How do I get Word to print to the edge of the paper?
Quick Fix Summary: Set Word’s margins to zero, enable “Scale to Paper Size” in Print Preview, and enable borderless printing in your printer’s Properties dialog. If your printer doesn’t support borderless printing, you’ll need to switch to a supported model or crop your layout.
If your Word document still shows white margins when you try to print to the edge, you’re not alone—most home printers can’t reach the very edge by default. The fix requires both software settings and printer hardware support. Here’s exactly how to do it in Microsoft Word on Windows 11 (Version 24H2) and macOS Sonoma (as of 2026).
What’s causing the white margins around my printed page?
Most desktop printers use feed rollers and gripper mechanisms that require a small unprintable zone—typically 3–5 mm—around the edges. That’s why Word’s default margins are 1 inch (25.4 mm). To print to the edge of A4 (210 × 297 mm) or Letter (216 × 279 mm) paper, you must:
- Override Word’s default margins
- Enable borderless mode in printer properties
- Use paper that matches your printer’s borderless size options
In 2026, only dedicated photo printers and high-end office MFPs (multi-function printers) like the Epson EcoTank ET-8550 or Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-2100 offer true edge-to-edge output on standard sheets. Consumer-grade inkjets usually support borderless printing only on specific sizes such as 4×6, 5×7, A4, and 8.5×11.
How do I enable borderless printing in Microsoft Word?
First, open Print Setup. In Word 365 (Version 2406), go to File → Print (Ctrl+P on Windows, ⌘P on macOS). In the right pane, click Printer Properties.
Next, enable borderless mode. On Windows, switch to the Paper/Quality tab (some models label it Finishing). Choose Borderless and select the matching paper size. On macOS, click Details → Borderless and pick the correct paper type (e.g., “A4 Borderless”).
Microsoft Support confirms this path for Word 365 as of June 2026.
Why can’t I just set Word’s margins to zero and print?
Setting margins to zero alone won’t work because printers physically can’t print in that tiny unprintable zone near the edges. You’ll need to combine margin adjustments with borderless mode in your printer settings. Honestly, this is the best approach for most users.
What are the exact steps to print to the edge in Word?
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Open Print Setup
In Word 365 (Version 2406), go to File → Print (Ctrl+P on Windows, ⌘P on macOS). In the right pane, click Printer Properties.
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Enable Borderless Mode
- On Windows: In the printer driver dialog, switch to the Paper/Quality tab (some models label it Finishing). Choose Borderless and select the matching paper size.
- On macOS: Click Details → Borderless and pick the correct paper type (e.g., “A4 Borderless”).
Microsoft Support confirms this path for Word 365 as of June 2026.
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Set Word Margins to Zero
Go to Layout → Margins → Custom Margins. Set Top, Bottom, Left, and Right to 0". Click OK.
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Scale to Fit Paper
In the Print dialog, expand Settings → Print One-Sided → Scale to Paper Size. Select A4 Borderless (or Letter Borderless). This shrinks content slightly so it doesn’t get cropped by the printer’s unprintable zone.
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Choose the Correct Paper Tray
Load paper into the tray labeled “Borderless” or “Photo.” Avoid plain-paper trays, which often have feed rollers that cut off the edges.
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Print a Test Page
Click Print. If the edges still show white space, revisit Step 2 and confirm your printer actually supports borderless printing for A4 or Letter.
My printer doesn’t support borderless printing. What now?
Try these workarounds. First, use Adobe Acrobat’s Print Production Tools: export your Word file to PDF, open in Adobe Acrobat Pro (2026 release), go to Tools → Print Production → Preflight, run the “Convert to PDF/X-4” fixup, then print from Acrobat using File → Print → Poster → Tile Scale 100% and enable Borderless in printer properties. Adobe’s 2026 documentation notes this workaround for legacy printers.
Alternatively, switch to a custom bleed size: in Word, go to Layout → Size → More Paper Sizes → Custom, enter 200 × 287 mm for A4 bleed, set margins to 0 mm, print on oversized paper, and trim after drying.
Finally, check for firmware updates—some 2025–2026 updates added borderless support for A4/Letter on previously unsupported models.
How do I set up a custom bleed size in Word?
Go to Layout → Size → More Paper Sizes → Custom. Enter 200 × 287 mm for A4 bleed (or 210 × 287 mm for Letter bleed). Set all margins to 0 mm. Print on slightly oversized paper, then trim the excess after the ink dries. This gives you the clean edge-to-edge look you want.
Can I print edge-to-edge on any paper size?
No. Consumer printers typically support borderless printing only on specific sizes like 4×6, 5×7, A4, and 8.5×11. For true edge-to-edge output on standard sheets, you’ll need a dedicated photo printer or high-end MFP like the Epson EcoTank ET-8550 or Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-2100.
What’s the best paper to use for borderless printing?
Stick with manufacturer-branded borderless paper (e.g., Epson Ultra Premium Glossy). Third-party paper can jam or leave white edges. The right paper makes a noticeable difference in quality.
How do I know if my printer supports true edge-to-edge printing?
Check your printer’s specifications. In most cases, only dedicated photo printers and high-end office MFPs offer true edge-to-edge output on standard sheets. If your printer isn’t on that list, you’ll need to use one of the workarounds.
How do I create a custom “Print to Edge” profile?
Create a reusable profile in your print server settings. On Windows, go to Settings → Devices → Printers & Scanners → Manage → Printing Preferences. Configure your borderless settings once, then save the profile for future jobs. This saves time and ensures consistency.
What should I do if my printer still shows white margins after following all steps?
First, double-check that you’ve selected the correct paper size in both Word and your printer properties. If it’s still not working, your printer may not truly support borderless printing for that size. Try printing on a smaller borderless size (like 5×7) to test the feature.
Are there any risks to printing with zero margins?
Yes. Printing with zero margins can sometimes cause the printer to cut off parts of your content if the unprintable zone is larger than expected. Always print a test page first to check the results.
Can I use third-party paper for borderless printing?
Technically yes, but it’s risky. Third-party paper can jam or leave white edges because it doesn’t always match the printer’s specifications. Stick with manufacturer-branded borderless paper for reliable results.
How do I update my printer’s firmware for borderless support?
Visit your printer manufacturer’s support site (e.g., Epson or Canon) and download the latest firmware. Some 2025–2026 updates added borderless support for A4/Letter on previously unsupported models.
What’s the best way to test if my printer supports borderless printing?
Print a single test page on the smallest borderless size your printer supports (like 4×6 or 5×7). Measure the unprintable zone with a ruler. If it exceeds 3 mm, your printer doesn’t support true edge-to-edge printing on standard sheets.
Should I consider a large-format printer for edge-to-edge printing?
If you need consistent results for marketing materials or photos, a large-format printer that accepts roll paper might be worth the investment. These printers can print right to the edge without trimming, giving you professional-quality output every time.
Where can I find official documentation on Word’s borderless printing?
Microsoft’s official support page for printing without margins in Word provides detailed steps. Check Microsoft Support for the latest instructions.
