How to print landscape on iPad: A simple guide to printing in landscape format on your iPad

Printing in landscape orientation on an iPad is a convenient way to ensure that your documents, photos, or designs appear exactly as you intend. Whether you're working on a presentation, a photo collage, or a carefully crafted floor plan, maintaining the right orientation is critical. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you print in landscape mode from your iPad:

1. Open the Document: First, open the desired file or document (such as a PDF, Word file, or image) using an app that supports printing, like Safari, Mail, Photos, or Apple’s Files app.
2. Tap the Share (or Print) Icon: Look for the share icon (a box with an upward arrow) or sometimes the three-dot menu, then select “Print” from the list of options.
3. Select Printer and Options: Choose your AirPrint-enabled printer. Under “Options,” check if you can customize orientation (Portrait or Landscape). Some apps offer an “Orientation” dropdown or toggle—set this to “Landscape.”
4. If No Orientation Setting: Not all iPad apps provide direct control over print orientation. In such cases, change the orientation within the app itself by rotating the document to landscape before tapping print, or use an app (like Pages or PowerPoint) that allows you to set landscape page layout prior to printing.
5. Preview Before Printing: A print preview is displayed before you hit “Print.” Confirm that the preview shows the landscape layout.
6. Print: Tap “Print” in the upper-right to send your document to the printer in landscape mode.

As a designer, I’m always considering how each output will be used—whether you're preparing client presentations or visualizing a space layout. Ensuring your document appears in the correct orientation is critical for clarity and impact. Sometimes, using design-specific tools (especially for layouts, plans, or images) gives you better flexibility and precision with printing options, making the process both effortless and visually accurate.

Tips 1:

If you frequently print from your iPad and require custom options (such as borderless printing, multiple pages per sheet, or precise orientation control), consider using third-party apps like Printer Pro or the specific app offered by your printer brand—these often provide more advanced settings than the standard AirPrint dialog.

FAQ

Q: Can all iPad apps print in landscape?

A: Not all apps support selecting orientation directly. For best results, use document editors that allow you to set the page layout before printing.

Q: Why doesn't my iPad show the landscape option when printing?

A: Some apps or printers don’t provide this setting. Try rotating the document or using apps with layout controls.

Q: Does AirPrint support landscape printing?

A: Yes, if the app and document support landscape orientation; check the print preview before proceeding.

Q: How do I make sure my PDF prints as landscape from the iPad?

A: Open the PDF in an editor like Adobe Acrobat or Apple’s Files app, rotate it if needed, and verify the preview orientation before printing.

Q: What should I do if my printer only prints in portrait mode from the iPad?

A: Update your printer’s firmware, check for app updates, or consider using a third-party printing app for more control over orientation.