You found the perfect coloring page. Now you just need to print it without cutting off the edges, wasting ink or ending up with faint gray lines. Here's how to print coloring pages from a computer, phone or tablet, plus the best settings and paper for every kind of coloring.
The quick version
- Open the coloring page and click Download PDF (or Print).
- Choose your printer and paper size (US Letter or A4).
- Set scaling to Fit to page (or Fit to printable area).
- Set color to Black & white or Grayscale.
- Click Print.
Step-by-step: printing from a computer
1. Use the PDF when there is one
PDFs keep the page size and line quality exactly as designed. On our site, every coloring page has a Download PDF button. Open the PDF in your browser or a PDF viewer and press Ctrl + P (Windows) or Cmd + P (Mac).
2. Choose the right paper size
- US Letter (8.5 × 11 in) is standard in the US and Canada.
- A4 (210 × 297 mm) is standard in most other countries.
Our PDFs come in both sizes. Pick the one that matches the paper in your printer.
3. Set scaling
- Fit to page shrinks the design slightly so nothing gets cut off by the printer's margins. This is the safest choice.
- Actual size (100%) prints at the exact size, but edges may be clipped on some printers.
4. Print in black and white
Coloring pages are black line art, so choose Black & white or Grayscale. This uses only black ink and avoids a faint color tint.
5. Choose print quality
- Standard/Normal is right for most coloring pages.
- High/Best gives the crispest lines for very detailed designs.
- Draft saves ink, but lines may look faint and gray. Fine for quick scribbling sessions with toddlers.
6. Check orientation
Most coloring pages are portrait (tall). If a design looks tiny or sideways in the preview, switch between Portrait and Landscape.
Printing from a phone or tablet
iPhone and iPad
- Open the coloring page PDF.
- Tap the Share button, then Print.
- Choose an AirPrint-compatible printer on the same Wi-Fi network.
- Set the number of copies and paper size, then tap Print.
Android
- Open the PDF.
- Tap the menu (three dots), then Print (or Share → Print).
- Select your printer. Many printers work through the built-in print service or the manufacturer's app.
- Adjust the paper size and tap the print button.
If your printer doesn't support wireless printing, save the PDF and email it to yourself to print from a computer.
Choosing the right paper
| What you'll color with | Recommended paper |
|---|---|
| Crayons | Regular printer paper (20 lb / 75 gsm) |
| Colored pencils | Regular or slightly heavier paper (24–28 lb / 90–105 gsm) |
| Water-based markers | Heavier paper (28–32 lb / 105–120 gsm) |
| Alcohol markers | Cardstock, single-sided, with a scrap sheet behind |
| Watercolor or paint | Watercolor paper or heavy cardstock, if your printer supports it |
Check your printer's manual for the heaviest paper it can handle, and feed cardstock one sheet at a time if needed.
For marker tips, see our guide to the best markers for coloring.
Saving ink
- Print in grayscale so color cartridges aren't used.
- Choose simpler pages (marked Easy) for little kids who color quickly. They use less ink than detailed pages with dark backgrounds.
- Print two pages per sheet for small, on-the-go coloring: in the print dialog, choose 2 pages per sheet.
- Use Draft mode for scrap pages.
No printer? No problem
- Libraries often offer low-cost printing.
- Copy shops and office supply stores can print PDFs, including on cardstock.
- School or work printers may be available for classroom pages. Check the rules first.
Troubleshooting
- Edges are cut off: switch scaling to Fit to page.
- Lines look gray or faint: turn off Draft mode and choose Standard or High quality.
- Page prints tiny: check that the paper size in the print dialog matches the paper in your printer.
- Lines are jagged: download the PDF instead of printing a small preview image.
Find pages to print
Browse our free coloring pages by theme, or make your own with the AI Coloring Page Generator or Photo to Coloring Page. Every page downloads as a print-ready PDF.
FAQ
How do I print a coloring page so it fits the page?
Use the PDF version, choose the correct paper size (Letter or A4) and set scaling to Fit to page in the print dialog.
Should I print coloring pages in color or black and white?
Black and white (grayscale). The pages are black line art, and grayscale mode saves your color ink.
What is the best paper for printing coloring pages?
Regular printer paper works for crayons and colored pencils. For markers, use heavier paper or cardstock so the ink doesn't bleed through.
Can I print coloring pages from my phone?
Yes. Open the PDF on your phone, tap Share or the menu, choose Print and select a wireless printer.
