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Printing Problems

How to Select Glossy Photo Paper in Word 365

Ayan MasoodAyan Masood Oct 9, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to select glossy photo paper for printing in Word 365 but cannot find the option, likely due to missing or incomplete printer drivers.

How to Select Glossy Photo Paper in Word 365
Product
Word 365
Device & OS
not provided
Scenario
Attempting to print high-quality images or documents on glossy photo paper using a desktop printer.
Observed behavior
Word does not show the correct glossy photo paper option in the print settings, which causes poor color quality, printing errors, or ink smudging that rubs off easily.
Before you start

Ensure your printer is properly connected and turned on, and verify the specific brand and size of the glossy photo paper you intend to use.

Solution 1Recommended

Install Complete Printer Drivers and Adjust Print Properties

Installing the manufacturer's official complete software package ensures that Word 365 can access all advanced paper options supported by your printer.

By default, your operating system may install generic printer drivers that only support basic functions. To access advanced options like "Glossy Photo Paper", you must install the official drivers provided by your printer's manufacturer (such as Canon, HP, or Epson).

1
Download official drivers

Visit the official website of your printer manufacturer, search for your exact printer model, and download the full software and driver package.

2
Install the software

Run the downloaded installer file and follow the on-screen instructions to properly set up the printer drivers on your computer.

3
Access Word print settings

Open your document in Word 365, click on 'File' in the top-left corner, and select 'Print' from the sidebar.

4
Open Printer Properties

Ensure your specific printer is selected in the dropdown menu, then click the 'Printer Properties' link located just below the printer name.

5
Select glossy photo paper

In the properties window, navigate to the 'Media Type' or 'Paper Type' dropdown, select 'Glossy Photo Paper' (or the exact match for your paper brand), set the print quality to 'High', and click 'OK'.

Install Complete Printer Drivers and Adjust Print Properties
Tip for optimal printing: Always make sure you load the glossy paper correctly into the printer's tray according to the manufacturer's instructions (usually glossy side facing down in cassettes, or facing up in rear trays).
Seamless Printing Alternative

Print High-Quality Documents Easily with WPS Office

WPS Office is a powerful, lightweight, and free office suite that offers excellent compatibility with Microsoft Office formats. It features an intuitive print interface that easily connects with your installed printer drivers, making it simple to print on glossy photo paper without expensive subscription fees.

  1. 1. Open your document in WPS Writer: Launch WPS Office and open the document or photo layout you wish to print.
  2. 2. Access the Print menu: Click on the 'Menu' button in the top-left corner and select 'Print', or use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+P.
  3. 3. Open Printer Properties: Select your dedicated photo printer from the 'Name' dropdown list and click the 'Properties' button.
  4. 4. Configure paper settings: Under your printer's specific properties window, change the 'Media Type' to 'Glossy Photo Paper', adjust the quality settings, and click 'OK' to print.
Fully compatible with Microsoft Word documents (.docx, .doc)Free and lightweight alternative to heavy office softwareIntuitive print dialog that natively accesses advanced printer propertiesRich document formatting tools for perfect photo layouts
microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the glossy paper option completely missing in Word 365?

The paper options available in Word 365 are pulled directly from your computer's printer drivers. If you are using generic, basic drivers instead of the manufacturer's full software suite, advanced paper types like glossy photo paper will be hidden.

Can printing on glossy paper with normal plain paper settings ruin the print?

Yes. If you print on glossy paper but leave the setting on "Plain Paper," the printer will dispense ink too quickly or in the wrong volumes. This often results in wet, easily smudged ink, poor color saturation, and prolonged drying times.

Does the paper source setting matter when printing on glossy paper?

Absolutely. Many printers require thicker media like glossy photo paper to be fed through a specific tray (such as a rear feed tray) to prevent paper jams and roller damage. Always select the correct paper source in your printer properties.