The basic steps to print a picture
To print a picture from your computer, open the image file, select Print from the File menu, choose your printer and settings, then click Print. The whole process takes about one minute once you know where to look. Most pictures print best when you adjust the size and paper type before sending them to the printer.
Your computer stores pictures in a folder—usually called Pictures, Downloads, or Desktop. You find the picture file, open it with an image viewer or web browser, then use the Print command. The printer settings window that appears lets you control how large the picture prints and whether it uses color or black and white.
Key Takeaways
- Open your picture file by double-clicking it or right-clicking and selecting an image viewer or web browser.
- Press Ctrl+P (Windows) or Command+P (Mac) to open the Print dialog, or go to File menu and select Print.
- Choose your printer from the dropdown list, then adjust the paper size, orientation, and color settings before printing.
- Set the picture size to fit your paper—most printers default to "Fit to Page" which prevents cutting off edges.
- Click the Print button to send the picture to your printer; the print job usually completes within seconds to a few minutes.
Finding and opening your picture file
Pictures on your computer live in folders. On Windows, click the File Explorer icon (folder icon) on your taskbar. On Mac, click the Finder icon (smiling face) in the dock. Navigate to Pictures, Downloads, or Desktop—whichever folder contains your image.
Once you find the picture, double-click it. It will open in your default image viewer or web browser. If nothing happens, right-click the file, select "Open with," and choose an image viewer from the list. Windows includes Photos and Paint; Mac includes Preview. Any of these work for printing.
Opening the Print dialog on Windows
With your picture open on screen, press Ctrl+P on your keyboard. This keyboard shortcut opens the Print dialog almost when ready. If the shortcut does not work, click the File menu at the top left, then select Print from the dropdown.
The Print dialog shows your printer name at the top, usually something like "HP LaserJet" or "Canon Pixma." Below that you see options for number of copies, page orientation (portrait or landscape), and paper size. Do not click Print yet—adjust these settings first so your picture prints the way you want.
Opening the Print dialog on Mac
With your picture open, press Command+P on your keyboard. This opens the Print dialog. If that does not work, click File in the menu bar at the top, then select Print.
The Mac Print dialog looks different from Windows but works the same way. You see your printer name, number of copies, and paper size options. Take a moment to check these settings before printing. Mac's Preview app also has a Print button in the toolbar if you prefer clicking instead of using the keyboard shortcut.
Choosing the right printer and paper settings
In the Print dialog, look for a dropdown menu labeled "Printer" or "Select Printer." Click it to see all printers connected to your computer. Choose the one you want to use. If you only have one printer, it is already selected.
Next, check the paper size. Most printers default to 8.5 by 11 inches (letter size). If you want to print on a different size—4 by 6 inches for a small photo, for example—click the paper size dropdown and select it. Check the orientation too: Portrait is taller than wide; Landscape is wider than tall. Choose whichever matches your picture's shape.
Look for an option called "Fit to Page" or "Scale to Fit." This setting shrinks or enlarges your picture to fit the paper without cutting off edges. Leave this checked unless you want to print at actual size (which may cut off parts of the picture if it is larger than your paper).
Adjusting color and quality settings
Before printing, check whether you want color or black and white. In the Print dialog, look for a section labeled "Color" or "Print Quality." On Windows, this is often under "More Settings" or "Advanced." On Mac, it appears in a dropdown menu below the printer name.
Color printing uses more ink and takes slightly longer. Black and white is faster and cheaper. If your picture is a photograph you want to look good, choose color. If it is a straightforward image or you want to save ink, choose black and white or grayscale.
Some printers also let you choose quality: Draft (fastest, uses less ink), Normal (balanced), or Best (slowest, uses more ink). For photos, Normal or Best looks better. For documents or quick prints, Draft is fine.
Sending the picture to print
Once you have set the printer, paper size, orientation, and color, click the Print button. It is usually at the bottom right of the dialog. The dialog closes and your picture goes to the printer.
The printer takes a few seconds to a few minutes to print, depending on the picture size and your printer speed. You may see a small notification on your screen showing the print job is in progress. Do not turn off your computer or printer while printing. If something goes wrong, you can usually cancel the print job by right-clicking the printer icon in your system tray (Windows) or clicking the printer icon in the menu bar (Mac).
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
The most common mistake is printing without checking the paper size. If you select 8.5 by 11 inches but load 4 by 6 inch paper, the picture prints on the wrong size and wastes paper. Always match the paper size in the Print dialog to the paper actually in your printer.
Another mistake is forgetting to check orientation. If your picture is wider than it is tall (landscape), but you print it in portrait mode, the picture rotates and may not fit properly. Look at your picture on screen, then choose the matching orientation in the Print dialog.
A third mistake is printing without checking color settings. If you accidentally select black and white when you meant color, your photo prints in shades of gray. Check the color dropdown before clicking Print.
Finally, make sure your printer has paper and ink before printing. An empty paper tray or low ink level causes the printer to pause or fail. Check the printer itself—open the paper tray and look inside.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my picture look cut off when it prints?
The picture is probably larger than the paper size you selected. In the Print dialog, make sure "Fit to Page" or "Scale to Fit" is checked. This shrinks the picture to fit the paper without cutting edges. If you want to print at actual size, you may need larger paper.
How do I print a picture from the internet?
Right-click the picture on the website and select "Print Image" or "Open Image in New Tab." If you open it in a new tab, use Ctrl+P (Windows) or Command+P (Mac) to print. Follow the same steps as printing a picture from your computer.
Can I print multiple pictures at once?
Most image viewers let you select multiple pictures by holding Ctrl (Windows) or Command (Mac) while clicking each one, then pressing Ctrl+P or Command+P. Some printers also have a "Print Multiple" option in the Print dialog. Check your printer's manual for details.
What if my printer is not showing up in the Print dialog?
Make sure the printer is turned on and connected to your computer by USB cable or wireless network. On Windows, go to Settings, then Devices, then Printers and Scanners to see if the printer appears. On Mac, go to System Preferences, then Printers and Scanners. If it does not appear, restart both your computer and printer.
Why is my picture printing in the wrong colors?
Check the color settings in the Print dialog—you may have accidentally selected black and white or grayscale. Also check that your printer has enough color ink. If the colors still look wrong, your printer may need cleaning or calibration. See your printer's manual for instructions.