How to Print Digital Images on Photo Paper

Printing an image from your PC to paper can often take away from the coloring and leave an originally brilliant and vibrant photo or digital work of art looking dull. Using photo paper is an excellent way to preserve that contrast in color that is oh-so-often lost when printing onto other types of paper.

1. Take the desired amount of photo paper sheets and load them
   into your printer. Photo paper has a glossy and a dull side, it's
   important to make sure you know which side your printer prints on so
   that the image prints on the glossy side. Top-loading printers
   typically feed straight down, meaning the glossy side should face
   outward. Bottom tray printers pull the paper through using rollers,
   meaning the glossy side should be placed face-down.


2. Have the image you intend to print open, it is important to
   do a final check to assure the image is as you want it to be, and no
   longer requiring any touch-ups. This cuts down on any risk of
   noticing flaws after printing has already completed.


3. Ensure the printer setting is oriented correctly. This is
   important to be sure that the image prints in the correct direction.
   Images that are vertical are called portrait. Images that are
   horizontal are called landscapes. You can make sure the computer
   knows which direction to orientate the image by going to "File," then
   selecting "Printer Setup." Once a setup window has opened, select "Printer Properties." You will notice several options. Find the one
   that reads “ Orientation” and select portrait or landscape, then
   hit "OK" or Apply."


4. Select the paper type by following the same path as before.
   File/Printer Setup/Printer Properties. Select the option for paper
   type. This will bring up many different forms of paper to choose
   from. Select glossy photo paper or high-quality glossy paper from
   the list. Once selected press "OK"or "Apply."  It is important to
   note that every printer installs its own unique printer access
   window. Options such as paper type may be located on a separate tab
   within the menu.


5. With the print set-up menu still open, be sure to adjust the
   print quality to a setting that matches your needs. Highest or best
   quality takes longer to print and uses more ink to better match
   colors. Draft quality is a quicker, and a less-detailed print for
   review purposes. Once the quality is set, click "OK" or "Apply."


6. Click on "File" and select "Print" from the drop-down menu. In
   the window that pops up, select the amount of copies you desire and
   simply click the "Print" button.