How to Print Your Own "Found It" Printable Sticky Notes
A step-by-step guide for getting perfect results at home, even if you've never printed sticky notes before.
So you found a set of adorable "Found It" printable sticky notes and you are ready to actually use them. Now what?
Printing your own sticky notes at home sounds a little intimidating if you have never done it before. But once you see those cute little notes come out of your printer, you are going to want to make them for everything.
This guide walks you through the whole process from start to finish, including the supplies you need, the printer settings that actually work, and a few tips that will save you from the mistakes most people make the first time around.
What You Will Need Before You Start
Getting your supplies together before you sit down at the printer makes the whole process go faster.
The Printable File
A PDF of your sticky notes, sized for the notes you plan to use. Most designs are formatted for standard 3x3 inch Post-it notes.
A Printer
Any inkjet or laser printer works. Inkjet gives better color for bright designs. Laser is great for simpler, faster prints.
Sticky Notes
Post-it brand feeds more reliably because of how the adhesive strip is positioned. Standard 3x3 inch notes are the most tested size.
Cardstock (Optional)
Anchoring sticky notes to a letter-size sheet of cardstock prevents jams and gives the printer something more substantial to grip.
A PDF Reader
Adobe Acrobat Reader (free) works great. Do not print from your browser — it scales the design incorrectly almost every time.
1 Download and Open Your File
Once you download your printable file, save it somewhere easy to find. Your desktop works fine for now.
Open the file using Adobe Acrobat Reader or your preferred PDF application. Resist the urge to double-click and print from whatever your computer defaults to. Taking two extra seconds to open it in a proper PDF reader gives you control over the settings that matter.
2 Set Up Your Sticky Notes for Printing
Place your sticky note in the paper tray or manual feed slot with the adhesive edge going in first, toward the printer. The printable side faces up if your printer pulls from the bottom, or faces down if it prints on the top sheet. Check your printer's manual if you are not sure which way it feeds.
3 Get Your Print Settings Right
This is the most important part. Wrong print settings are the number one reason sticky notes come out blurry, off-center, or the wrong size.
| Setting | What to Choose | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Paper Size | Letter (8.5 x 11 in) | Most PDF files are set up on a letter-size page even when the sticky note itself is small. |
| Scaling | Actual Size / 100% | Never use Fit to Page. It resizes your design and nothing will line up with your sticky notes. |
| Orientation | Match the PDF | Portrait PDF = portrait print. Landscape PDF = landscape print. |
| Print Quality | Best or High | Higher quality = more vivid colors. Standard works fine for everyday use. |
| Color Mode | Color | Easy to miss if your printer defaults to grayscale. Always verify before printing. |
4 Print Your Sticky Notes
Once your test looks good, load your actual sticky notes and print. Go one sheet at a time rather than loading a stack, especially the first few times.
Let your printed notes sit for a minute before touching them. Inkjet ink needs a moment to dry, and handling it too soon can smear the design.
5 Use and Enjoy
Peel your printed sticky notes off the cardstock gently, starting from the edge opposite the adhesive strip. Stick them wherever they are going. Admire your work. That is it — you just made your own custom sticky notes.
Tips for Getting the Best Results Every Time
Found It Printables designs are made to print cleanly at home following these steps. Happy printing!
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