How to Print a Custom 6x9 Inch Word Document to PDF Without Margins
Question details
The user needs to export or print a custom 6-by-9-inch Word document to a PDF file while retaining the exact custom dimensions.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- macOS / Windows
- Scenario
- Converting a customized 6x9 inch formatted document into a PDF file for publishing or sharing.
- Observed behavior
- Using Microsoft Print to PDF produces a standard Letter-size page with large blank margins instead of the intended 6-by-9-inch dimensions.
Before trying complex workarounds, ensure your operating system and Office applications are fully up to date, and try restarting your computer to clear any temporary printer driver glitches.
Update System and Office Applications
Installing the latest system and software updates can resolve underlying bugs in the PDF printer driver.
Printer driver behaviors can vary depending on your specific operating system version and the build of Microsoft Office. Frequent updates from Apple and Microsoft often patch known issues with custom paper sizes mapping incorrectly.
Click the Apple menu (or Windows Start button) and select Restart to refresh your system drivers.
On a Mac, go to System Settings > General > Software Update and install any pending macOS updates.
Open Microsoft Word, go to Help > Check for Updates, and install the newest available version of Office.
Use the Image Workaround Method
If standard printing to PDF still fails, converting your document pages to images and re-inserting them can bypass the virtual printer's layout limitations.
Easily Export Custom-Sized Documents to PDF with WPS Office
WPS Office features a robust, built-in PDF converter that accurately preserves your custom page dimensions—like 6x9 inches—without relying on unpredictable virtual printer drivers.
- 1. Open your document: Launch WPS Writer and open your 6x9 inch formatted document.
- 2. Access the PDF export tool: Go to the 'Menu' in the top left corner and click on 'Export to PDF'.
- 3. Configure export settings: In the pop-up window, check your save location and ensure the layout options match your preferences.
- 4. Export the file: Click the 'Export' button to instantly generate a PDF with flawless 6x9 inch dimensions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Microsoft Print to PDF change my page size to Letter?
Microsoft Print to PDF often defaults to standard paper sizes like Letter or A4. If a custom size like 6x9 inches isn't natively supported by the virtual printer's configuration, it will center your content on a standard Letter-sized page, resulting in large blank margins.
Is 'Save As PDF' different from 'Print to PDF'?
Yes. 'Print to PDF' relies on a virtual printer driver which applies its own paper size constraints and margins. 'Save As PDF' or 'Export to PDF' uses the word processor's internal engine to convert the layout exactly as it appears on your screen, which is generally better for custom sizes.
Can I add custom paper sizes to Microsoft Print to PDF?
While it is technically possible to add custom paper sizes to Microsoft Print to PDF on Windows, it requires advanced steps like modifying printer forms in the Print Server Properties or editing registry files. Using the built-in PDF export tool in your office suite is a much simpler solution.
