What is the secrect to print 4x6 Index Cards in an HP C309a

[Gary-J]

I have a Microsoft Word Template for printing recipes on 4x6 Index Cards.    However, there is no known combination of settings on my HP C309a that will let me print Index Cards.    The built-in Printing Shortcuts contains an entry called Postcard Printing, but it call for using the Photo-Tray.     When I put my cards in the photo tray, it prints from the main tray.  If I remove the main tray it tells me add paper.

This is a very simple task.  Why does HP make it nearly impossible to do something as trivial as printing on an Index Card?  I'm wasting sheet after sheet of paper trying to figure this out.   I need detailed, step by step instructions on how to proceed.   

[8lives]

Did you change the Paper Source: to Photo Tray in the C309a print Preferences?

Also change the Size: to Index card 4x6in.?

[Gary-J]

Yes, I did try that and it made no difference.     I must admit, the timing of your reply is perfect.    Just yesterday I accidentally stumbled on the answer to this problem.   And it clearly demonstrates how poorly designed the printing feature is in Microsoft Word.

To print a 4x6" Index Card in Microsoft Word 2010, you must do the following on the Word Page Layout Toolbar:

1. Click on the Orientation Icon and select "Landscape".
2. Click on the Size Icon and select "Index Card 4x6 inch".
3. Click on Margins Icon and select "Narrow".

Place the Index Card stock in the Photo Tray and click on the Printer Properties for the HP C309a.   Then set the following preferences:

Printing shortcuts: General Everyday Printing
Paper source: Photo Tray
Paper sizes: Index Card 4x6 inch
Paper type: Automatic




After setting the Printer Properties,  you must set the layout and scaling.  

1. Click on the last drop-down setting in the Print Print Page.

2. Next click on Scale to Paper Size and select Borderless 4x6in from the list.

Lastly press the Print button.