How do I change print size in Illustrator?

Changing the print size in Adobe Illustrator involves adjusting either the artboard size or the scaling options when printing. Here's how to do both:

1. Changing the Artboard Size (effectively changing the document size):

• Method 1: Artboard Tool:

  1. Select the Artboard Tool (Shift + O).
  2. Click on the artboard you want to resize.
  3. In the Control Panel (at the top of the screen), you can directly enter the desired width and height values. Alternatively, you can click and drag the artboard's edges to resize it visually.
  4. You can also access the Artboard Options by double-clicking the Artboard Tool icon in the toolbar. This will open a dialog box where you can specify precise dimensions, preset sizes, and other settings.

• Method 2: Document Setup:

  1. Go to File > Document Setup.
  2. Click the Edit Artboards button. This will activate the Artboard tool.
  3. Now follow steps 2-4 from Method 1 above.

2. Scaling Artwork When Printing:

This method allows you to adjust the size of the content you're printing relative to the page size, without changing the artboard size.

1. Go to File > Print (or press Ctrl/Cmd + P).

2. In the Print dialog box, look for the Scaling options.

3. You'll typically have options like:

   • Fit to Page: Automatically scales the artwork to fit the printable area of the selected paper size. This is useful if you need to ensure everything fits on the page, but it may distort the artwork's proportions.
   • Scale to Fill: Scales the artwork to completely fill the printable area, potentially cropping some content.
   • Custom Scale: Allows you to specify a precise scaling percentage. For example, entering "50%" will print the artwork at half its original size.

4. Preview the print to ensure the artwork is scaled as desired.

Important Considerations:

• Bleed: If your artwork extends to the edges of the page, you need to add bleed. Bleed is extra artwork that extends beyond the trim edge, ensuring that no white gaps appear after cutting. Add bleed under File > Document Setup and in the Print dialog.
• Resolution: Scaling artwork up can sometimes lead to a loss of quality (especially raster images). Be mindful of the resolution of your images and consider increasing it if necessary.
• Units: Ensure you're using the correct units (pixels, inches, millimeters, etc.) for your artboard and print settings.
• Printable Area: Keep in mind that printers can't print to the very edge of the paper. The printable area depends on your printer.