printing 3x5 index cards

[Byrd110]

I've tried printing on a 3x5 index card an I keep getting an error message that photo paper is not loaded. The photo paper tray is stationary and you can't adjust for size.  It is only 4x6.  How do I print on a 3x5 index card.  This is always how I print all my recipes to keep them neat.

[Dragon-Fur]

@Byrd110

I believe you can print on the 3X5 inch cards though it does appear you will have to create a Custom paper size form to do so.

Creating Custom Paper Sizes

If "custom paper forms" are available (allowed) for your printer, find the setup:

Control Panel > icon view > Devices and Printers >

Left-Click on your Printer one time to highlight >

Left-Click Print Server properties

Hint:  Start with an "Index" card of similar size to create your custom paper form.

Many printers restrict the photo tray to one or possibly two sizes of paper, usually (not always) of Media type (kind of paper) Photo.

Remove the paper from the main tray - load in a small stack of your Index cards (at least five to maybe fifteen cards), face side down, short end front and back.

Media type = (paper type)  Index card or similar, maybe "card stock".  For example, if all else fails, choose brochure or Presentation.  The point is to choose something that will tell the printer the paper is "thicker" than normal paper without tripping of the printer's "sensor" for photo paper.  (Try to avoid selecting Photo paper.)

Paper size = your new little custom form.  Not always, but sometimes you have to select the paper size and THEN the Media type to keep the little yellow triangle of doom from disallowing your "combination" of paper type, paper size, and tray.

Source = tray 1 -- again, sometimes it is a matter of "the order in which you select" that either allows or "disallows" a combination.   Disallowed (illegal) combinations are marked with the tiny yellow triangle.

I wish I could be more specific about this "combination" effect...  Meh.

Sometimes if you forget something, the software will actually offer to automatically fix any conflicts.  Nice.  But you have to pay attention to what was changed to make sure you are going to get what you want.

Cannot get what you want no matter what?  I don't have a fix for that -- depends on "what" is wrong, stuck, rejected...

Orientation can be tricky and much might depend on the software you are using to submit the job to the printer.

For example,

If you are using Word > Layout > Size = 3x5 inch index card >

Margins = Narrow

Orientation = Landscape

Under Printer Properties 

Select Paper type

Select / verify Source (tray 1)

Under Paper / Quality

Printing Quality = Normal

Paper Quality > Advanced 

Select Index card 3X5 inches (or whatever you named your little custom form)

OK to leave "Advanced" menu

Under Printing Shortcut 

If you like, click "Save as" and save your setup.

For example, save as "Little 3X5 inch card - Landscape"

OK to leave the Printing Shortcut menu

Verify the rest of your setup in the Word > File > Print page 

and Print

I would print one card as a test to make sure the setup and orientation results are as expected.

References

Printer Homepage – “Things that are your printer”

Drivers and Software, Videos, How-to, Troubleshooting, Manuals, Product Information, and more

HP OfficeJet 5740 e-All-in-One Printer series

Dragon Document – Collection of Help, suggestions, and examples:

Printing Labels_Business-Cards_Cards

Print Labels, Business Cards, Cards, Booklet

Topics / Subjects include:

• Preparation and Setup
• Labels, Cards, and Business Cards
  • Office Word

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[athenaacapella]

Hi I was wanted to know how I could print on the front and back of my index card using printer HP 5740 in word (Mac)

[Dragon-Fur]

@athenaacapella

In general, when the printer supports Custom Sizes, you can create a custom paper size form in Mac.

Creating Custom Paper Sizes

Unfortunately, I do not "speak" Mac OS.

Hint:  When selecting a "template" form from which you will make your new custom form, try to find a form of the same type.  For example, look for a "starting form" that includes the word "Index".

Example - Creating new Index form size in Windows

Custom_Form_Index_Card_9x12

I can point you to the general "how to" document for adjusting the driver settings:

Print Driver Settings Guide (Mac)

Assuming the custom form is created and that it is then supported (listed) in your templates / shortcuts / Presets, I should think you could adjust the other settings for Media (kind of paper), Source (Tray 1), and then set the Paper Size to your custom form.

Remember that the "combination" of Media, Source, and Paper Size must be allowed.  At least in Windows, if you try to select an "unsupported" bit in combination with other settings, you will see a tiny yellow triangle of doom in the "unsupported" selection list.  Sometimes, just selecting the settings in a different order will untangle the configuration.

Be aware that the ADF is (perhaps) more restrictive about paper sizes than is the internal standard Tray.  Check the printer's Specifications for Paper Handling.

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