- 1). Open the photo file using a photo-viewing software such as Windows Photo Viewer, Adobe Photoshop, or Mac Photo Editor. If you need to edit the photo in any way, do so in one of these programs.
- 2). Insert photo paper in your printer; most printer manufacturers recommend one sheet at a time. You must print a photograph on photo paper or it will turn out substandard. You can find printable photographic paper at any office supply store, craft store, photography store or even select pharmacies. You can choose either gloss or matte finish and in various sizes, depending on your printer's capabilities.
- 3). Set the printer settings through the program. You will have to adjust the printer settings in both the software settings and printer settings. To adjust the program setting, access the “Print” action, which usually is located under the “File” tab at the top of the screen. Some programs, such as Windows Photo Viewer or even word-processing programs, have the print action as its own tab or icon. When the application box appears on the screen, set the page layout to print horizontal or vertical (these may be called landscape or portrait orientation), resize the photo if necessary (via a scale-setting option, if available), set the dpi (resolution setting, if applicable) and choose the destination printer.
- 4). Set the printer settings on your printer. After clicking “Done”, “Apply”, “Next” or whatever “continue” prompt appears on your application box, a new printer setting application box should appear in its place. On this box you must select the number of copies you wish to print, the print quality (select “best” for photographs), and the type of paper you are printing on (choose photo paper in either glossy or matte finish). When finished, press "Print."
- 5). Once the photo has printed, allow it to dry before touching it or you will risk smearing it. Outgassing, caused by chemicals released from the inks, can cloud glass if you frame the photo too soon.
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