Use 100% scale, not Fit to page
A printable template is built to a real page size, and the line spacing only stays accurate if the printer prints it at that size. In the print dialog, choose 100% scale or a setting called Actual size. Avoid Fit to page, Shrink to fit or any option that scales the page, because it quietly changes the spacing between lines and squares.
Match Letter or A4 to the tray
Letter paper (8.5 by 11 in) is standard in the United States. A4 (210 by 297 mm) is standard in most other countries. Pick the same size in the template and in the printer, and make sure it matches the paper actually loaded in the tray. A mismatch usually makes the printer scale the page or cut off an edge.
Why the lines stop short of the edge
Most home printers cannot print all the way to the edge of the sheet. They leave a small unprinted border, so lines may stop a little before the paper ends. This is normal. If you need clean edges, print on a larger sheet and trim it, or keep your writing inside the printed area.
Save as PDF and test one page
You can choose Save as PDF in the print dialog instead of a printer. A PDF is handy for printing later, sending to a copy shop or sharing with a class. Keep the scale at 100% when you save it too.
Before printing a large batch, print a single page. Hold a ruler against it and check that the spacing looks right. Then print the rest.
- Scale set to 100% or Actual size.
- Paper size matches the tray.
- Margins checked on the test page.
- Ruler check on one printed page.
Double-sided printing
If you print on both sides, the front and back may not line up exactly, because paper shifts slightly as it feeds through. This matters most with graph paper and dot grids, where you may see grid lines through the sheet. For clean results, print single-sided or use a thicker paper. You can set the page count on the tool on this site to make several identical sheets at once.
Have a correction or a suggestion? Tell the studio.