Printing Problems

How to Manage Custom Paper Sizes in Microsoft Word for Windows

Maira Mehtab Sep 27, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to know how to create, manage, and select custom paper sizes in Microsoft Word for Windows, especially noting the absence of a dedicated management dialog.

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Formatting a document for printing or exporting to PDF using non-standard page dimensions.
Observed behavior: Word for Windows displays a 'Custom Size' option but lacks a 'Manage Custom Sizes' dialog for saving and naming custom dimensions, as this functionality relies on the operating system's printer driver.

Before you start

Ensure your printer is properly connected and its latest specific drivers are installed, as custom paper size capabilities on Windows heavily depend on your active printer driver.

Solution 1Recommended

Set Custom Paper Size Directly in Word's Page Setup

Define specific width and height measurements directly within Word's layout settings for the current document.

While Word for Windows does not have a manager to save and name custom sizes, you can manually input the exact dimensions you need for any document.

Open Page Setup

Navigate to the 'Layout' tab on the Word ribbon, click on 'Size', and select 'More Paper Sizes' at the bottom of the drop-down menu.

Select Custom Size

In the Page Setup dialog box, ensure you are on the 'Paper' tab. Click the 'Paper size' drop-down menu and choose 'Custom size'.

Enter Dimensions

Manually type your desired Width and Height into the respective fields, then click 'OK' to apply the dimensions to your document.

Document Specific Settings: These custom dimensions are saved within the specific document. The exact size will be retained even if you open the document on another computer.

Solution 2

Manage Custom Sizes via Printer Properties

Use your printer driver's built-in settings to access advanced paper sizing options.

Solution 3

Configure Page Size in PDF Settings

Adjust the virtual printer settings when creating a PDF document with custom dimensions.

Easy Document Formatting

Easily Manage Paper Sizes with WPS Writer

WPS Office provides an intuitive and highly compatible word processor (WPS Writer) that makes adjusting page layouts, margins, and custom paper sizes effortless for both printing and PDF export.

1. Open your Document: Launch WPS Writer and open the document you wish to format.
2. Access Page Layout: Navigate to the 'Page Layout' tab on the top ribbon menu.
3. Select Paper Size: Click on 'Size' and choose 'More Paper Sizes' from the drop-down list.
4. Apply Custom Dimensions: Enter your required width and height in the Page Setup dialog, then click 'OK'.

100% compatible with Microsoft Word formats (.docx)Intuitive Page Layout tab for quick custom paper size adjustmentsBuilt-in PDF converter with advanced page sizing optionsLightweight, fast, and free to use

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Word for Windows not have a 'Manage Custom Sizes' option like the Mac version?

On Windows, paper size management is deeply integrated with the operating system's printer drivers. Instead of a centralized management dialog in Word, Windows delegates this task to the 'Printer Properties' of your specific printer device.

How do I save a custom paper size for future use in Windows?

You cannot save a named custom paper size directly within Word. You must create a new form in Windows by going to Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners, selecting 'Print server properties', and checking the 'Create a new form' box to save your specific dimensions.

Will my custom paper size transfer if I send the document to someone else?

Yes, the specific height and width dimensions you set in Word's Page Setup are saved within the document's formatting. When the recipient opens the file, the custom size is maintained, though they will need a printer that physically supports those dimensions to print it properly.

Document & File Issues