How to Print Invitations at Home: Paper, Settings and Sizes

To print invitations at home, save your invitation as a high-quality PDF, load a smooth matte cardstock that your printer can handle, set the print scaling to “Actual size,” choose the highest quality setting, and print one test sheet before running the full batch. Trim with a paper cutter rather than scissors for clean, straight edges.

This guide covers the best paper for printing invitations, printer settings, how to print 5x7 invitations at home, and when a print shop makes more sense.

What You Need

• Your invitation saved as a PDF (best for printing) or a high-resolution image
• Cardstock or photo paper (see the table below)
• An inkjet or laser printer with enough ink or toner
• A paper cutter or trimmer, or a metal ruler and craft knife
• Envelopes, if you are handing them out or mailing them

If you have not finished editing your invitation yet, start with our guide on how to edit a digital invitation, and save a PDF version for printing.

Best Paper for Printing Invitations

Paper type	Weight	Look and feel	Good for
Regular printer paper	20 to 24 lb	Thin, flimsy	Test prints only
Light cardstock	65 lb cover	Sturdy, easy to feed	Most home printers, budget invites
Medium cardstock	80 to 100 lb cover	Card-like, premium feel	Most invitations
Heavy cardstock	110 lb cover and up	Very stiff	Only printers that support it
Matte photo paper	Varies	Smooth, vivid color, no glare	Colorful, photo-heavy designs
Glossy photo paper	Varies	Shiny, bold color	Photo invitations, 4x6 prints

A matte finish is the safest choice. It hides fingerprints, is easy to write on if you add a handwritten note, and suits most invitation designs. Glossy paper makes colors pop but shows smudges and glare.

Before you buy, check your printer’s manual or specifications for the maximum paper weight it supports. Feeding paper that is too thick is the most common cause of jams.

Printer Settings That Make the Difference

Open the print dialog and look for these settings. Names vary by printer, but the options are similar.

1. Paper size: Match the paper you loaded, such as Letter (8.5 x 11), 5x7 or 4x6.
2. Scaling: Choose “Actual size,” “100%,” or “No scaling.” Avoid “Fit to page,” which can shrink or stretch your design.
3. Paper type: Select “Cardstock,” “Matte,” “Heavy paper” or “Photo paper” so the printer adjusts ink and feed speed.
4. Quality: Choose “High” or “Best.”
5. Color: Make sure color printing is on, not grayscale.
6. Borderless: Only turn this on if your printer supports it and you want color right to the edge; otherwise leave a margin and trim.

Print a single test page on regular paper first to check the size and layout, then one on your cardstock to check color before printing the rest.

How to Print 5x7 Invitations at Home

5x7 is the most common invitation size and fits a standard A7 envelope. You have two options.

Option 1: Print Directly on 5x7 Cardstock

1. Load 5x7 cardstock into the printer’s main tray or rear feed, adjusting the paper guides to fit snugly.
2. In the print dialog, set paper size to 5x7.
3. Set scaling to “Actual size.”
4. Print one test, then the rest.

Not all printers handle small paper well. If yours jams or prints off-center, use option 2.

Option 2: Print Two per Letter-Size Sheet and Trim

1. Place two copies of your 5x7 design on a letter-size page, turned sideways and stacked one above the other, using a PDF or document program. Or print one per page and trim the excess.
2. Print on letter-size cardstock at “Actual size.”
3. Trim to 5 x 7 inches with a paper cutter.

Two 5x7 cards fit on one letter-size sheet with a little space left over, which makes this an efficient way to print.

Printing 4x6 Invitations

4x6 is a great size for toddler parties and photo-style invites. Most home photo printers handle 4x6 photo paper easily. Load it, set paper size to 4x6, choose “Photo paper” as the paper type and print. You can also fit up to three 4x6 invitations on a letter-size sheet and trim.

Trimming Tips for Clean Edges

• Use a paper cutter with a clamp or guide rather than scissors.
• Add light crop marks or a thin border in your file so you know exactly where to cut.
• Cut one edge at a time and keep the paper square against the guide.
• Stack only one or two sheets at a time on a basic trimmer to avoid uneven cuts.
• Round the corners with a corner punch for a finished look, if you like.

Home Printing vs Print Shop

	Print at home	Print shop
Best for	Small batches, last-minute	Larger quantities, heavy or specialty paper
Speed	Immediate	Same day to a few days
Paper options	Limited to what your printer feeds	Wide range, including thick and textured card
Trimming	You do it	Often available as a service
Control	Full control over tests and reprints	Less control, but consistent results

If you use a print shop, bring or upload a PDF, tell them the finished size you want, and ask them to print at actual size on the paper you choose. Ask for a single proof before they run the full order.

Troubleshooting Common Printing Problems

• Colors look dull: Switch the paper type to matte or photo and quality to high. Check ink levels.
• Colors look different from your screen: Screens are backlit, paper is not. Print a test and adjust the design slightly brighter if needed.
• Streaks or lines: Run your printer’s head-cleaning or alignment tool.
• Ink smudges: Let each sheet dry for a few minutes before stacking, especially on glossy paper.
• Design is cut off: Turn off borderless printing and set scaling to 100%.
• Paper jams: Your cardstock may be too thick. Try a lighter weight or feed one sheet at a time from the rear tray.

Handing Out or Mailing Printed Invitations

Printed invitations for kids’ parties are often handed out in person or at school. Check with your child’s teacher about backpack invitations first. For mailed invitations, allow extra time; our guide on when to send birthday invitations covers timelines. Many families also text a digital copy to parents; see how to send invitations by text.

Our editable invitations, like the Chugga Chugga Two Two train invitation, can be saved as a PDF for printing at home or at a print shop. If you are also printing decorations for the party, our train birthday party decorations guide has ideas that use the same paper.

Last tip: buy a little more cardstock than you need. A couple of spare sheets cover a test print, a misfeed and one extra invitation for the baby book.