your printables are not printing at the correct size, make sure the “Page Scaling” option in your pdf reader print settings is set to “none” or “actual size”. You can find additional information about printing at different sizes here.
Printing black boxes
If your images are printing as black boxes, it’s not a problem with the pdf document, it’s a printing issue at your end.
Issues where images are printing as black boxes have been reported primarily by users of Mac, iPad and iPhone.
To resolve the problem, make sure you have the latest version of the free Adobe PDF Reader installed. Open the file in Adobe PDF Reader.
Choose File –> Open
Locate the file on your desktop and open it
Choose File –> Print
Click the Print button
Another option is to choose File > Print
Click on Advanced
Check the “Print as Image” box and click OK
Click the Print button
If that doesn’t resolve your problem, do a google search for your particular computer/device.
Printers
You can print the files using either a color laser printer which will give you a fairly good quality print, or an inkjet printer which will give you the best quality print.
For best printing results make sure you set the quality to high or photo. If you don’t own a printer, you can get in touch with your local copy store and they can print the files for a small fee.
Printed Colors
Colors may look different once printed onto paper. This can be due to a number of reasons:
- Every computer monitor has a different capability to display colors
- Each person sees colors in a different way.
- The type of printer that you use – inkjet or laser. Generally speaking, inkjet printers are photo-realistic; laser printers are not.
- The type of ink or toner that you use. Genuine brands will printer better than cheap replacement brands.
- Printer settings. You may need to test and adjust your printer settings, such as quality and color settings, in order to get the best quality print.
- The type of paper that you use. Good quality white paper and cardstock will produce a better print than cheaper or non-white paper and cardstock.
File Formats
Depending on the product, files are provided in either pdf format for easy printing, jpg format, or zip format.
Learn how to print individual or multiple pages from a pdf file
Convert pdf Junk Journal Printables into jpg Files
PDF Format – You will need Adobe Reader or similar pdf reader software to open and print the files. Download Adobe Reader
JPG Format – You can open and edit jpg files using Photoshop or similar image editing software.
ZIP Format – Downloads that include large files or many files are sometimes zipped in order to compress them. To unzip the files you will need an unzip program such as these free unzip programs – iZip (mac) and 7zip (windows)
If you have problems unzipping the files
Problems with unzipping files usually occurs with a Windows operating system. There can be a lot of different reasons why a problem can occur and I don’t have the technical ability to troubleshoot your operating system. A quick solution that is guaranteed to work is to download, install and unzip the files using 7zip. Once unzipped you can uninstall the program if you choose.
Recommendations for iPad
- Dropbox App to transfer files from computer or laptop to iPad
- Adobe Reader for Ipad for reading pdf files
- iZip for unzipping files
- Documents 5 App for unzipping and reading
Resizing Pages and Images
You can find information on how to resize your pdf files and jpg images here.
Recommended Papers
The best type of paper to print on is either 24lb copy paper (or similar weight), or a good quality cardstock.
For stickers, use white sticker paper, or transparent sticker paper.
Junk Journal Assembly
Printable junk journal kits include a variety of elements that you can use to make your own unique junk journal. There is no right or wrong way to assemble a junk journal however if you have never made a printable junk journal before, you can find basic assembly instructions here. and here.
Making Envelopes and Pockets
Use a paper creasing tool to make creases along the tabs and fold lines, fold under then glue to the back side.
Coin Pocket
Envelope
Stamping and Inking
You can apply additional stamps and inking to the printed pages only if your printer uses inks that are water-resistant. If you’re not sure what type of inks your printer uses, refer to your printer manual, or do a small test print first.
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