To print several pages on one sheet, open the print dialog, find the setting for pages per sheet, and choose a number such as 2, 4 or 6. The printer shrinks each page to fit, so smaller layouts suit handouts and notes better than detailed documents. Here is how to set it up and judge the result.
Setting It Up
- Open your document, slide file or web page and choose the print command.
- Select your printer and open its properties, or look for a layout section in the dialog.
- Find the option named pages per sheet, multiple pages per page or N-up.
- Choose how many pages to place on each sheet.
- Set the page order if offered, such as left to right or top to bottom.
- Turn on a thin border around each page if the pages have a white background and would blend together.
- Check the sample view in the dialog, then print one sheet before the full run.
Some programs put this setting in their own print screen, while others leave it to the printer properties. If you cannot find it in one place, look in the other.
Which Layout Fits Which Job
| Pages per sheet | Reads well for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Reading drafts, reports, articles | Text size drops, but usually stays readable |
| 4 | Slides, meeting notes, handouts | Small type may be hard to read |
| 6 or 9 | Quick thumbnails, contact sheets | Fine detail and small print blur together |
Making Small Pages Easier to Read
- Increase the font size in the original file before printing if you plan to shrink it.
- Choose landscape orientation for slides, since it keeps their shape.
- Avoid dense tables at four or more pages per sheet.
- Use a plain, high-contrast background so reduced text stays clear.
- Combine with two-sided printing if your printer supports it, and the paper use drops again.
Common Problems
If pages look cut off, check that the paper size in the dialog matches what is loaded. If the order is confusing, change the page order option rather than rearranging the file. If the setting seems to do nothing, make sure you are editing the settings for the job and not only the default for another printer.
FAQ
Does printing several pages on one sheet change the original file?
No. It only changes how the printer lays out the job, and your document stays as it was.
What is a good limit for readable text?
That depends on the original font size and your eyes. Try one sheet and read it at normal distance. If it is hard to read, use fewer pages per sheet.
The Short Version
Choose pages per sheet in the print dialog, select two or four for most jobs and print one sheet to test readability. Larger fonts and borders help small pages stay clear.