ColorNestHow to Print Coloring Pages
Printing a ColorNest page takes about 30 seconds. Here is everything you need for a clean, full-size result.
What you need
- Printer: Any inkjet or laser printer works. Black-and-white mode uses far less ink.
- Paper: Standard 20 lb (75 gsm) printer paper is fine for crayons and dry pencils. Step up to 24 lb (90 gsm) or cardstock (60–80 lb / 160–200 gsm) if you plan to use markers, watercolors, or gel pens.
- PDF viewer: Adobe Acrobat Reader, the built-in viewer in Chrome, or your OS's default PDF app all work.
Step 1 — Download the PDF
On any coloring page, click Download PDF. The file downloads to your usual downloads folder. Alternatively, click Print to go straight to the browser print dialog, or open the Print View for a clean full-screen version.
Step 2 — Open the print dialog
Open the PDF in your viewer and press Ctrl + P (Windows / Linux) or Cmd + P (Mac). In your browser, File → Print also works.
Step 3 — Printer settings
- Paper size: US Letter (8.5 × 11 in) is the default. A4 (210 × 297 mm) also works — the image scales automatically.
- Scaling: Set to Fit to page (sometimes labeled "Fit" or "Shrink to fit"). This ensures the full image prints without cropping.
- Orientation: Portrait for most pages.
- Color: Black and white / grayscale is fine and saves ink. Color mode adds no benefit for a coloring page.
- Quality: Normal or Standard quality is sufficient. High quality only matters if you see banding on large areas of grey.
- Margins: Set to None or Minimum for the largest possible image. Most printers have a small non-printable border; this is normal.
Step 4 — Print and color
Collect your page and pick up your coloring tools. Let the ink dry for about 30 seconds before touching the surface if you used an inkjet printer.
Tips by coloring medium
| Medium | Best paper | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Crayons | Standard 20 lb | Works on any surface; press lightly for lighter tones |
| Colored pencils | Standard or 24 lb | Layer colors for depth; burnish on top for a glossy finish |
| Washable markers | 24 lb recommended | Can bleed through thinner paper; use cardboard underneath |
| Alcohol markers | Cardstock 60+ lb | Bleed significantly — use a bleed-proof sheet or cardstock |
| Watercolors | Cardstock 80+ lb | Wet standard paper warps; thicker cardstock handles moisture better |
| Gel pens | Standard or 24 lb | Excellent for fine details and metallic effects on dark-colored areas |
Printing multiple copies
Every ColorNest page can be printed as many times as you need for personal or classroom use. Print one test copy first to check scaling, then print your full batch. See the license page for usage details.
Troubleshooting
- Image is cropped: Make sure scaling is set to "Fit to page," not "100%" or "Actual size."
- Image is tiny in the center: Your viewer may be adding large margins. Switch to a PDF app that respects the "Fit" setting.
- Lines look fuzzy: Try printing at a higher quality setting, or switch from inkjet to laser if available.
- Ink smears: Wait 60 seconds after printing before coloring on inkjet output; laser output is ready immediately.