How to Print an 11 x 17 PDF at the Correct Size
Question details
The user needs to print an 11 x 17 (Tabloid) PDF document at its exact physical dimensions without the software shrinking the image or adding unwanted borders.
- Product
- PDF Reader
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Printing a large-format 11 x 17 PDF document.
- Observed behavior
- The PDF prints smaller than the actual 11 x 17 size, and the printout sometimes includes forced one-inch borders even when 'Actual size' is selected in the print dialog.
Ensure your printer physically supports 11 x 17 (Tabloid) paper, verify the printer driver is fully up to date, and check that the correct paper is securely loaded in the input tray.
Configure Printer Properties and Paper Source Settings
Adjusting the specific properties of your printer and forcing the PDF reader to match the document's page size ensures your 11 x 17 PDF prints without shrinking.
PDF readers sometimes default to the standard Letter size (8.5 x 11) for the printer, causing larger documents to shrink to fit the smaller paper. You must manually override the printer properties to Tabloid size.
Open your PDF document and press Ctrl + P (or Cmd + P on Mac) to access the Print dialog box.
Click on the 'Properties' or 'Preferences' button located next to your selected printer name at the top of the dialog.
Navigate to the paper size or media settings tab within the Properties window, and select '11 x 17' or 'Tabloid' from the dropdown menu. Click OK to return to the main Print dialog.
In the main Print dialog, check the box for 'Choose paper source by PDF page size' to prevent the software from applying automatic scaling, ensuring the document prints accurately.
Use the 'Fit' Option or Crop the PDF
If your printer adds forced borders when using 'Actual Size', adjusting the scaling to 'Fit' or pre-cropping the document edges can resolve the layout issue.
Print 11 x 17 PDFs Accurately with WPS Office
WPS Office offers a built-in, intuitive PDF reader that gives you precise control over your print jobs. Easily configure custom paper sizes like 11 x 17 Tabloid, manage exact scaling options, and print large documents exactly as they appear on screen without unexpected shrinking.
- 1. Open the PDF in WPS Office: Launch WPS Office and open your 11 x 17 PDF document.
- 2. Open the Print Settings: Click on the 'Menu' button and select 'Print', or press Ctrl + P on your keyboard.
- 3. Configure Page Sizing: Under the 'Page Sizing and Handling' section, select 'Actual Size' to retain the original dimensions.
- 4. Adjust Printer Properties: Click 'Properties', choose the 11 x 17 (Tabloid) paper size for your printer, and click 'Print'.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my 11 x 17 PDF have a white border when printed at actual size?
Most standard printers cannot print edge-to-edge (borderless) and require a hardware margin to feed the paper through the rollers. If your printer doesn't support borderless printing specifically for 11 x 17 paper, it will automatically add a small white border.
What is the difference between 'Actual Size' and 'Fit' when printing PDFs?
'Actual Size' prints the document at its exact original dimensions (e.g., 11 x 17 inches) regardless of the paper loaded, which might result in cutoff edges if the paper is too small. 'Fit' automatically shrinks or enlarges the document so it fits safely within the printable area of the currently selected paper size.
Can I print an 11 x 17 PDF document using standard Letter (8.5 x 11) paper?
Yes, you can print a larger PDF on standard Letter paper by using the 'Poster' or 'Tile' printing feature in your PDF reader's print dialog. This will divide the 11 x 17 document across multiple 8.5 x 11 pages, which you can then align and tape together.
