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How to Center a Photograph on a A4 Sheet of Photographic Paper

Do you find you can't get photos to print centered if you are printing from a web browser? This can also happen when a printer's margins conflict with graphics software settings. With minimal printer adjustments, and the aid of graphics software, you can center a photograph on A4 paper and print with accurate results.

ISO 216 is the international paper standard, and A4 is part of that standard. The A4 paper size translates to 8 ½" x 11 inches, a very common paper size for both photo and document printing. This is also the most common paper size for use with most standard inkjet printers.

Things You'll Need

A4 photo paper
Printer
Graphics software

Instructions

- 1
  Check your printer user's manual for paper tray alignment and set-up instructions. Adjust the paper tray to accommodate one sheet of A4 paper. Insert the sheet of photographic paper into the tray, making sure that the tray and paper guide are properly aligned. The paper guide should hold the paper snugly but not tightly.
- 2
  Open the graphics program of your choice. Use a graphics program with print setup options, such as Adobe Photoshop Elements. If needed, scan the photo and import it into the program. If the photo is already in digital format, open the file.
- 3
  Create a new document that is A4, or 8½ inches in size. Create the document in RGB color mode. Give this new document a white background. Save the new document.
- 4
  Drag the photograph into the new document, and place it at the rough center. Turn on grid or guide options within your software program. Use these guides to align the photo in the center of the document.
- 5
  Save your image. Open the File drop-down menu and select "Print Preview," "Print with Options" or any respective print set-up window. In the print set-up window, select the "Center Image" option and save these settings. You should see a preview of your image. Once the preview is satisfactory, confirm the settings and print your image.

Photography