Printing Documents

Learn how to access the Print pane, select a printer, adjust print settings, and print specific pages in Microsoft Word.

Video

Watch the lesson video, then complete the reading and challenge.

Lesson Notes

Read through the key concepts before you try the challenge.

Opening the Print Pane

To print a document, click the File tab and then select Print. This opens the Print pane where you can preview and adjust settings before printing.

Clicking the File tab
Print pane in Word

Selecting a Printer

Use the Printer dropdown menu to choose which printer to send your document to. Word displays the printer status (Ready, Offline, etc.).

Printer dropdown menu

Choosing the Number of Copies

Use the Copies box to specify how many copies of the document you want to print.

Copies selection box

Adjusting Print Settings

Under Settings, you can choose to print all pages, specific pages, one-sided or double-sided, portrait or landscape orientation, margins, and more.

Print settings options
More print settings

Printing Specific Pages

To print specific pages, select Custom Print and enter page numbers separated by commas (e.g., 2,5) or ranges (e.g., 1-3).

Custom print page selection
Print button in custom print

Print Preview

The preview pane shows exactly how your document will look when printed. Use the zoom slider to adjust the view before printing.

Print preview example

Final Result

After selecting your printer, adjusting settings, and reviewing the preview, click the Print button to send your document to the printer.

Print button highlighted

Knowledge Check

Where can you preview how your document will look before printing?

Practice File

Download this file and follow along with the lesson.

Challenge

Apply what you've learned in this lesson.

Using the provided practice file, complete the following tasks:

  1. Open the Print pane.
  2. Select your printer from the dropdown list.
  3. Print 2 copies of the document.
  4. Print only pages 1–3 and page 5.
  5. Change the orientation to Landscape.
  6. Review the print preview before printing.