How To Print An Article

How to Print an Article: A Comprehensive Guide

Printing an article is a common task that many individuals undertake for various purposes such as offline reading, sharing physical copies, or archiving important information. Whether you are working from a webpage, a document editor, or a PDF, understanding the steps involved ensures that the process is smooth and that the printed output meets your expectations. This guide provides detailed instructions, tips, and best practices to help you print articles efficiently and effectively.

Understanding the Types of Articles and Their Formats

Different Formats of Articles

Before diving into the printing process, it’s essential to recognize the various formats in which articles may exist:

• Webpages: Articles found online, often in HTML format, viewed through browsers.


• PDF Documents: Portable Document Format files that preserve layout and formatting.


• Word Documents: Editable files created using word processing software like Microsoft Word or Google Docs.


• Printed Articles from Print Media: Physical copies of newspapers or magazines.

Choosing the Right Format for Printing

The format of your article influences the printing method:

• Webpages may require browser-specific printing options.


• PDFs are generally straightforward to print with preserved formatting.


• Word documents offer flexibility to edit or adjust before printing.

Preparing to Print an Article

Ensure the Article is Finalized

Before printing, review the article thoroughly:

• Check for typos or errors.


• Adjust formatting for clarity and readability.


• Remove unnecessary elements like ads, sidebars, or navigation menus if possible, to focus on the main content.

Optimize the Layout for Printing

To ensure the printed article looks professional:

1. Use "Print Preview" to see how the document will appear when printed.


2. Adjust margins, font size, and spacing for readability.


3. Consider removing or hiding elements that are not needed in the print version.

Check Printer Settings and Connectivity

Verify that:

• The printer is connected and turned on.


• There is enough paper and ink or toner.


• The printer drivers are up to date.

How to Print an Article from Different Sources

Printing from a Web Browser

Follow these steps to print a webpage article:

1. Open the webpage containing the article in your preferred browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, etc.).


2. Click on the menu icon (usually three dots or lines) to access options.


3. Select "Print" from the dropdown menu, or press Ctrl + P (Windows) / Cmd + P (Mac) as a shortcut.


4. In the print dialog box:
   
   
   
   • Choose the correct printer.
   
   
   • Adjust the number of copies.
   
   
   • Select the pages you want to print (all, current, or specific pages).
   
   
   • Adjust layout settings such as portrait or landscape orientation.
   
   
   • Choose whether to print background graphics if necessary.
   
   
   
   


5. Click "Print" to start printing.

Printing from a PDF Document

To print an article saved as a PDF:

1. Open the PDF file using a PDF reader such as Adobe Acrobat Reader or your browser.


2. Click on the "File" menu and select "Print," or press Ctrl + P / Cmd + P.


3. In the print dialog:
   
   
   
   • Verify the printer selection.
   
   
   • Set page range if only specific pages are needed.
   
   
   • Adjust scaling options for fit-to-page or custom scaling.
   
   
   • Choose to print in color or black and white.
   
   
   
   


4. Click "Print" to proceed.

Printing a Word or Google Docs Document

Follow these steps:

1. Open your document in Microsoft Word or Google Docs.


2. Review the document for any last-minute adjustments.


3. Click on "File" > "Print," or press Ctrl + P / Cmd + P.


4. Configure your print settings as needed:
   
   
   
   • Select specific pages or the entire document.
   
   
   • Adjust paper size and orientation.
   
   
   • Set margins and layout preferences.
   
   
   
   


5. Click "Print" to start printing.

Tips for High-Quality Printing

Choose the Right Printer and Settings

- Use a printer suitable for your volume and quality needs.
- Select the appropriate print quality (draft, normal, high quality).
- Use the correct paper type for your document (standard, glossy, matte).

Preview Before Printing

Always use the print preview feature to:
- Detect layout issues.
- Ensure all desired content appears correctly.
- Save ink and paper by avoiding unnecessary prints.

Adjust Print Layout for Best Results

- Consider printing in black and white if color is unnecessary.
- Use double-sided printing to save paper.
- Scale the content to fit the page if the article is large.

Additional Considerations

Printing from Mobile Devices

Many smartphones and tablets can print articles wirelessly:

• Use AirPrint (iOS) or Google Cloud Print (Android) if supported.


• Install printer-specific apps if necessary.


• Share the article to a compatible app or use the print option directly from the browser or app.

Environmental and Cost Considerations

- Use eco-friendly printing options like double-sided printing.
- Preview documents to avoid unnecessary pages.
- Use draft mode for less critical prints to save ink.

Conclusion

Printing an article might seem straightforward, but paying attention to details ensures a high-quality, professional-looking printout. By understanding the type of article, preparing the document appropriately, selecting the correct printing options, and following best practices, you can produce clear, legible, and well-formatted copies suited to your needs. Whether printing from a browser, PDF, or document editor, this comprehensive approach will help you accomplish your goal efficiently and effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the basic steps to print an article from a web browser?

To print an article from a web browser, open the article, click on the menu (usually three dots or lines), select 'Print' or press Ctrl+P (Cmd+P on Mac), choose your printer and settings, then click 'Print'.

How can I print only the text of an article without ads or images?

You can select the main text of the article, copy it, and paste it into a word processor like Word or Google Docs. Then, format if needed and print from there to get a clean, ad-free version.

What should I do if the article doesn't print correctly or appears cut off?

Adjust the print settings such as margins, scale, or orientation in the print preview. You can also try printing as a PDF first to see how it looks before printing the actual document.

Are there browser extensions that can help me print articles more effectively?

Yes, extensions like 'Print Friendly & PDF' or 'Mercury Reader' can simplify articles, remove ads, and create cleaner printouts, making printing more efficient.

How can I save an article as a PDF to print later?

Use the 'Print' option in your browser and select 'Save as PDF' instead of a printer. You can then save the PDF file and print it later from your computer.

Is it possible to print a specific page or section of an online article?

Yes, in the print dialog, you can specify page numbers or select a portion of the document to print, depending on your browser and printer settings.

How do I print an article from a mobile device?

Open the article, tap the share or menu icon, select 'Print' or 'Save as PDF', and choose your printer connected via Wi-Fi or AirPrint. Follow the prompts to complete printing.

Are there any tips for printing long articles without wasting paper or ink?

Yes, consider printing only the necessary pages, using double-sided printing, adjusting the print scale, or converting the article to PDF and editing out unnecessary sections before printing.