The Chip Board
Custom Search
   


The Chip Board Recent Archive

Compact Image Printout For Chip Guide Query

I think I found a solution for you that offers the most compact image printout possible. The instructions below are specific to the Firefox browser in Windows 10. Should work similarly in other browsers like chrome, edge, etc. Looks complicated, but isn't (once you've done it the first time). I apologize for any over-explanation such as how to do a drag-select. Some users don't know all of the nerdy terminology I use, so I try to explain things as thoroughly as I can so everyone can use my techniques. I use meta keys (ALT, SHIFT, CNTL, WINDOW/START) for some steps. To use, press and hold the meta key while tapping the next key/letter ONCE.

1. Complete your query (in the attached example, I selected my own "want list" dropdown but you can print ANY search result).
2. Choose sort order. Set View to "Image". Set for 8 wide and 200 items per page.
3. Format page layout. Enter Print Setup by entering (ALT-F, Print Setup). DO NOT use the page setup function from the Print menu in the dropdown menu in the upper right as some of the options below are not available through that method.
3a. Under Format & Options, choose "Portrait", check the Fit to Page checkbox, and check the "Print Background (color & images)" box.
3b. Under Margins & Footers, set margins to .25" all around. Add "Date/Time" to bottom left footer. Add "Page # of #" to bottom right footer. Click OK. Caution: This change remains in effect for other tabs/pages.
4. For each page, select ONLY the chips you want to print.
4a. Use your mouse to drag-select the first couple of rows (left-click the gray area to left of top row and drag mouse down and to the right while holding down left mouse button).
4b. Scroll down to bottom of page (DO NOT CLICK ANYWHERE IN PAGE OR YOU'LL LOSE YOUR "SELECTION"). I prefer to press the END key (make sure numlock is off if using number keys).
4c. Press SHIFT-CLICK in gray area to right of TEXT below bottom row chips. All chips should now be selected, but the area above the chips should NOT be selected.
5. Print page to PDF file.
5a. Press CNTL-P to bring up print dialog box. At this point, you CAN use the print menu item from the dropdown menu in upper right, but it's an unnecessarily cluttered window for this example, so I suggest just using the shortcut CNTL-P.
5b. Choose "Microsoft Print To PDF". You may have to use the scroll bar below the printer list to slide right in order to find this option.
5c. Choose "Selection". If this is grayed out, it's because you lost your "selection". Go back to step 4 and make sure your chips are highlighted.
5d. Click Print. Choose folder to save your file in and give it a name.
6. Verify that it looks right.
6a. Open Windows File Explorer (keyboard shortcut: WINDOW-E or START-E)
6b. Since this is the newest file you created/modified, it will show up first in the Quick Access menu. Or go to the folder you saved it in.
6c. Double click the file and it should open in your default PDF reading app. If you don't have one, go to adobe.com and download/install their free reader.
6d. If you see something you don't like, go back to the printer setup and make whatever changes you desire (adding page numbers, for instance)
7. (Optional) Print your file (to the printer this time)
7a. From the PDF application, open the print dialog, select your real printer (not the PDF creator) and print away.

Example of final chip image PDF: https://www.dropbox.com/s/44vbv5fqjdej2kn/WantList-ChipGuide-images8x.pdf?dl=0 (shameless plug: If you have any of these for trade or sale, please contact me)
Example of final chip text PDF: https://www.dropbox.com/s/kdq0qb4ike55io1/WantList-ChipGuide-text.pdf?dl=0

Tips:
A. Choosing less columns will add more pages to your output. Not just because it's fewer chips per page, but with the "Fit to page width" option selected, the chips will be much wider AND taller, which extends the printout vertically.
B. Change the View to "Text" to get a nice list of your chips without pictures.
C. To save a bit of ink/toner, you can uncheck the "Print Background (images & colors)" in the page setup if you wish. This is ok for chips (especially if you have a final page that's mostly empty - you'll print a large gray area), but makes the Text list harder to read.
D. To save a bit of space on each page, you can omit the Date/Time and page numbers in the footers.

SCREENSHOTS:

Top of selection:

Bottom of selection (notice text below chips is NOT selected and wouldn't show up - except I fixed it before I printed the final version):

Print Setup (Format & Options):

Print Setup (Margins & Header/Footer):

Print Dialog Box:

Messages In This Thread

List Manager / Chip Guide Query Facilities?
On the Mac, you can export as a pdf
Re: On the Mac, you can export as a pdf
Re: On the Mac, you can export as a pdf
Re: On HP Laserprinter (pdf) ...
My Only Options Showing are....
Re: My Only Options Showing are....
I misunderstand a LOT!
Re: I misunderstand a LOT!
Compact Image Printout For Chip Guide Query
Re: Compact Image Printout For Chip Guide Query
Re: Compact Image Printout For Chip Guide Query
Re: Compact Image Printout For Chip Guide Query
Re: Compact Image Printout For Chip Guide Query

Copyright 2022 David Spragg