June 14, 2013
How Do You Print 2+ PDFs On One Page?
With a printables business, I’m bound to receive lots of printable-related questions, one very popular question is, “How can I print more than one page on a sheet?” This works especially well for multi-page documents like calendars and planners. It’s super easy, and while all printers are a little different, hopefully my instructions will work for your printer too!
First off, you need a pdf printable to try this out – go to my free printable page to snag one to try out, open it up and come back to this post.
Start by opening your pdf document.
Go to ‘file’ and ‘print’ – just like you’d normally print a document.
Then instead of printing right away, go the multiple button and choose how many pages per sheet you’d like. (I chose 2 per page – this will make the pages A5 or 5.5×8.5.) Then select print.
Once I printed the pages, I cut them with my paper cutter, punched holes, and put the calendar in an A5 binder.
I used the 2014 Banner Calendar in the shop to demonstrate this if you’re interested.
Have you seen my shop? It’s full of organizing printable goodness!
Jennifer Says
Wow…Thanks so much for this. I really love the smaller binders for on the go and couldn’t quite figure out how to print my own for them. This will make my life a whole lot easier.
Abigail Says
I was wondering if you could explain how to do this when the documents are in separate PDFs? Many of your printables/kits are in individual PDFs and so,for example, if I wanted to print all the pages from your vacation kit and wanted them on half sheets, how would I make it so two print on one page?
I hope my question makes sense.
Thanks! I LOVE all your printables. They’ve even inspired me to make a few very specific ones for myself!
Becky Says
Post authorDepending on your printer, you should be able to select it to print the same way and then re-load the paper but have the next print set up on the other side of the paper. I find that it’s easier to print them smaller, cut the paper and let my kids use the half-sheets scraps for drawing paper.
xo, Becky
Delilah Says
This is exactly how I print and prepare your printables for my binders (I keep one for business and one for home). I also have the same great binder!
Sherri Says
What organizer are you using please?
Becky Says
Post authorIt’s Martha Stewart brand found at Staples – A5 size.
xo, Becky
Kristen Says
Geeze! Thank you so much! Fantastic info!!!
Samantha Says
Becky you make things so pretty… keep on inspiring
Becky Says
Post authorAw, thanks Samantha!
xo, Becky
Teena Says
Is there a particular weight of paper you would recommend for double-sided printing to avoid seeing through the paper? Thanks!
Becky Says
Post authorGreat question! I like HP’s All-in-One 22# paper. I also print on cardstock if it’s a printable that will get a lot of use.
xo, Becky
Amy Says
Ooooh this is helpful (and the hint about paper weight tooo!!)
TruckGirl Says
I have purchased a ream of copy paper at Staples and had their copy/print department cut in half for me. Now I have 8 1/2 x 5 1/2 paper to last me a year or more. I love doing this to my printable pages! Your pages look perfectly proportioned to the new half page size. When I have tried this in the past the entire page seems so small compared to the half sheet size. I also noticed you were able to allow yourself extra space in the margin on the side of the binder ring (or I may have imagined it??) How did you do this? Keep up the awesome work!
Becky Says
Post authorThat’s a great idea to have Staples cut the paper – very clever! I set the margins on my printables to accommodate for hole punching and then on the calendars I do move them over a little bit on purpose just to give a little extra room – you didn’t imagine it:)
xo, Becky
Candice Says
Looks great! Would you be able to share exactly what setting you changed the margins to? Mine are coming out too close to the edge to punch. 🙁
Becky - Clean Mama Says
Of course! I do them as .5 inch all the way around. Alternatively you can select ‘fit to page’ if you need to.
xo, Becky
Tiffiny Felix Says
I just did this for a calendar of yours I bought at your Etsy shop…worked perfectly! Thanks so much! 🙂
Jennifer Says
I am creating my home planner (8 1/2 x 11). Do you print one side or double side?
Becky Says
Post authorIt depends on your personal preference – I like one sided 🙂
Rebecca Says
You’re my hero!