How to Change the Default Print Size on a Mac

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: October 30, 2022 Tested

To change the default paper size for printing, click the Apple menu → click System Preferences → click Printers & Scanners → click the Default Paper Size menu and choose your new size.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Setting a Paper Size

1
Click the Apple menu.
2
Click System Preferences. If a submenu opens instead, click the Show All button at the top of the window.

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3
Click Printers & Scanners.
4
Click the Default Paper Size menu.
5
Click the paper size that you want to set as default.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Creating a Custom Paper Size

1
Click the File menu in any app that can print. You'll need to open the system Print window to set a custom paper size.
2
Click Print.
3
Click Show Details.
4
Click the Paper Size menu.
5
Click Manage Custom Sizes.
6
Click the + button.
7
Type a name for the custom size.
8
Type the paper dimensions.
9
Type the non-printable area dimensions.
10
Click OK.
11
Select your new size using the method above. Your new custom size will appear at the bottom of the Default Paper Size menu.