Whether you’ve just downloaded a printable planner insert from Balancing Blessings or found a layout online that fits your needs, printing it correctly can make all the difference in your planning experience. To help you get the most out of your printables, here’s a simple guide that covers everything from paper type to printer settings—for both our full-size inserts (8.5″ x 11″) and half-size inserts (5.5″ x 8.5″).
Step 1: Choose the Right Paper
Not all paper is created equal—especially when it comes to selecting planner pages. You want paper that’s thick enough to prevent ink bleed but smooth enough to allow pens and highlighters to glide nicely. We recommend the following paper types:
- Premium 28–32 lb. paper, which is 105–120 grams per square meter (gsm) and bright white. This is great for a sturdy, smooth writing experience with minimal bleed-through.
- Matte presentation paper is ideal for color-rich layouts or inserts, such as our covers, dashboards, or dividers that feature photos or graphics.
Note: Pre-cut 5.5″ x 8.5″ paper is not necessary. Our half-size planner inserts are formatted two per sheet in landscape orientation, allowing you to print on standard paper and trim along the provided dotted guide down the center.
Step 2: Adjust Your Printer Settings and Print
Once your paper is loaded, double-check the following settings to avoid wasting ink or paper. Then print a sample page to check alignment, margins, and print quality.
✅ For 8.5″ x 11″ Inserts:
- Paper Size: Letter
- Orientation: Portrait
- Print Quality: Best or High (for clear lines and crisp text)
- Scaling: Select “Actual Size” or “100%” (not “Fit to Page”)
- Optional – Double-sided Printing: Select “Flip on long edge” if you’re printing front and back
✅ For 5.5″ x 8.5″ Inserts:
- Paper Size: Letter
- Orientation: Landscape
- Print Quality: Best or High (for clear lines and crisp text)
- Scaling: Select “Actual Size” or “100%” (not “Fit to Page”)
- Optional – Double-sided Printing: “Flip on short edge” for correct back alignment
Step 3: Cut & Punch (If Needed)
Use scissors or a paper trimmer to cut a clean, straight line in the center of the full sheet of paper to get two half-size inserts. Use a hole puncher (disc-bound preferred) to insert pages into your planner. if you want a more professional and polished look, use a corner rounder punch. Most come in 1/4″, 3/8″, or 1/2″ radius options, depending on how soft or dramatic you want the curve. Brands like Kadomaru Pro or We R Memory Keepers Corner Chomper are rated high on Amazon.com.
Final Thoughts
Printing your planner inserts gives you the flexibility to organize your life on your terms. With the right materials and a little setup, your pages will feel just as polished as any store-bought planner—if not better! Additional tips include using colored tabs or washi tape to separate sections (e.g., Budget, Health, Goals, Taskers, etc.). Also, on provided dividers or dashboards write the date or section name on the bottom corner to make flipping easy.