Prepare Outputs
Page setup
Before printing or exporting, set orientation (portrait/landscape), paper size, margins and page scaling (fit to page or a percentage). A key trap: confusing print scaling with zoom - zoom changes the screen view only, while scaling changes the printed output. Choose orientation to suit wide tables (landscape).
Headers, footers and print areas
Add headers and footers (page numbers, file name, date). Define a print area to print only selected cells, and set print titles to repeat heading rows or columns on every page. Traps: forgetting that a print area persists, and assuming repeated titles happen automatically - you must set them.
Gridlines, headings and preview
Control whether gridlines and row/column headings print (they are separate from on-screen display). Always use Print Preview to check layout before printing. Remember that ##### and cut-off columns are layout problems solved by width, scaling or orientation.
Checking and exporting
Proofread values, check formulas and errors, and confirm the file is saved. Know how to export to PDF (fixed layout) and CSV (values only). Traps include exporting a workbook with hidden sheets or multiple sheets to CSV (usually only the active sheet is saved) and expecting formatting to survive in CSV.
Rule of thumb
Preview, then adjust: orientation → margins → scaling → print area/titles. Preview after each change to confirm the result fits.
Worked example
A wide table is cut off on the right. Set landscape orientation, reduce margins, set scaling to fit one page wide, define a print area, and set the heading row as a print title so it repeats on each page.