How to print a large image onto multiple pages

Larger Photo Encaustic Image Printing Tips

Unless you have a large format printer, you may be limiting photo transfers to 8 ¹⁄₂  x 11-inch paper. Here are a couple of easy options to print one image across multiple sheets.

Choose the method below that works best for you and then you can piece your image together for a larger photo transfer.

The PDF Way

1. Convert your image into a PDF file.
   1. Open Adobe Reader (the free program)
   2. Click File → Create → PDF from File
   3. Search for your image and click Open
2. Select File → Print and choose the poster option. This will split the image into multiple pages
3. Adjust the Tile Scale to fit the image to the size of your panel
4. Print

The Excel Spreadsheet Way

In 2013, I Googled “How to print a large image onto multiple pages” and discovered the excel method. I’ve been using this method ever since. If you own a copy of Excel, give it a try. I like the ability to adjust the image size and number of sheets by simply dragging the image corner. If you don’t have Excel, Google Sheets should work.

1. Create a new spreadsheet in Excel. (File → New)
2. Put the (flipped) image into the first cell A1.
   1. put your cursor in cell A1
   2. Insert → Pictures → Picture from File
   3. Browse your computer for the flipped image file and click insert
3. Drag the bottom corner to size the image. Notice in the image below that the inches will actually display as a tooltip as you drag
4. The dashed lines tell you where page breaks are
5. Your image will print across multiple pages. You can piece them together when doing the transfer
6. Wide margins seem to work best

Encaustic Photo Transfer

To do a photo transfer on encaustic you can use the parchment paper method or the regular printer paper transfer method.

Here’s the finished photo encaustic painting. It is on two panels the top panel is 6″ x 12″ and the bottom is 12″ x 12″.

If you have something to add, I would like to hear it. Leave a comment below.

• About the Author
• Latest Posts

About Ruth Maude

I enjoy experimenting with a variety of encaustic materials, techniques and tools. Everything I learn pushes my creative journey in new directions. I share what I've learned with other artists through my blog All Things Encaustic.

Visit My Website

• Comparing Irons for Encaustic Painting - November 10, 2021
• How to print a large image onto multiple pages - June 12, 2021
• Artist Conversation with Andrea Bird - May 23, 2021
• An Easier Encaustic Photo Transfer: The Parchment Paper Method - April 5, 2021
• How to Reclaim Wax-covered Boards - March 9, 2021
• Bee Colony Collaboration | Artist Conversation with Ava Roth - March 2, 2021
• Make Two—At least | Work on Multiple Paintings at a Time - February 23, 2021
• When it’s Hard to Make Art | Finding Momentum - February 8, 2021
• Yes, You Can Paint with Encaustic on Plexiglass - December 13, 2020
• How to Make and Pigment Encaustic Gesso - June 8, 2020

View All Posts