If your Canon printer cannot print the full page, it may cut off margins, truncate content, or scale down prints incorrectly. This issue is commonly caused by paper size mismatches, incorrect page scaling settings, driver problems, or application-level formatting errors.
This guide applies to Canon PIXMA, MAXIFY, imageCLASS, and other Canon printers that support standard and borderless printing.
1. Check Paper Size and Page Setup
Match the Document Page Size to the Loaded Paper
- If the document is A4, load A4 paper.
- If the document is Letter, load Letter paper.
On Your Computer (Before Printing):
- In your print dialog, confirm:
- Paper size = matches loaded paper (e.g., A4, Letter)
- Orientation = Portrait or Landscape as needed
- Fit to page or Scale to fit paper is enabled (optional)
2. Disable Unwanted Page Scaling or Shrinking
Some software (like Adobe Reader, Word, or Chrome) applies automatic scaling that can cut off content or shrink it unnecessarily.
In Adobe Acrobat Reader:
- Go to File > Print
- Under Page Sizing & Handling, choose:
- Fit to scale the document to the paper
- Or Actual Size if the page is already the correct dimensions
In Microsoft Word:
- Go to File > Print > Page Setup
- Ensure Margins, Paper Size, and Layout match the desired output
- Check Scale to paper size is set to the correct paper
3. Enable Borderless Printing (If Required)
By default, many Canon printers enforce standard print margins.
Steps:
- Go to Printer Properties or Printing Preferences from the print dialog
- Under the Page Setup or Main tab, check:
- Enable Borderless Printing (only for supported paper types/sizes)
- Select A4 Borderless, Letter Borderless, or the correct size
Note: Borderless printing is usually limited to photo paper and not available for plain paper.
4. Check Printer Driver Settings
Incorrect driver configurations can restrict printable area.
Windows:
- Go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers
- Right-click your Canon printer > Printing Preferences
- Under the Page Setup tab:
- Confirm Paper Size, Printable Area, and Margins settings
- Ensure Fit to Page or Scaling = 100% if full-page printing is expected
macOS:
- In the Print Dialog, click Show Details
- Under Paper Handling, ensure:
- Scale is set appropriately
- Paper size matches what’s loaded in the tray
5. Align and Calibrate the Printer
A misaligned print head can cause parts of the page to shift or cut off.
Run Printer Alignment:
- On the printer screen, go to:
Maintenance > Print Head Alignment - Or use the Canon IJ Printer Assistant Tool (Windows) or Canon Utility (macOS)
6. Check for Software-Level Formatting Errors
If only some files or programs fail to print full pages:
- Open the file in a different application and try printing again
- Copy the content to a new file (especially if using Word, PDF, or spreadsheets)
- Check for content that falls outside the printable margins in the document layout
7. Update or Reinstall the Printer Driver
An outdated or corrupted driver can affect print layout and scaling.
Steps:
- Go to Canon Support
- Search for your printer model
- Download and install the latest driver and utility software for your OS
- Restart your computer and printer
8. Perform a Printer Reset (if needed)
Resetting settings can help resolve misconfigured print settings.
On the Printer:
- Go to Settings > Device Settings > Reset Settings
- Choose Reset All or Reset Printer Settings
Reconfigure paper size and preferences after resetting.
9. When to Contact Canon Support
Contact Canon support if:
- The printer consistently cuts off the same portion of every page
- Full-page printing fails across all applications and paper sizes
- You’ve updated drivers and reset settings but still face issues
- There are signs of hardware or sensor misalignment
Canon may offer repair, firmware updates, or model-specific guidance based on your printer type and usage.