How to Print Selected Pages, Copies and Multiple Pages per Sheet

1What this lesson covers

This lesson shows you how to print multiple pages on one sheet, how to print only the pages you need, and how to print several copies that come out in the right order. These options save paper and ink, especially for long PDFs, lecture slides, recipes on web pages and forms where you only need one page. The steps work in most apps on Windows and Mac, although the exact wording varies.

2Before you start

Open your document and find the page numbers you need. In a PDF or word processor, the page number is usually shown at the bottom of the window. Web pages don’t have fixed page numbers, so use the print preview to see how the browser splits the page.

All of these options are in the app’s print dialog (File, then Print). If you haven’t explored it yet, print settings explained shows where the main options live.

3Print only certain pages

1. Open the print dialog. You should see: a section called Pages, Page range or Print range, usually set to All.
2. Choose a page option. Typical options are All, Current page, Selection and a custom range. Not every app offers all of them.
3. Type a custom range if needed. Use a dash for a run of pages and commas for separate pages. For example, 2-5 prints pages 2, 3, 4 and 5, and 1, 3, 7-9 prints pages 1, 3, 7, 8 and 9. On a Mac, some apps use From and To boxes instead.
4. Use “Selection” for part of a page. Highlight the text you want first, then open the print dialog and choose Selection if your app offers it. This is handy for a recipe or one section of a web page.
5. Check the preview and print. You should see: the preview show only the pages you chose.

4Print multiple pages on one sheet

1. Find the pages-per-sheet option. On a Mac, open the Layout section (after Show Details) and choose Pages per Sheet. On Windows, many apps have a 1 page per sheet menu in the main dialog; otherwise look in Printer properties or Preferences on the Layout tab, where it may be called Pages per sheet, N-up or Multiple pages.
2. Pick a number. Two or four pages per sheet keeps text readable for most documents. Six or more works for slide handouts but gets small.
3. Choose the layout direction and border if offered. Direction sets the order the pages appear (for example left to right, then down). A thin border helps separate pages.
4. Check the preview. You should see: several miniature pages on each sheet in the preview.
5. Print one sheet as a test before printing the whole document.

5Print copies and collate them

1. Set the number of copies. Type it into the Copies box.
2. Choose collated or uncollated. Collated prints complete sets in order (1, 2, 3, then 1, 2, 3). Uncollated prints all the copies of page 1, then page 2 and so on. For handouts you’ll staple, choose collated.
3. Print. You should see: stacks that come out in complete sets, ready to staple.

6Check that it worked

Compare the output with your plan. You should see: only the pages you asked for, the right number of pages on each sheet, and copies in the order you chose. If you’re printing a lot, print one set first and check it before printing the rest.

7Troubleshooting

• The page range box is greyed out. Choose the custom range option first, often a radio button labeled Pages or Custom.
• ”Selection” isn’t offered. Not every app supports it. Copy the part you need into a new document and print that instead.
• Pages per sheet prints one page per sheet. Some apps and drivers handle this option differently. Try the setting in the printer’s preferences instead of the app, or the other way round.
• Text is too small. Use fewer pages per sheet, or combine pages per sheet with double-sided printing to save paper while keeping text readable.
• Nothing prints at all. The problem isn’t the page settings. See printer not printing.

8When to get more help

If page options look correct but the printer prints the wrong pages repeatedly, check whether the app has a known printing issue in its own help pages, and make sure your driver is up to date from the manufacturer or Windows Update. Printer hardware problems, such as pages feeding twice or repeated jams, are a question for the manufacturer’s support.

9FAQ

How do I print just one page of a web page?

Open the browser’s print dialog, look at the preview to find the page number you want, and type it into the page range. Many browsers also let you print a selection if you highlight the text first.

Does collating use more paper?

No. Collated and uncollated jobs use exactly the same number of sheets; only the order changes.

Can I combine pages per sheet with double-sided printing?

Yes. Choose both options in the same print dialog. Four pages per sheet on both sides fits eight pages on one sheet of paper.

Can I print a range of pages from a PDF on my phone?

Usually yes. The print screen on iPhone, iPad and Android lets you choose a range of pages before printing. The exact layout of that screen varies by device and app.

Why are there blank pages at the end of my print?

Empty space or page breaks at the end of the document can create blank pages. Check the preview and set the page range to skip them.