A correctly sized file can still print too small. The common culprit is an extra scaling step between the file and the sheet. An application, a browser or a printer driver may try to fit the document into a printable area. Check the whole route, particularly when you switch paper sizes.
Start with the right document size
A PDF has a defined page size. Swetter's label generator exports a PDF whose page matches your selected paper. Choose the same paper size in your print dialog. Sending an A4 PDF to a printer configured for Letter invites automatic scaling or clipping.
Use a simple measurement test
- Create a label 50 mm wide and 30 mm high, with cut outlines enabled.
- Download the PDF and open it in a PDF reader.
- Select matching paper and a 100% or Actual size setting.
- Print one page on ordinary paper.
- Measure the rectangle between the outline centers.
If the 50 mm width measures 47.5 mm, the output is at 95% scale. Look for a Fit, Shrink or Scale option rather than changing your label dimensions to compensate. Fixing the print setting makes future files predictable.
Check the edges too
Actual size preserves dimensions, but cannot force a printer to draw outside its printable area. A document can therefore print at the correct size and still lose content at the edge. Keep labels within the printer's safe margins. Our default margin is a planning value, not a specification for your printer.
Avoid two scaling stages
If you first rescale a file, then choose Fit in the print dialog, the second adjustment may change it again. Keep a note of which stage controls size. When printing a PNG from the crop tool, set its physical width and height explicitly; the pixel dimensions alone do not tell every application how large you want it on paper.
Adobe's print sizing reference describes Actual size as printing without scaling. Other applications can use different names. For adhesive stock, compare a plain-paper proof against the sheet before loading the expensive material.