How to Print on Post-it Notes (Sticky Notes) With Any Printer

Published September 30, 2026. Written by William Elward, founder of Castle Ink.

Quick answer

To print on Post-it notes: (1) make a letter-size template with six 3 x 3 inch boxes in Word or Google Docs; (2) print the template on plain paper; (3) stick a sticky note over each box with the adhesive strip at the top, facing the direction the paper feeds; (4) type your text inside the boxes; (5) put the same sheet back in the printer so it prints on the notes, then peel them off. Print one sheet at a time on the plain paper setting. An inkjet is the safest choice.

What you need

• Standard 3 x 3 inch sticky notes, the classic Post-it size (3M's original size). Super Sticky notes grip the sheet better and are less likely to lift inside the printer.
• Plain letter paper for the guide sheet.
• Word, Google Docs, Pages, or a free template.
• An inkjet or laser printer (see the laser note below).

Step 1: Make a sticky note template

In Microsoft Word

1. Set margins to 0.75 in (Layout > Margins > Custom).
2. Insert a table with 2 columns and 3 rows.
3. Select the table, open Table Properties, and set each column width to 3 in and each row height to exactly 3 in.
4. Center the table on the page (Table Properties > Table > Alignment: Center). Leave a small gap between boxes if you like.
5. Save this file. It's your reusable template.

In Google Docs

1. Insert a 2 x 3 table, then use Format > Table > Table properties to set column width to 3 in and minimum row height to 3 in.
2. Keep cell padding small so text stays inside each note.

Prefer a ready-made file? Many teachers and crafters share free printable sticky note templates, like this free template from Live Craft Eat.

Step 2: Print the guide and place your notes

1. Print the template (with table borders showing) on plain paper.
2. Stick one note inside each box, lined up with the borders.
3. Put the sticky strip at the top edge of each note, and make sure that top edge goes into the printer first. If the loose bottom edge goes in first, the note can curl up and catch on the rollers.
4. Press each note flat, especially the corners.

Step 3: Add your text and print on the notes

1. Type your text or add images inside the table cells. Keep about 0.2 in of space from each edge.
2. Remove the table borders (Table design > Borders > No border) so they don't print on your notes.
3. Load the guide sheet so the printer prints on the side with the notes, top edge first. Front trays on most inkjets print on the side facing down; rear trays usually print on the side facing you.
4. Choose Plain Paper and Normal quality, turn off two-sided printing, and print one sheet.
5. Let the ink dry for a minute, then peel off the notes.

Not sure which side prints? Mark an X on one side of a blank sheet, print a test page, and see where the ink lands. Our free printer test page works for this.

Can I print on sticky notes with a laser printer?

Often yes, but with more risk. Laser printers use a hot fuser that can soften the adhesive, making a note lift or stick inside the printer. If you try it, use Super Sticky notes, press them down firmly, feed through the manual or rear slot if you have one, and print one sheet. If your manual warns against adhesive media, use an inkjet instead.

Ideas for printed sticky notes

• Classroom reminders, reading prompts and exit tickets
• Daily to-do lists and meal plans
• Motivational quotes or lunchbox notes
• Labels for files, bins and shelves
• Branded notes for small business packaging

For longer-lasting labels, use real label sheets instead: how to print labels at home. For decorative stickers, see how to print stickers at home.

Troubleshooting

Common questions

Can I print on different sizes of sticky notes?

Yes. Just change the table cell sizes to match, such as 3 x 5 in or 4 x 6 in lined notes.

Will printing on sticky notes damage my printer?

Not if the notes are pressed flat, fed adhesive edge first, and you print one sheet at a time. The risk is a note coming loose and jamming.

Can I print images or logos on Post-it notes?

Yes. Insert the image into a cell and size it to fit. Light colors print best on yellow notes; use white sticky notes for true colors.

Can I reuse the guide sheet?

Yes. Keep it, and just stick fresh notes on it each time you print.

Related guides

• How to print on index cards
• How to print on envelopes
• Printer settings explained
• Running low? Find ink by printer model or shop ink cartridges

About the author: William Elward is the founder of Castle Ink and has written about printers, ink cartridges, and printing technology for more than 20 years.