How to print your templates at home
Last updated: September 17, 2026Every Koi design comes as a high resolution PDF, and most of them also in Canva. The final result depends as much on how you print as on the design itself. With these settings a home printer delivers even pieces, at the right size and with true colors.
What to have ready before you start
Get everything together before the first sheet goes through. That way you do not waste ink and paper on avoidable tests.
- The PDF downloaded to your computer
- Paper in the right weight for the piece you are building
- Scissors or a craft knife and a metal ruler
- Glue stick or liquid glue
- Enough ink in all four colors
Always print at actual size
The most common mistake is leaving fit to page turned on. That checkbox shrinks the design by 3 to 6 percent, and the pieces stop matching when you assemble them.
In the print dialog choose Actual size or 100 percent scale, and check that the selected paper matches what is in the tray, letter or A4.
Turn the print quality up
In your printer options look for Quality and pick High or Best. Set the paper type to cardstock or heavy paper when you use a high weight: the printer slows down and the ink sets better.
If your printer leaves lines or dull colors, run a print head cleaning before the full run.
Test on plain paper first
Print a single page on regular paper and measure the piece with a ruler. If the measurements are right, save those settings and move on to cardstock.
That test costs one sheet and saves a whole pack of cardstock.
Cut and assemble for a clean finish
Cut along the outer edge of the design: scissors for curves, craft knife and ruler for straight lines. Before folding, score every fold line with the closed tip of your scissors or an empty pen; the crease comes out straight and clean.
Apply glue to the tabs, press for a few seconds and let it dry before filling.
If you do not own a printer
Take the PDF exactly as you downloaded it to a print shop and ask for full color laser printing at 100 percent scale, on the paper recommended for that piece. Do not let them shrink or crop the file to fit.
Always ask for one test sheet before they print the full batch.
Frequently asked questions
Can I print an A4 design on letter paper?
Yes, as long as nobody resizes it. Printed at 100 percent the piece stays the same; only the white margin around it changes.
Why do colors look different from my screen?
A screen lights the color up and paper reflects it. Raise the print quality and use bright white paper: the difference against recycled paper is huge.
How many times can I print the same design?
As many as you need for your own gifts and products. What is not allowed is sharing or reselling the digital file.
