# How to print OMR sheets correctly

> Printer settings, paper and photocopying tips for OMR answer sheets that print sharply and check accurately: scaling, colour, toner saving and more.

Source: https://omrsheet.tooladda.online/guides/print-omr-sheets-correctly/
Last updated: 2026-09-16

A well-printed OMR sheet is easier for students to fill and much easier to check. Sheets from [ToolAdda OMR](https://omrsheet.tooladda.online/) are vector PDFs, so they print sharply on any printer, provided a few settings are right.

## The five settings that matter

| Setting | Use | Why |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Scale | 100% / Actual size | "Fit to page" shrinks the sheet slightly and may crop the corner squares on some printers. |
| Paper size | Same as the PDF (A4, Letter or Legal) | A mismatch rescales or cuts off the page. |
| Quality | Normal or high | Draft and toner-saving modes print faint bubbles and corner squares. |
| Colour | Colour for coloured sheets, otherwise greyscale is fine | Red or blue sheets printed in greyscale still work, but look less distinct. |
| Two-sided | Off | Print on one side so marks don't show through and pages stay in order. |

## Paper

- **Plain white 70–80 gsm paper** is perfect for most tests.
- **90–100 gsm paper** resists folding and pen bleed for important exams.
- Avoid glossy or coloured paper: glare and tint can make bubbles harder to read.

## Always print a test sheet

1. Print one copy and check that **all four black corner squares** are fully printed with white space around them.
2. Check that the QR code is sharp and the bubble letters are readable.
3. Fill a few answers and check the sheet with the [OMR checker](https://omrsheet.tooladda.online/checker/).
4. Only then print the full batch.

## Numbered copies

In the generator, set the number of **Copies**, the **First sheet no.** and turn on **Print sheet numbers**. Every copy in the PDF gets a unique number in its footer and QR code, which helps with distribution and tracking.

## Photocopying

Photocopies of a good original work well. For best results:

- copy from the printed original, not from another copy;
- use 100% zoom and avoid "darker" or "lighter" settings that change the corner squares;
- check that the copier doesn't crop the page edges.

## Printing from a phone

On Android and iPhone, download the PDF, open it and use the share or print option to send it to a wireless printer. Choose the correct paper size and "Actual size" if the option is available.

## Storing and handling sheets

- Keep blank sheets flat in a folder, away from moisture.
- After the test, collect sheets without folding, stapling or punching holes near the corners.
- If you use a document feeder scanner, remove paper clips and fan the stack to avoid double feeds.

## Troubleshooting

### Corner squares are cut off

Your printer's margins are larger than usual. Turn on "Fit to printable area" or "Shrink oversized pages" only for this printer; the checker handles the small change in scale.

### Bubbles look faint

Turn off toner-saving or draft mode, or choose a darker sheet colour such as black.

### The PDF prints on the wrong paper size

Change the paper size in the generator to match your printer's paper and download again.