Print on custom paper size

[horst39]

I have a Windows 10 PC with a HP8610 printer.
I want to print on a custom paper size, but going to "Preference/Layout/Advanced: Format" after having selected my printer, I cannot find it.

There I see just about 15 paper sizes. This happens on ALL applications I have (Corel Draw 6, Libre Office, Firefox etc.).

When I select as printer "Microsoft XPS Document Driver" instead of HP8610 I see over 100 different paper sizes including the one I am searching for..

Is this a Windows or a HP issue?

[Dragon-Fur]

@horst39 

Generally, there are two ways to create a custom paper size form - the method depends on the printer software (and the age of the printer / software).

For example, your older printer / software "custom paper size" form setup (assuming it is supported) is likely as shown below in the first example (in Devices and Printers > Print Server Properties).

Custom Form

HP Document:

HP Printers - Creating Custom Paper Sizes

1. Availability (of the Custom Form feature) and how the form is created depends on printer model and software and Operating System / Version.
2. Custom Paper form as described requires that the Full Feature Software has been installed.
3. If the feature is at least partially supported the Custom Setup will be available in Devices and Printers OR in Printer Preferences.
4. If the feature is fully supported, the custom form can be created AND then used with the printer software.

Where Located

• Devices and Printers > Print Server Properties

OR

• Printer Preferences > Print Dialog > Paper / Quality > Custom setting box

Example 1

Control Panel > icon view > Devices and Printers >

Left-Click on your Printer one time to highlight >

Left-Click Print Server Properties (along the top ribbon)

Custom_Form_Index_Card_6x8

Example 2

Control Panel > icon view > Devices and Printers >

Right-Click on your Printer > If necessary, select printer from drop down menu / list

Printing Preferences > tab Paper/Quality > Custom

9025_Printing_Preferences_Quality-Paper_Custom_1

Important

Depending on Printer Model / Software, changing the paper in the tray may require that the paper settings be adjusted on the printer control panel.

• Open Tray> Remove existing paper, load new Paper > Check printer control panel: “Modify” > select Paper Size or “Custom” > OK

NOTE:  If the size of the Paper Size is not in the Drop-down list, Select Custom

====================================================================

More about Custom settings on the printer

If the printer is on the network, you might be able to use the Embedded Web Server (EWS) to set the paper size.

Example - Officejet Pro 8630 - EWS - Preferences > Paper Settings

EWS_8630_Settings_Preferences_Paper-Settings_Custom_1

Reminder:  Newer printers / software define these settings in different tabs / options in EWS.

NOTE

The extent that your software can use the custom paper size form is not controlled by the printer software.

Reference and Resources – Places to find (more) help and learn about your Printer

Clarification of terms and "what the printer can do" (Specifications)

Printer Homepage – “Things that are your printer”

NOTE:  Content depends on device type and Operating System

HP Drivers / Software / Firmware Updates, How-to Videos, Bulletins/Notices, Lots of How-to Documents, Troubleshooting, Access to the Print and Scan Doctor (Windows), User Guides, Product Information, more

When the website support page opens, Select (as available) a Category > Topic > Subtopic

HP Officejet Pro 8610 e-All-in-One Printer series

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[horst39]

Sorry, but under "Paper/Quality" I don't have anywhere the "Custom" button, just the "Advanced" one.

[Dragon-Fur]

@horst39 

Understood.

The form for your printer is likely similar to the one shown in Example 1.

The older printers / software that support custom forms do so using a different path / form setup than that used in the newer printers / software.

and / or

refer to the document provided:

HP Document:

HP Printers - Creating Custom Paper Sizes

If the setup to create the custom form is "not there" and "not anywhere" then

The Full Feature Software is not installed (required)

and / or

The feature is not supported on your printer in spite of all evidence to the contrary.  Unlikely but possible.

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[ShlomiL]

Hi,

Your printer only supports Custom Paper Sizes on Mac, not on Windows (See 'Paper-handling specifications > Supported custom sizes'):

https://support.hp.com/bg-en/document/c04085902

As a workaround you may set an alternate driver and check if that works:

1. Under Devices and Printers, right-click your printer and select Printer Properties.
2. Within the Ports tab, take note of the port used by your printer and close the window,
3. Click Add Printer.
4. Click The printer that I want isn't listed.
5. Select the last option to add a local printer or a network printer with manual configuration.
6. Select the same port as used by the printer.
7. Select HP from the Manufacturer list.
8. Select the HP Deskjet 6940 model from the list and complete the wizard, you may name the print queue as you like.
   Note: if it is not listed, click the Windows Update button and allow your computer to complete the update, it may take up to 10 minutes, then select the HP Deskjet 6940 printer.

Now try selecting the created custom size using the alternate driver and check if that works.

Shlomi

[horst39]

Dear Shlomil,

I followed your instruction, but when I had to search for Deskjet 6940 I couldn't find it (and there where about 1000 printers!).

Is there another way to get this driver?

[Dragon-Fur]

@horst39 

Example

Control Panel > icon view > Devices and Printers > Add a Printer

Click The printer that I want isn’t listed

Click Add a Local or Network Printer…

Click Next

Choose Printer Port

1. Select Use an existing port
2. Select first LPT port in list or for USB select (if available in list) USB port

OR (if having connection / OS WSD issues)

(Contributed by ShlomiL – Thread:  Add printer port)

1. Select Create a new port
2. Select Drop-down Menu Type of Port
3. TCP/IP Port > Enter the IP Address, Enter a name for the port

Install the Printer

1. Left column: HP
2. Right column: Scroll, search, select (click) printer

Add-a-Printer_Deskjet_6940_series

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[horst39]

Thank you, but as I already told you, I cannot find the HP Deskjet 6940 in this list.

Possibly this printer is not offered in Switzerland where I live.

Is there an alterative available?

[Dragon-Fur]

@horst39 

My apologies - it was not my intent to doubt you.  It was possible the name was missed due to it being slightly different from the search name.  Rats.

@ShlomiL is closer to your part of the world than I - and has a much deeper understanding of the alternative driver setup.

I will graciously take  my leave.

Thank you for participating in the HP Community Forum.

We are a world community of HP enthusiasts dedicated to supporting HP technology.

Click Thumbs Up on a post to say Thank You!

Answered? Select the relevant post "Accept as Solution" to help others find it.

[horst39]

Dear Schlomi

as told I couldn't find the Deskjet 6940 driver as possibly this printer is not sold in Switzerland where I live.
Is there any other driver I may try?