Select File > Print.
Last updated on
Oct 22, 2026
Learn how to select media sizes and page orientation in Adobe Illustrator.
These settings apply only to printed output—your artboard stays the same size. To change the artboard itself, edit your artboards, use the Artboard Options dialog, or the Control panel.
By default, Illustrator uses the page size from your printer's PPD (PostScript Printer Description) file. You can select any media size supported by that PPD or define custom dimensions if your printer allows.
Configure page size and orientation
In the General section, select your page size from the Media Size dropdown list. For custom sizes, select Custom from the dropdown, then enter dimensions in the Width and Height fields.
Select an Orientation option.
Select the Transverse checkbox to rotate the printed artwork 90 degrees.
Check the preview window to confirm your page layout.
Select Print.
The orientation options control how your artwork is positioned on the printed page:
|
Orientation |
Description |
|
Portrait Up |
Prints in portrait orientation, right side up. |
|
Landscape Left |
Prints in landscape orientation, rotated to the left. |
|
Portrait Down |
Prints in portrait orientation, upside down. |
|
Landscape Right |
Prints in landscape orientation, rotated to the right. |
Note
The Transverse option requires PPD support for both transverse printing and custom page sizes. Check your printer documentation to confirm availability.
Best practices for page size and orientation
Account for imageable area differences
The imageable area is where your printer can apply ink or toner. It may differ between printers, even for identical media sizes, such as US Letter. The PPD file defines these boundaries, and the preview window shows the available print area.
Size your page for all print elements
Choose a media size large enough to accommodate your artwork plus any printer's marks, registration marks, or bleeds. If your page size is too small, these elements may be clipped.
Save materials when possible
For imagesetter output, select the smallest page size that fits your artwork and marks. This reduces film or paper waste. If your imagesetter can orient the longest dimension of your artwork along either axis, using Transverse or changing the orientation can save material.
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