My printer does not offer a "custom" paper option

[veedubs]

I am attempting to print on a custom paper size. However, my printer properties does not offer a custom option. 

The design was set up on custom size.

I have HP Instant Ink. Could that be the reason my printer does not offer a custom paper size option?

[Dragon-Fur]

@veedubs 

Welcome to the HP Community --

Subscription to Instant Ink service is not related to the printer features (what the printer can do).

and

Subscription to Instant Ink service is not related to software / application features.

What the printer can do (hardware)

Printer Specifications for HP OfficeJet Pro 6900 Printers

Section Supported custom sizes

To avoid paper jams and other issues when printing on nonstandard custom paper sizes, make sure the dimensions fall within the parameters listed in the following table.

Paper size	Tray 1	ADF
88.9 to 215 mm (3.5 to 8.5 inches) wide and 127 to 355 mm (5.0 to 14.0 inches) long	X
127 to 216 mm (5.0 to 8.5 inches) wide and 127 to 355 mm (5.0 to 14.0 inches) long		X

What else?

How / Where you create Custom Paper Size forms depends on your Operating System / version and the tools available to you in that environment.

HP Document: HP Printers - Creating Custom Paper Sizes

Windows

Details

Custom Paper Size Form

Where Located

Windows 10

Control Panel > icon view > Devices and Printers

Top Ribbon > Print Server Properties > Tab Forms

Windows 11

Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners

Under Related Settings > Print server Properties > Tab Forms

OR

Windows 10

Control Panel > icon view > Right-Click on Printer > Printing Preferences

Tab Paper / Quality > Custom setting box

Windows 11

Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners

Select Printer > Printing Preferences

Tab Paper / Quality > Custom setting box

Note

After setting / creating your Custom Form in Printing Preferences,

Save the setup and Exit Printing Preferences.

(Re)Open Printing Preferences and check the paper list for your new custom paper size form.

Examples

9025_Printing_Preferences_Everyday_9

Custom_Paper_Size_Form_Examples_7

-------------------- --------------------

 What else?

Load Paper

User Guide - Starting on Page 13

EWS > HP Document / How-to (Original Format)

Use the HP printer Embedded Web Server (EWS)

NOTE:  Find printer IP address

Section Open the EWS over a local network orientation

Open your Browser > Type / enter the Printer IP address into URL / Address bar

EWS – Tray and Paper Management

Original EWS

Open your Browser > Type / enter the Printer IP address into URL / Address bar

Tab Settings > Preferences > Tray and Paper (Management)

Select / Adjust settings for Paper Size / Type

Model and EWS version Dependent:  Advanced section

Click Apply to save changes

OR

Alternate Style EWS

Open your Browser > Type / enter the Printer IP address into URL / Address bar

Section Paper > Trays > click on Tray to configure

And (in addition and as available)

Section Print > Default Print Options > Select default tray

Tray and Paper – Paper Size / Paper Type / Paper Weight

Paper Size, Type, and Weight loaded in the printer tray must be supported for use in that tray.

EWS (Embedded Web Server) provides access and control for Settings, including Tray and Paper.

Reminder

HP Smart Mobile might require that paper size / type is rechecked / adjusted before the content is opened for print.

Notes

Depending on the printer model, the Printer Control Panel touchscreen might provide access to Paper Size / Type settings immediately after the paper is (re)loaded into the appropriate printer intake tray.

New printer?  Touchscreen Printer Control Panel locked against making changes?  Try username "admin" and the PIN located on the sticker on the inside of the front door of the printer.

Trays

• If the printer lacks a second tray, all paper / types are supported in the single available tray.
• Printers that include a Photo Tray generally restrict the paper sizes and paper type supported in that tray.

Custom size?

If EWS does not allow setting the paper size or size “Custom”,

If the printer includes a touchscreen display printer control panel,

Look for the setting for “Custom” in the Printer Control Panel after (re)loading the paper to be used

NOTE:  Size Custom is not available for all printers

What? 

Paper Size, Type, and Weight must be appropriate for the tray in which that paper is to be used.

Depending on the printer model, Tray 1 might be used for Custom media. 

In this scenario, Tray 2 might only support Plain paper, perhaps in limited sizes.

OR

If the "Custom Paper Tray" is Tray 2, then Tray 1 might only support Plain paper / limited sizes.

Printers that include a Photo Tray generally limit the size and type of paper that the Photo Tray supports.  Example:  Depending on the printer model, the Photo Tray might support only 4x6 inch photo paper.

Example - EWS - Tray and Paper

EWS_9025_Preferences_Tray_and_Paper_Management_All_11

-------------------------    ---------------------------------

Finally,

Design can be printed at any size you want it done.

If you do not or cannot set up the paper size you want, print the design on paper you do have.

Adjust the printing app / software to accommodate the original size of the design.

Job Control depends on the Operating System / version and the tools available to you.

What if the design is large and the paper is too small to print design at actual size / 100%?

Print the design as a Poster.

Paint (Windows) can print Image files / photos in Poster format across more than one sheet of paper.

Adobe Reader DC can print PDF files in Poster format across as many sheets of paper as is needed.

This method includes the option to add cut lines to make alignment of the sheets easier.

General Example - Adobe Reader DC - PDF - Poster - samples

PDF_Document_Poster_Compare_Tile_2

=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=

References / Resources

HP Printer Home Page - References and Resources

Learn about your Printer - Solve Problems

“Things that are your printer”

When the website support page opens, Select (as available) a Category > Topic > Subtopic

NOTE: Content depends on device type and Operating System

Categories: Alerts, Troubleshooting, Ink & Paper, HP Software / Drivers / Firmware Updates , Setup & User Guides, Product Specifications, Account & Registration, Warranty & Repair

Open 

 Product Home - Printers

 Enter the device type and model name of your HP product

OR

 Select a saved product from HP Account Dashboard

OR

HP OfficeJet Pro 6978 All-in-One Printer  

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Question / Concern Answered, Click my Post "Accept as Solution"

[veedubs]

Thank you so much for your help!