Printable Calendar Printing Guide & FAQ
Printable Calendar Printing Guide & FAQ
Every printable calendar from El and Al Co. is delivered as an instant PDF download in US Letter and A4 sizes. This guide covers everything you need to get a great result whether you're printing at home or handing the file off to a local print shop.
File Format & Download Delivery
What file format will I receive?
All files are delivered as high-resolution PDFs. PDFs preserve layout, fonts, and color fidelity regardless of the device or printer you use.
How do I receive my file after purchase?
You'll receive a download link via email immediately after checkout. You can also access your files any time from the Downloads section of your order confirmation page. No physical item is shipped.
Can I re-download my file if I lose it?
Yes. Your download link remains active — log in to your account and visit your order history to access previous purchases.
Paper Sizes
Which paper sizes are included?
Each calendar download includes two size options:
- US Letter — 8.5 × 11 in (the standard for most North American home printers)
- A4 — 210 × 297 mm (standard in Europe, Australia, and most international printers)
Select the file that matches your printer's default paper tray before printing.
Can I print at a size other than Letter or A4?
The PDFs are sized for Letter and A4. You can scale down to a smaller sheet using your print dialog's Fit to Page option, but scaling up beyond the supplied size may reduce sharpness. We do not include custom sizes beyond what is listed on each product page.
Recommended Paper Weight & Finish
What paper weight should I use?
For a desk or wall calendar you'll display, we recommend:
- Home printing: 24 lb / 90 gsm text weight at minimum; 32 lb / 120 gsm bond for a noticeably sturdier feel
- Print shop: 60–80 lb text (90–120 gsm) for standard output; 100 lb / 150 gsm cover stock for a card-like weight
Standard 20 lb / 75 gsm copy paper works in a pinch but may show ink bleed-through on designs with dark backgrounds.
Matte or glossy finish?
Our designs use neutral tones, minimal linework, and editorial photography that suit both finishes. Matte paper reduces glare and is easier to write on; glossy or semi-gloss makes colors and photography look sharper. Choose based on whether the calendar is primarily for writing or display.
Printing at Home
How do I print from the PDF?
- Open the PDF in Adobe Acrobat Reader (free) or your system PDF viewer.
- Choose File → Print.
- Set Page Scaling to Actual Size — not Fit to Page — so dimensions stay true to the design.
- Select the correct paper size (Letter or A4) in your print dialog.
- Print a single test page before printing the full set.
My colors look different on paper than on screen — why?
Monitors display color in RGB (light-based), while printers reproduce color in CMYK (ink-based). Neutral tones, warm whites, and muted greens can shift slightly between the two. This is normal and varies by printer model and ink. Printing a test page and adjusting your printer's color settings is the most reliable fix. We cannot guarantee an exact color match across all home printer models.
The printed calendar has a white border I didn't expect — is that normal?
Most home inkjet and laser printers cannot print edge-to-edge (non-printable margin, typically 0.12–0.25 in / 3–6 mm). The white border is your printer's hardware limit, not a file error. For a true borderless result, use a print shop that supports borderless output.
Local Print Shop Handoff
Can I take the PDF to a local print shop?
Yes. The PDFs are formatted for professional print output. Hand the file to any copy center (FedEx Office, Staples, or a local printer) and request the size and stock you want.
What should I tell the print shop?
- File format: PDF, print-ready
- Color mode: Color or black & white depending on the design
- Paper size: US Letter or A4
- Paper weight: Your preference (see above)
- Scaling: Print at 100% / Actual Size — do not scale to fit
Bleed & Trim
Do the files include bleed?
The PDFs are sized to their trim dimensions (Letter or A4) and do not include a separate bleed allowance. If your print shop requires bleed, ask them to print with a small white border rather than extending the design. Designs with backgrounds that reach the edge of the composition are intended for borderless output at a professional printer.
What if the print shop asks about crop marks?
Crop marks are not embedded in these files. The sheet edge serves as the trim line. Most professional print shops can add crop marks in-house when processing a PDF.
Week Start: Sunday vs. Monday
Do the calendars start on Sunday or Monday?
Week-start day varies by design — each product page specifies which day the week begins. Check the product description or preview images before purchasing. If you're unsure, contact us before buying.
Licensing & Personal Use
Can I print multiple copies for my own use?
Yes. Your purchase includes a personal use license that covers printing as many copies as you need for yourself, your home, or your office.
Can I share or resell the file?
No. Files may not be shared, redistributed, resold, or used for commercial purposes. Each purchase is licensed for the buyer's personal use only.
Still have questions? Contact us — we're happy to help before you print.