Green Print: Blog

Green Print Tips 2

More tips on how to reduce the amount you print and what you do need to print make sure it's the most efficient way of doing so !

Shrink to Fit

If your document overflows onto a second page consider saving paper and contributing to your Green Print goals by utilising the Shrink to Fit feature (you will also see it described as Shrink One Page).

There's no real magic to the Shrink One Page feature.  It simply applies a smaller font size and alters the spacing slightly in order to squeeze more text on the page.  (There may be House Style issues to consider).  It's really only practical where less than a handful of lines spill over to a second page – otherwise the resulting font size will be too small to read!

Word 2007: Office Button | Print | Print Preview | Preview | Shrink One Page

Word 2010: [Needs to be added to the Quick Access Toolbar] File | Options | Quick Access Toolbar | [Choose commands from] All Commands | Shrink One Page | Add.

Recycled Paper

Given we all seem more conscious of Green Print goals you could be forgiven for thinking the majority of printing paper on offer was recycled.  However whilst the paper will invariably be described as "recyclable", you will have to look closely at the description or the features of the advertised product in order to establish it's origins and green credentials. 

Split (Screen) Supposing you are composing text but have need to keep referring to various sections elsewhere in the current document.  An example might be a Management Overview at the beginning of the document, which is often best compiled once the main body of the document is complete.  Resist the temptation to print a hard copy to refer back to!

With the document displayed, opt for View | Window | Split.  You can now determine the position of the split (it doesn't have to be 50:50).  Scroll through the two screens independently - locate the portion you need to review in one and enter the new text in the other.  When you have finished simply View | Window | Remove Split.

Another Word feature designed to help you achieve your Green Print objectives.