How to Print With Grid Lines in Paint

Techwalla may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.
Image Credit: Halfpoint/iStock/Getty Images

Language offers many analogies for grids – keeping on the straight and narrow, staying between the lines – yet not all software programs include grid lines as a default option. The basic graphics program, Microsoft Paint, which is included with Windows operating system installations, doesn't offer snap-to or on-screen grid lines. This doesn't mean users can't print their own. Walk the (grid) line by using Microsoft Paint.

Advertisement

Step 1

Open Paint. To print grid lines on an existing graphic, click the Paint button, click "Open," browse to the image and double-click it. Otherwise, Paint automatically sets up a workspace.

Video of the Day

Step 2

Change the workspace area by clicking the Paint button and selecting "Properties." Type the preferred "Width" and "Height" and select "Inches" from the "Units" button. Click "OK" and Paint re-sizes the work area.

Advertisement

Step 3

Click the black square in the "Colors" section of the ribbon if it is not already showing in the "Color 1" box.

Step 4

Click the line tool in the "Shapes" section of the ribbon. Click the "Size" button and select the thinnest/top line.

Advertisement

Step 5

Position the cursor at the top left of the work area. Press and hold down the "Shift" key on the keyboard. Click the mouse and draw a line toward the bottom of the work area. Don't worry if the line goes off into the gray Paint board, it won't print that way.

Advertisement

Step 6

Release the "Shift" key, move the mouse to the right and repeat the line drawing process until you get to the right side of the document, filled with vertical lines.

Advertisement

Step 7

Position the mouse at the top left of the work area. Press and hold down the "Shift" key on the keyboard. Click the mouse and draw a line toward the right side of the work area. Repeat until all horizontal lines are drawn, completing the grid.

Step 8

Click the Paint button. Add paper into the printer and turn it on. Click up the "Number of copies" to the number of grid line pages to print. Click the "Print" button.

Video of the Day

Advertisement

Advertisement

resources