We live in a digital word, which has reduced the need for printing, but hasn’t completely eliminated it. Nevertheless, it is possible to lower the costs related to using your printer and fax machine.

Stop Printing

If you haven’t already made the switch to digital options over printing, do so. Here are some ideas:

1) Use your smartphone or car’s GPS for directions. Printing directions uses ink and paper, and can be more dangerous to use.

A smartphone or GPS can give directions verbally, which eliminates the need to take your eyes off the road to read a map.

2) Send documents to your phone, tablet or e-reader to read them away from your computer. Instead of printing items to be read on the run, you can use tools like Send to Kindle or Pocket with Calibre to transfer your documents to your e-reader. Cloud storage tools, such as DropBox can allow you to access documents on any device with the DropBox App (smartphone, tablet, laptop, etc).

3) Use email to deliver documents and invoices. If your paperwork doesn’t require a hard signature, there isn’t any reason why you shouldn’t be able to send it via email. You can email documents directly from your computer or scan them and email them.

Reduce Printing

Sometimes you still have to print, but that doesn’t mean you can find ways to cut down on the amount of paper and ink used. Here are tips for reducing the amount you print:

1) Proofread thoroughly. How many times have you printed a document and then found an error that you needed to fix and then reprint the document?

You can avoid that problem by making sure you proofread and edit your document carefully.

2) Check your document in print preview to make sure it looks right. Sometimes the document on your computer appears the way you want, but doesn’t print the way you intended. The print preview shows you how your document will look on the printed page.

3) Print in fast draft unless you need a professional copy. If you’re printing to file or something that is for your eyes only, use the fast draft option, which uses less ink.

4) Print in black and white. Unless you need the colors in your document, print in black and white to save on color ink.

5) Print on both sides of the paper. Many printers will do double-sided printing for you. Or, if you’re printing just to have a hard copy for your files, consider printing on the back of scrap paper from your recycle bin.

Saving on Paper and Ink

1) Keep printing until ink quality is bad. Many printers will give you a low-ink warning to let you know it’s time to replace the ink. The problem is, that warning sometimes comes when you still have plenty of ink. Have extra ink cartridges on hand and replace them when the print quality indicates you’re running out of ink.

2) Buy discounted printer ink if most of your printing is text only. Discounted printer ink will save money, but sometimes they create hassle and have lower print quality. If you primarily print text, this will be less of a problem. If you need high quality printing, go with the name brand ink cartridges, but look for sales and discounts.

3) Buy paper in bulk. Usually you can get a low per-ream cost on paper if you buy it in bulk. Check discount membership stores for additional savings.

4) Take big print projects to a commercial printer. In many cases, the cost-per-print on brochures and other professional projects is more if done on your home office printer than if you take it to a copy or printing place.