How to Print a Banner With an Inkjet Printer

Home printers can be used for many different applications, including printing out a banner for special events like birthdays. The main problem with printing out banners on a home printer is getting the margins right. Here's how to get started.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Ink
• Tape or glue
• Inkjet printer
• Publishing software
• Paper

1. Get specialized software, such as Microsoft Publisher. While you can make banner-like objects with generalize word processor,s like Word or Works, by writing large-font words on individual papers, printing them out, and taping them together, that process is not the focus of this eHow.

2. In your publication program, choose "Banner" as the type of project. There may be a simple selection box or you may be able to work within a template. Templates tend to be easier. If your program does not have a banner template, you should be able to find one on the program's Web site.

3. Go through the template or selection menus and choose the options you want, such as the height and width of the banner, or the number of pieces you want to use. Choose whether you want the banner in black and white or in color. Banners will use a lot of ink, and color ink for inkjet printers is going to be very expensive.

4. Create the picture or the text of your banner in your publication software. When you are done, save the file.

5. Go through the menus and select the print option. Be certain your paper is loaded in the tray, and start to print.

6. Once your papers are printed out, tape or glue everything together, and put up your banner.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have created your banner using your publication software, and decide that you don't want to use up all of your ink, consider putting the file onto a disk and bringing it to a professional printer.

• Consider printing out a black and white banner. While inkjet printers are capable of printing out photo-quality projects, they tend to be small and use a lot of ink. If you are creating a banner that is several feet wide, you will use up tons of very expensive ink. A black and white banner may not be exactly what you want, but it can get the point across just as well.