The purpose of using the media type "print” to create a print version of a website is to save ink, minimize the amount of paper needed, and optimize readability. So, what CSS properties can you alter to accomplish these tasks? Click through the tabs below to see what you should consider when looking at these areas of print design.
Saving ink is one of the most important reasons for having a print format. Websites that are covered in images and background colors will needlessly empty ink cartridges. If a user is printing out a copy of a web page, it's not usually to keep all the pretty imagery but rather to have information readily on hand. In this spirit, images that do not contribute information should be hidden. Also, background color use should be minimized. If background colors are being used to separate sections of content, consider an alternative that would use less ink, such as borders.
A layout proportion that's not aligned to paper dimensions will use up paper faster than anything. It's true that content can be shrunk to fit the page, but this can result in text so small that it's unreadable.
When preparing styles for your print version, consider the proportions of your content. Arrange your elements so that they fit close to the 8.5" x 11" or 11" x 8.5" proportion of typical printer paper. Even if the content doesn't fit perfectly, it shouldn't have to shrink much, and it will still make the best use of the paper.
To increase readability, you should remove media and information that has no purpose in a printed format. (This will also save ink and paper.)
Your page may have some external links, videos, and audio players. The video and audio players should be removed/hidden in the print version because they obviously won't function in that state. If you have transcripts, you may want to include a download somewhere on the page so that users have the option of printing them out if they'd like.
External links are more of a judgment call. They can be removed for a print version, but they should be kept if they'd be beneficial as a reference list for additional reading about your topic.
Generally speaking, you want to remove any unnecessary elements and possibly cut down on the amount of content that needs to be printed. This will declutter the page to make the information easier to read on paper. ("Simple" doesn't mean boring, however! You can still maintain your sense of style while simplifying your layout for print.)
