Microsoft Excel Footer Margin Limit

Question

I found very little information on the web about an issue I was having with the footer margins in Excel. No matter how low I would set the footer margin (.5, .25, .2, .3, 0), it wouldn't move any lower than .75. It was driving me nuts! I found one other thread online about the issue and there was no resolution. I don't know if that person had the same issue that I was having, but here is the scoop:

Microsoft Excel was not allowing me to use a margin less than .75 because of the default printer. My printer is a Cannon MG2500 series printer. That printer does not allow boarderless printing. It won't print any lower than .75. It was forcing excel to limit how far I could move the footer down on the page because the printer I had selected won't print in that area. In one way this is helpful, but in another way, it is extremely frustrating. Especially because I didn't need to print the document on my printer. I didn't try it using other office programs, but I am sure I would have the same issue in Microsoft Word.

Since I couldn't change this hidden default limit in printer settings, my solution is to purchase a new printer that allows boarderless printing. Another solution in my case was to change the printer to 'Adobe PDF'. Since I didn't need to print the document, that allowed me to set the footer margin to .3 and move on with my day. For those that need to print the document, you will need a printer that supports boarderless printing.

I hope this helps others that are having the same issue. If anyone else had this problem and found a solution, let me know what you came up with. How did you solve this software conflict?

Answer 1

I have been able to set zero margins but when printing is does leave a small margin as can be seen in the second screen shot.

The last custom setting that I have marked in red is due to the margin setting in Excel Page Setup as per the first screen shot because the printer does not print to the edge of the paper but it is quite close.

Note that it is necessary to set both the standard data top and bottom and right and left to zero as well as the header and footer to zero if you want to maximize the number of rows/columns that can be displayed as a single print sheet.

Answer 2

Hi Kyle Brookens,

First, my pleasure to assist you.

As per your description, please don’t worry, we can work together to narrow down and resolve the situation.

It seems you want to set or use Excel Footer margin less than .75.

If my understanding is right, for the situation you encountered, we do understand the inconvenience caused and apologize for it. And I just tested from my side and here is my test screenshot view for your reference:

By default, printer is set to "Microsoft print to PDF", if possible, could you please try to set something else as the default printer and check if there is any difference.

What you're running into is probably a limitation imposed by the printer. Most printers have minimum margin requirements.

If you can't override the printer in Excel's Page Setup options or by using the settings in the Print dialog, try generating a PDF. You may then be able to get the PDF printed effectively.

Your understanding and patience will be highly appreciated. I hope that you are keeping safe and well!

Best regards

Waqas Muhammad