
Tips.Net > WordTips Home > Formatting > Borders and Shading > Non-printing Page Borders
Summary: With your page border in place, you might be surprised if you don’t see one side of the border (or all sides) print out with your document. Here’s the reason for the missing border sides and what you can do about it. (This tip works with Microsoft Word 97, Word 2000, Word 2002, Word 2003, and Word 2007.)
Periodically I have people inquire as to why one or more of their full-page borders don't print out. The short answer is: You are using too big of a page border. If the border extends too close to the edge of the paper, your printer may not be able to print it. This is because all printers have what is called "dead space" around the edges of the paper. This space is typically used for mechanical handling of the paper, and therefore cannot be printed upon. Different printers have different amounts of dead space; you should check with your printer manufacturer for complete information.
To correct your page borders and make sure they are not in the dead space area, follow these steps if you are using a version of Word prior to Word 2007:
If you are using Word 2007, the steps are slightly different:
When you reprint, if the border still won't print, then it could be an interaction between your page margin settings and your page border settings. You should make sure that the page border settings are larger than your dead space, but less than the applicable page margin. Thus, if your page border is set to print on the bottom at 36 points (one-half inch), then your page margin for the bottom of the page should be greater than one-half inch.
Tip #1830 applies to Microsoft Word versions: 97 2000 2002 2003 2007
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