# Formatting Prints

Print layouts are initially based on your digital layout, but they almost always require adjustments to ensure frames and other elements are centered, uniform, and completely fill the printable area of your paper.

For the best results, your digital layout’s aspect ratio should closely match your selected paper size or be easily adaptable to it.

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### Add or Open a Print Layout

When you open a layout in the Layout Designer, you will first see the digital version.

* **If you already have a print layout saved**: Use the tab at the top of the screen to switch from the digital layout to your print layout.
* **If you don't have a print layout yet**:
  1. Use the **Add Print** button at the top of the Inspector.
  2. **Select and save a print size** that matches your printer paper (common sizes range from 2x6 to 8x6).
  3. **Duplicate (Optional)**: Most commonly used for photo strips, the duplicate option in the Inspector will place two copies of the template side-by-side. The final print size will be displayed for your reference.

<figure><img src="/files/HXsJUj4w7h0dxhTzOgUz" alt="" width="563"><figcaption><p>Add a print layout.</p></figcaption></figure>

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### Formatting Print Layouts

After selecting your paper size, your layout elements will appear on the canvas. You will use the same tools available in the Layout Designer for digital copies to adjust your print layout.

#### **Fill the paper's space completely**

If your picture frames and graphic elements don't fully fill the print preview, consider the following changes:

* **Change the frame aspect ratio**: A square cropped picture, for example, cannot fully fill a 4x6 piece of paper without leaving significant empty space. Adjust your crop to better match the paper dimensions.
* **Add or tweak graphic elements**: If you prefer a specific crop (like square), you can fill the remaining paper space by adding a logo or text above or beneath the photo frame.

{% hint style="info" %}
It may be easiest to start from scratch: delete the print layout, adjust the digital copy (to more closely match the paper size's aspect ratio), and then re-add the print layout.
{% endhint %}

#### **Creative ways to refine your design**

Your print layout does not have to be an exact replica of the digital version. You can customize it specifically for the physical takeaway:

* **Add a QR code**: Include a QR code that appears *only* on prints. Participants can scan the physical photo to visit your website or the event's gallery.
* **Simplify the design**: You might choose to remove certain overlays or logos for the print version to give participants a cleaner photo for their fridge, while keeping the digital version heavily branded for social sharing.
* **Background Colors**: Set a background color or upload a background image specifically for the print layout to ensure no "white" paper shows through if your frames don't cover the entire area.

***

### Testing Print Formatting

The print preview in the designer provides a close representation of the final physical copy. If the design looks off-center or poorly scaled in the preview, make further adjustments before printing to avoid wasting expensive media.

When you're ready to test:

* **In the App**: Tap the printer icon to connect to your printer and run quick test prints as you adjust settings. If you select a printer here, the app will remember it when you launch the booth.
* **Online (Dashboard)**: Use the save icon to download a copy of the print layout to your computer. You can then print this file from your computer's local print settings to check alignment.

Dialing in your print formatting may take a few test runs to get perfectly aligned.


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