How to print 3x5 Index Cards and 3.5 x 6.5 Envelopes in Word 2007

CluelessInSeatl · 10 Feb 2015

I've been using Word 2003 for a long while, and so have a large number of .dot files set up for printing onto 3x5 cards.

A while back I was given a hand-me-down PC with Word 2007 already installed on it. But when I try to print a from Word 2007 a .doc file that was based on one of my .dot files for printing 3x5 cards, the better part of the text doesn't print on the card. It appears that Word 2007 is is trying to print on 8.5x11.5 paper, even though I'm using the manual feeder on my HP LaserJet P1006 printer, and have set the paper size to 3" x 5" in Word.

So I end up having to go to the other room, and and send the same file over my network from my old computer running Word 2003 to the same printer. Then the file prints out properly onto the 3x5 card.

What's the trick to telling Word 2007 that I'm trying to print onto a 3x5 index card?

Will in Seattle a.k.a. "Clueless"

Lady Fitzgerald · 10 Feb 2015

Actually, you may need to tell your printer you are printing on 3x5 stock. Also, check your printer settings to make sure 3x5 stock is a standard size. If not, you may have to add it.

Berton · 11 Feb 2015

It may also be easier to use Avery Dennison card stock for 3x5, 4x6 or postcards. They are on 8.5"x11" sheets and micro-perforated for easy separation. The Avery number for 4"x6" postcards is 5389 for my Laserjet printer but can be used in my Inkjet printer. Some printers' paper trays simply can't be adjusted down to hold the smallest sizes which makes those on sheets easier to manage. [I actually use WordPerfect for most of my label, business card and envelope printing, easier than Word.]

whs · 11 Feb 2015

See picture of printer properties.

CluelessInSeatl · 12 Feb 2015

Berton said:

It may also be easier to use Avery Dennison card stock for 3x5, 4x6 or postcards. They are on 8.5"x11" sheets and micro-perforated for easy separation. The Avery number for 4"x6" postcards is 5389 for my Laserjet printer but can be used in my Inkjet printer. Some printers' paper trays simply can't be adjusted down to hold the smallest sizes which makes those on sheets easier to manage.

Hi Berton! Thanks for offering to help me on this.

Actually, my printer has an adjustable paper tray for printing 3x5 cards. And it works fine for printing 3x5 cards when I print from Word 2003. So I'm operating on the assumption that the problem is not with the card feeder, since it is still functioning properly. In fact, what I have to do to print 3x5 cards is go to my computer in the other room, open the file I want to print from the Word 2003 I have installed on that computer, and then send the file from there to the printer.

A minor nuisance, but a nuisance nonetheless.

[I actually use WordPerfect for most of my label, business card and envelope printing, easier than Word.]

"WordPerfect"?! Now there's a name I haven't heard in a long, long while! I was a WordStar guy, myself. In CP/M, no less.

And thanks for that picture of the printer properties set-up page. Up to now I've never had to fiddle with my HP LaserJet P1006 settings. It always just took the settings from whatever program I was printing from. I'm still hoping I can figure out how to get Word 2007 to send the correct settings to the printer, instead of my having to learn how to re-jigger the printer every time I want to print on different sizes of paper, cards, envelopes, etc.

Thanks again for your help,

Will in Seattle
a.k.a. "Clueless"

Dickroberts · 12 May 2015

Hi! In order to facilitate and automate the printing of documents in Word 2007, install FolderMill (http://www.foldermill.com/). This program assumes the entire printer setup and management, as well as automatically convert document formats.

Lady Fitzgerald · 12 May 2015

CluelessInSeatl said:

...Up to now I've never had to fiddle with my HP LaserJet P1006 settings. It always just took the settings from whatever program I was printing from. I'm still hoping I can figure out how to get Word 2007 to send the correct settings to the printer, instead of my having to learn how to re-jigger the printer every time I want to print on different sizes of paper, cards, envelopes, etc.

Thanks again for your help,

Will in Seattle
a.k.a. "Clueless"

The problem isn't with Word—it sends the correct data to the printer. The problem is with your current printer. Many newer printers have to have the size specified in its driver to be able to properly print. My old HP printer would print any size Word doc I threw at it without a problem. My current Samsung has only so many standard sizes; to print a custom size, I have to go into the driver software to create a custom size that I can print. For some odd reason, #6 envelopes were not a standard size; I had to create a custom setting for it. Once I did that, I was able print them automatically.

My old HP would handle different media densities without a hitch. My current Samsung POS has to be told to ignore the default paper density every time I print an envelope or 3x5 card. Fortunately for me, the printer is within fairly easy reach of my computer chair (I have to lean over a wee bit) so I can hit the OK button once or twice (it seems to depend on the printer's "mood") to get the printout to go through.

That's just my printer, though. Your printer may have different settings that may require you to make a custom size every time you use it or otherwise behave differently.