How to print coloring pages

Choose the right paper, print at Actual size, and fix common home-printer problems.

1. What you need

You need a downloaded ColoringPocket PDF or PNG, a home printer, and Letter or A4 paper. PDF is the simplest choice when you want the page to match the selected paper size.

2. Print at 100% or Actual size

Open the downloaded file and choose 100%, Actual size, or No scaling in the print dialog. Do not select Fit to page. Scaling the file can make the lines smaller and change the intended margins.

3. Letter or A4?

Use Letter (8.5 × 11 in) for US Letter paper. Use A4 (210 × 297 mm) for A4 paper. These sizes are close, but not identical, so selecting the right one avoids unexpected scaling or cropping.

4. Choose paper for your coloring tools

Plain printer paper works well for crayons and colored pencils. If you plan to use markers, try heavier paper around 120–160 gsm and place a spare sheet underneath to protect the surface below.

5. Fix common printing problems

• Lines look soft: choose High or Best print quality and confirm scaling is set to 100%.
• The page is cropped: confirm that both the file and printer use the same paper size.
• The page prints too small: turn off Fit to page and choose Actual size.
• There is a white edge: most home printers have a non-printable margin; the file includes a safe margin for it.

6. FAQ

Should I download PDF or PNG?

Use PDF for the most direct print workflow. PNG is useful when you want to color on a tablet or place the image in another app.

Can I print a ready-made page?

Yes. The same printing steps work for pages in the free coloring pages library.

How do I make my own page first?

Follow the photo-to-coloring-page guide, then return here for the print settings.

Ready to make a page?

Create your coloring page, choose your paper size, and download it when it is ready.