How to Print Colouring Pages at Home: Paper, Printer Settings & Binding Tips

Bought a printable colouring book and not sure how to get the best results? This guide explains exactly how to print colouring pages at home: which paper to use, the right printer settings, how to fix common problems and how to bind the pages into your own book. It’s for parents, teachers and adult colourers using a regular home inkjet or laser printer.

Quick answer: Open the PDF in Adobe Acrobat Reader, choose A4 paper, select “Fit” or “Actual size”, set quality to Standard or High and print single-sided. Use 70 to 80 GSM paper for crayons and pencils, and 100 to 120 GSM paper for markers and sketch pens.

Key Takeaways

• Paper thickness (GSM) matters more than printer quality for colouring.
• Always print single-sided when using markers to avoid bleed-through.
• Print one test page before printing the whole book.
• Laser printers give sharper lines, but inkjet printers work perfectly well.

Step-by-Step: How to Print Colouring Pages

Step 1: Download and Save the File

After purchase, download the PDF and save it to a folder you can find easily. Avoid printing directly from your phone’s browser preview, because it may reduce image quality.

Step 2: Open the PDF in a Proper Reader

Use the free Adobe Acrobat Reader or your computer’s default PDF viewer. These give you full control over page size and scaling.

Step 3: Choose Your Paper Size

In India, A4 (210 × 297 mm) is standard. If your file is in US Letter size, select “Fit” so nothing gets cut off at the edges.

Step 4: Set Scaling

• Fit / Fit to printable area: Best choice in most cases. Keeps the full design on the page.
• Actual size: Use only if the file already matches your paper size.

Step 5: Pick Print Quality

Choose “Standard” for everyday colouring and “High” for detailed mandala or adult designs. Avoid “Draft” mode, because the lines come out faint and grey.

Step 6: Print a Test Page

Print page 1 only, colour a small corner with the tools your child will use, and check for bleeding or faint lines before printing the rest.

Best Paper for Colouring Pages

Paper type	GSM	Best for	Notes
Regular copier paper	70 to 80	Crayons, colour pencils	Cheapest, fine for kids’ daily use
Premium printer paper	90 to 100	Pencils, light markers	Smoother, less see-through
Thick paper	120 to 170	Sketch pens, markers, gel pens	Minimal bleed, feels premium
Card stock	200 to 250	Watercolours, glitter, cards	Check your printer supports it

Tip: GSM means grams per square metre. The higher the number, the thicker the paper.

Inkjet vs Laser Printer for Colouring Pages

• Inkjet: Common in homes. Lines can smudge slightly with markers, so let pages dry for a minute before colouring.
• Laser: Crisp black lines that won’t smudge and lower cost per page for large print runs, such as a full classroom.

For line-art colouring pages, set the printer to “Black & White” or “Grayscale” to save colour ink.

Fixing Common Printing Problems

Problem	Fix
Edges of the design are cut off	Select “Fit” instead of “Actual size”
Lines look faint or grey	Switch from Draft to Standard or High quality
Markers bleed through	Use 120 GSM paper and print single-sided
Streaks on the page	Run the printer’s head cleaning utility
Paper curls	Use thicker paper or store pages flat under a book

How to Bind Your Own Colouring Book

Turning loose pages into a book makes colouring feel special.

• Stapler: Fastest option for up to 20 pages. Staple twice on the left edge.
• Folder or file: Keeps pages flat and lets kids remove one at a time.
• Spiral binding: Any local photocopy shop can do this for a small fee. Pages lie flat while colouring.
• Ribbon binding: Punch two holes and tie a ribbon. Lovely for gifts.

Add a card stock cover with your child’s name for a finishing touch.

Save Money: Print Only What You Need

One of the biggest benefits of a digital colouring book is flexibility. Print a few pages at a time, reprint a favourite page when a child wants to colour it again, or print copies for siblings. Always check the product licence, which usually allows unlimited printing for personal and family use.

Prefer a Ready-Made Book?

If printing isn’t your thing, Gifts Craft Studio also offers printed colouring books delivered to your door. Or grab an instant download colouring book and start printing in minutes.

Browse All Colouring Books

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best paper to print colouring pages on?

For crayons and colour pencils, regular 70 to 80 GSM paper works well. For markers and sketch pens, use 100 to 120 GSM paper to prevent bleeding.

Can I print colouring pages from my phone?

Yes, if your printer supports Wi-Fi printing. Open the PDF in the Adobe Acrobat Reader app and choose “Fit” for page scaling.

Why are my printed colouring pages cut off at the edges?

Your file size doesn’t match your paper size. Select “Fit” or “Fit to printable area” in the print settings.

How many times can I print a digital colouring book?

Most digital colouring books allow unlimited printing for personal and family use. Commercial use or reselling usually isn’t allowed, so check the licence.