How to Print Coupons (Step-by-Step + Fixes)
Printing coupons is easy once your browser and printer are set up correctly. Follow the quick steps below, then jump to troubleshooting if your coupon won’t print.
Quick checklist
- Use a real printer (not “Save as PDF”).
- Print in black & white unless the coupon requires color.
- Don’t resize—use “Fit to page” only if it preserves barcode clarity.
If a coupon doesn’t scan in-store, it’s usually a barcode clarity issue.
Step-by-Step: How to Print Coupons
Start from the original coupon link so the print button/offer details load correctly.
Use the coupon’s print option first (not your browser’s menu) when available.
Select your real printer device, confirm pages, and print.
Tip: If the coupon opens a print preview, use Ctrl + P (Windows) or ⌘ + P (Mac) only after the coupon is fully loaded.
Best Print Settings (So Barcodes Scan)
- Paper size: Letter (8.5″ × 11″) in the U.S.
- Quality: Normal or High (if barcodes look faint).
- Color: Black & white is usually fine unless a coupon states “must be printed in color.”
- Scaling: Avoid heavy resizing. If the barcode looks stretched, switch scaling back to 100%.
Troubleshooting: Coupon Won’t Print
Start here (quick fixes)
- Is your printer turned on? Make sure your printer is on and try printing the coupon again by clicking on the original coupon link.
- Is the printer properly connected to your computer? Often the simplest explanation is a faulty connection. Check the cable connection between your computer and your printer and try printing the coupon again.
Default printer & device settings
- Is your computer’s default printer the one you expect? If you have multiple printers (including network printers), confirm your default printer matches the device you want to use.
- Windows: Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Devices and Printers
- Mac: System Preferences > Printers & Scanners
Printer errors & wrong output type
- Are the status lights indicating problems? If an error light is flashing or the printer shows an error message, resolve that issue first, then try printing again.
- Are you printing to the correct printer device setting? You cannot print to fax machines, file-based print commands (like “Microsoft Print to PDF”), or programs that create PDFs/images. Select a regular printer device.
- Multi-function printers: If your printer can fax/copy/print, make sure the Printer function is set as the default on your computer.
Browser issues
- Try a different browser: If you’re still having issues, try printing the coupon again using another browser.
If a coupon prints but won’t scan, reprint using higher quality and avoid any scaling that stretches the barcode.
Helpful Links
Disclosure: Some links may be affiliate links. We may earn a commission—at no extra cost to you.
How to Print Coupons FAQ
Why won’t my coupon print?
Most issues are caused by the printer being off, a loose connection, the wrong default printer selected, or trying to print to “PDF” instead of a real printer.
Which printer should I choose when printing coupons?
Select a standard printer device. Avoid fax devices and “print to file” options like “Save as PDF.”
My coupon printed, but the barcode won’t scan—what now?
Reprint using normal/high quality, keep scaling at 100% when possible, and make sure the barcode is crisp (not stretched or faded).
What browser is best for printing coupons?
If one browser fails, try another. Switching browsers often fixes print-preview or plugin issues.