Can You Print on Notebook Paper? How to Do It

Before you start

Use loose-leaf filler paper, not sheets torn from a spiral notebook. Ragged edges and leftover perforations jam printers.
Check the size. US filler paper is usually 8 × 10.5 inches, slightly smaller than Letter. Set a custom paper size in the print dialog, or the printer may complain or misalign the page.
Feed one sheet at a time through the manual or rear feed if your printer has one. Hole-punched edges catch less that way.
Mind the holes. Load the paper so the punched edge goes in last, or turn it so the holes are on the side the printer does not grab.

Lining text up with the rules

Set the document’s line spacing to match the paper: 20.25 pt for college ruled (9/32 in), 24.75 pt for wide ruled (11/32 in). In Word or Google Docs, use “Exactly” line spacing, not “Single”.
Set the top margin so the first line of text falls on the first ruled line. Most filler paper has about 1 inch before the first rule.
Set the left margin to just past the red margin line, about 1.3 inches.
Print a test page on plain paper, hold it over a notebook sheet against a window and adjust the top margin in small steps.

The easier alternative

If you only need the look of notebook paper, print the lines yourself. A lined paper template printed on regular printer paper gives the same college or wide ruling, fits Letter or A4 exactly and never jams. You can even print your text and the lines in one go by using the template as the page background in your word processor.

In practice

A teacher wants to add typed prompts to ruled notebook paper without buying special sheets. Printing on the paper works if the printer can feed it, the lines are aligned, and the ink has time to dry before the pages are stacked.

Common mistakes

Problem	Usually because	What to do
The paper jams	It is too thin or curled	Use the rear/manual feed and flatten the sheet
Text does not sit on the lines	The PDF was scaled	Print at 100% and match the margins
Ink smears	Inkjet ink on coated paper	Use plain paper and let it dry

Frequently asked questions

Can you print on notebook paper?

Yes, if your printer can feed thin paper. Use the manual feed or rear tray, choose a light or plain setting, and let the ink dry before stacking.

Will the printed lines line up with the notebook paper?

They line up if you print at 100% or “Actual size” and set the same margins. Test one sheet before printing a whole pack.

Does printing on notebook paper smudge?

Inkjet ink can smudge on thin paper. Laser printers are less likely to smudge; give inkjet pages a minute to dry and avoid touching the printed lines.

Can I print on both sides of notebook paper?

Yes, but thin paper may show through. Print one side, let it dry, then feed the sheet again for the second side.

Is printing on notebook paper cheaper than buying pads?

Usually yes if you already own a printer. A ream of paper and a little toner costs less than a pack of ruled pads, and you can choose the ruling.

Printables used in this guide

Lined paper Wide, college or narrow ruled