Borderless Printing: How to Print Edge-to-Edge

Wondering how to print borderless junk journal pages without that annoying white frame? This quick guide explains how to print borderless, why some printers leave a margin, and what to do if yours does — even when it says it prints edge-to-edge.

If you’ve ever printed a beautiful junk journal page only to find a white border around the edges… you’re not alone. I’ve heard from so many crafters who feel confused or even disappointed — especially when their printable looks borderless on screen.

Here’s the truth: printing borderless is less about the design file and more about what your printer can actually do. Some printers handle it beautifully. Others? Not so much — even if they promise they can.

And if you’re using A4 paper (which many of my international readers are), that little white margin is pretty much unavoidable. Why? Because my printables are 8.5 x 11 in (US Letter), but you can still get great results.

👉 Check my printing guide on how to print on letter and A4 paper

This post isn’t just about printer settings. It’s about expectations, workarounds, and creative solutions — so you can feel good about your printables and your finished journal. Let’s dive in!

🖨️ Why Your Printer Might Leave a White Edge

(Even in Borderless Mode)

Let’s clear something up right away: if you’ve ever printed one of my full-page designs and ended up with a white border around the edges — it’s not because the printable is flawed. And it’s definitely not because you did anything wrong.

It’s your printer — and more specifically, what it’s built to do.

Some printers support borderless printing (meaning they can print all the way to the edge of the paper), while others don’t — no matter how high-end they are or what the settings claim.

In fact, many printers that say they’re borderless will still leave a thin white margin — just enough to leave you wondering if something went wrong.

Here’s the deal:

• Most standard home printers can’t truly print borderless. That’s totally normal.
• Some photo printers do support it, but they often require special paper and may only support borderless on certain sizes (like 4×6, 5×7, or 8.5×11).
• A4 users? Even if your printer does have a borderless setting, my printables are US Letter — so your results will have a white edge.

The important thing to remember is this:
👉 Borderless printing is a printer capability, not a design flaw in the file.

So if your printables have a tiny white frame around the edge — that’s just how your printer works. But don’t worry! I’ll show you what to do so you can still get beautiful, edge-to-edge results.

❌ No Borderless Printer? No Problem!

Here’s How to Handle White Edges Like a Pro

So your printer can’t go borderless. Totally okay — your project can still look polished and professional. Here’s what to do:

✂️ Trim It

This is the easiest (and most popular) solution. Just trim off the white edge using:

• A paper trimmer (quick, clean cuts — my favorite method)
• Scissors (a little slower but works just fine)

If you’re printing junk journal pages or background papers, trimming gives you that edge-to-edge look — no special printer required.

🖨️ How to Print Borderless

If your printer does offer borderless printing — yay! You’ve got a bit more flexibility, especially for full-page backgrounds, journal pages, and decorative papers that look best when they go all the way to the edge.

Here’s how to get the best results:

✅ Step 1: Choose the Right Printable

Borderless printing works best for:

• Full-page designs (like journal pages, background patterns, or digital paper)
• Collage sheets you don’t mind trimming or cutting out anyway

Avoid borderless for:

• Small elements like tags or fussy cuts (they’re trimmed anyway)
• Super thick cardstock (it may misfeed or smudge)

✅ Step 2: Select the Correct Paper

Use standard 8.5 x 11″ (US Letter) paper if you want your printer’s borderless setting to work properly. Most borderless-capable printers are optimized for this size.

📌 If you’re using A4 paper, borderless printing won’t work properly because of the size of my printables, even on a printer that supports it.

And remember: the thicker the paper, the more risk of jamming or print misalignment. If you’re going for borderless, aim for medium-weight paper like 120 gsm to 160 gsm.

✅ Step 3: Change Your Printer Settings

When you’re ready to print:

• Open your file
• Go to Print Settings
• Look for the “Borderless” checkbox or option
• Select Photo Paper or High Quality as the paper type/print quality
• Choose the correct paper size (8.5 x 11″)

Not seeing a borderless option? It’s likely your printer just doesn’t support it — and that’s okay!

✅ Step 4: Do a Test Page

Before printing your entire kit, try a single page:

• Check for alignment
• See if the print actually goes to the edge
• Make sure there’s no smudging or warping

If it works beautifully — go for it! If not, scroll back up to see how to trim those white borders like a pro.

FAQ

Next Steps

You made it through all the details — yay! I hope this helped clear up the mystery around how to print borderless, what your printer can (and can’t) do, and how to still get gorgeous, edge-to-edge results even without borderless mode.

✨ Remember:
You don’t need a fancy printer to make beautiful things. A bit of trimming, inking, or washi tape can turn any “oops” into a design feature — and that’s part of the junk journal magic.

Want to keep learning?

Here are more helpful resources:

• Printing Guide: Tips for Perfect Printables
• Double-Sided Printing: How to Print on the Back of a Printable
• Paper Guide: The Best Paper for Junk Journal Printables
• How to Download and Open Printable Files

You've got this — and I’m always here to help.

Happy crafting,
Cyna xx