How to Re-Size a PDF Printable for Filofax, Erin Condren, etc…

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So, there is a common misconception that you have to have a PDF CREATED in a certain size. However, you can easily re-size a PDF printable. If you look on your handy dandy print preferences, you will see that you can take any old 8 1/2 x 11 PDF and make it any size you need… perfect for your smaller binders… and saving paper!

Now, all printers are not created equal, but I will give you a tutorial of how it works on MY printer. Yours should be VERY similar. I’m starting off showing how to resize to A5 (perfect for Filofax A5 binders) or another preset page size, and down below I’m going to show you how to scale your printable down to 50% for planners such as Arc Jr, daytimer desk sized, etc…  or 84% which is what I do for my Erin Condren Life Planner. 

Psst… before you dive in, be sure to sign up for my email list. You’ll get updates on any new planner tutorials that I post, plus access to my free library of printables.

1. Pull up your PDF for printing

(you can use Adobe Reader which is free from Adobe.com)

1. Select File

2. Select Print

You can see under size it says my document is 8 1/2 x 11.

1. Click Page Setup

This button may say page setup, preferences, etc… the wording my vary depending on the printer but just click around until you find what you are looking for (then write down the directions for your printer in case you forget before the next time you need this!)

1. Beside where it says Paper & Size there is a drop down menu

2. Select the size you need. Most planners come in sizes such as “A5” which you see there as an option.

3. Select A5

Now it takes me back to the previous screen, and you can see where the size is the dimensions for A5, PRESS PRINT!

 Okay, so I recently upgraded my printer and found resizing to be a bit more tricky. One thing’s for sure- check your settings on the main print window, for mine I choose Fit under the Sizing section, and I have to make sure that the “Choose paper source by PDF size” is NOT checked, otherwise my printer gets angry. I hope this tutorial has been helpful!

Now for scaling the printable. This method is much simpler, but it’s tricky with the scale getting the size just right. I trust this method if I’m wanting half size printables or if I’m going to put a page into my Erin Condren Life Planner (I use 84% for those pages!)

For this method on the main print window just select Custom Scale & enter your percentage. Here I’m using 50%. Press Print!

There you go!

My results:

Now, please keep in mind when resizing, you may have some extra margin space depending on what size paper you are going to. Generally, by scaling down the print size you avoid this, but when using a preset paper size such as A5 it’s likely to happen because the ratio between the two sizes is not the same. I hope that makes sense! I personally would scale mine down to 50%, even if I had an A5 Filofax because the sizes are very similar and this would give you more printable and less extra margin space.

If you are looking for some tools for printing printables, here’s what I recommend-

Questions!? Leave them in the comments & I’ll do my best to answer them if I can!

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