COMPLETE PRINTING GUIDE
So that your poster turns out well the first time (at home or at a copy shop)
1. What you will print (and why it matters)
Your download may include:
- Poster: The bigger it is, the easier it is to draw and the more fun the experience.
- Challenge booklet, if you want to play the Challenge, you can use it digitally from a tablet or mobile without needing to print.
2. Recommended size (choose according to your situation)
A2 (420x594 mm): Recommended for a better experience. Only available in the Full experience version.
- Better experience: more space for characters, objects, and scenes.
- Ideal if you want to play the Challenge in full without running out of space.
- This size requires printing at a specialized print shop with access to these dimensions.
A3 (297x420 mm): Recommended for home.
- Easy to print with a home printer or neighborhood copy shop.
- Good balance between size and comfort for working on any table.
A4 (297x210 mm): Recommended for carrying anywhere.
- This is the classic home printer size.
- Easy to print with a home printer or neighborhood copy shop.
- It can be done, but you'll run out of space sooner.
- Tip: use smaller strokes and create less "crowding."
3. How to print at home (step-by-step)
Key print settings:
In the print dialog box, look for these options:
Scale / size
- Actual size / 100%: if you want exact measurements.
- Fit to page: if your printer crops edges or you need it to fit perfectly.
- Orientation: make sure to choose the correct orientation (portrait or landscape depending on your poster).
- Quality: choose high quality if the option exists (better, cleaner lines and blacks).
- Color: B/W poster: print in black and white or “grayscale.”
4. Recommended paper (at home or copy shop) and what to ask for exactly
If you print at a copy shop (ready-to-use phrase)
“I want to print this PDF in A2 (or A3), at actual size (100%), on uncoated matte paper of 160–200 g (if possible, offset paper).”
If they ask you what kind of paper it is
- Ideal: 160–200 g offset (matte, uncoated / natural).
- If there is no thick offset: 180–220 g drawing cardstock (matte, uncoated).
- More resistant: 220–250 g cardstock (matte, uncoated).
Important: always ask for matte / uncoated. Avoid coated, glossy, or satin, as the marker will slip and may smudge.
Which paper to choose depending on what you're drawing with
- Pencil or pen: normal paper 80–100 g (better if it's 120 g matte).
- Markers: 160–200 g uncoated matte (do a test in a corner or on a separate sheet).
- Lots of ink or paint: better 220–250 g matte; it may curl a bit.
5. Common problems and solutions (FAQ)
“It cuts off the edges”
- Solution: print with Fit to page.
“It comes out too small”
- Check that "fit to page" is not activated if you wanted actual size.
- Try 100% / actual size.
“Lines come out gray or faint”
- Increase the print quality.
- If you can, slightly increase the contrast on the printer (some allow it).
- At a copy shop: ask for "darker black / high quality."
“It looks blurry”
- Make sure you are printing the original PDF, not a screenshot.
- Do not use apps that "compress" the file when sharing.
“The marker ink runs”
- Switch to thicker paper (160–200 g).