This post for How to Print a Printable contains affiliate links. I make a small portion when these links are used, at no additional cost to you.

The question I get most from readers is always about how to download and print a printable. I've had this question pop up for years and I usually reply to an email or comment with lots of specifics. I thought I'd go ahead and create a complete post (including a video tutorial) to make this a bit easier. I've even included tips on how to print a printable using a local professional print shop, too. Check it all out below.

Whether you're using a Mac or PC, I have you covered in the printing department. I get countless emails asking about the best way to download and print printables. We're chatting about all of the best tips and tricks for getting these lovelies off of your computer and framed on your wall. Hope you enjoy the complete, step-by-step video and photo tutorials below. 

What is a Printable?

Let's go a little Vince Lombardi and go back to basics for a moment. What is a printable? That term is a bit vague, isn't it? In this particular context and day and age, a printable is a piece of art or similar that you can download from a blog or website and use for decor, gifts, correspondence, organizational purposes, and more. Printables vary in size and type. Here on I Should Be Mopping the Floor, you'll find the following types of printables for you to download and use for your personal use:

• 8x10" framable art prints
• 5x7" framable art prints
• 4x6" framable art prints
• postcards
• banners (using individual printed pennants)
• greeting cards (print, trim, fold, and send!)
• Be sure to check out my greeting card blog, Print Pretty Cards, too. I have loads of free printable cards over there.
• gift tags
• coloring pages
• organizational lists
• and more!

How to Print a Printable

I created the following video tutorial to give you more of a visual for downloading and printing printables. It covers the process on both a Mac or a PC.  

Downloading Printables

If you don't care to watch the video, here is the method to download printables here on I Should Be Mopping the Floor, and then print them, too. I've tried to make it as simple as possible to download from our site. We even include alternate download links on most of our freebies, as well.

• Start by clicking on the Free Printables and Fonts tab or the Premium Printables tab.
• Then, select the type of printable you're looking for. On the Premium Printables page, you can just directly select the set you're looking for.
• Once you get to your category page, choose your printable and click on it.

• We're still working to update all of our free printables to look like the above one (there are thousands of them, so it takes a bit). But, hopefully you'll see something like the above on your printable page. (UPDATE: I now include Google Drive download links, as well.)
• Decide which format and size is best for your needs, then select it (pictured above).
• You can also choose to download via the Dropbox link at the bottom of all of the selections (pictured above). Or, again, the new Google Drive option.

• If you go the traditional (non-Dropbox) route for downloading our printables, you'll then be taken directly to the download page. Click the 'Download' button on the top right hand corner of the page. Your download will immediately begin.
• Once your download is complete, simple click on the actual download to open it. Then print in the manner you normally print on your computer (or upload to a local printer shop).

• If you choose our alternate Dropbox link, you'll be taken to the above Showcase on Dropbox. Simply choose your format and size and click to start downloading. 
• Once your download is finished, click on your actual download to open it. Then print in the manner you normally print on your computer (or upload the printable to a local printer shop).

 Paper for Printable Printing

• As I explained in the video, I prefer to print most of my at-home items onto white card stock. It's easy to grab here on Amazon Prime for the best price around.
• Printing on white cardstock means you'll get the best possible outcome. If you use plain, thin printer paper, chances are that when your print is framed, whatever is behind it in the frame (often a cardboard backing) will show through and give your printable a tinge of that color throughout.
• Also be sure to use cardstock on all of our greeting card printables, banner printables, gift tag printables, and printable labels, as well. If you use regular paper, the paper tends to curl up on the edges.
• I also explained that I enjoy using printable sticker paper from time to time. It makes it easy to turn almost any printable into a sticker. Grab sticker paper here on Amazon.

The Best Printers for At-Home Printing

• My printer isn't a fancy one, but it works great for my needs (and y'all, all I do is print printables). I use an HP Deskjet 3755 (grab it here on Amazon for less than $50). I am enrolled in the HP Ink Club, so I never buy ink, either...they just send it to me when my printer lets them know it's low. This isn't a sponsored post, either...I just really like this service. 
• If you're looking for something a bit more heavy duty, I also use this HP LaserJet Pro. It's a bit pricier, but it does a nice job.

Ready for Free Printables to Print? 

Here are some of my FAVES:

• My gallery of Free Inspirational Printables are always popular.
• My gallery of Free Organizational Printables is a reader favorite, as well.
• My friend, Kristin from Yellow Bliss Road has loads of free printables, too. 
• And the Lil' Luna blog is another fantastic source for free printables.