Printing
Tips
Free printable Pacific Crest Trail maps are in .pdf file
format are available in the downloads section of this web
site. The maps
are 8 1/2 x 11 inches and optimized for high quality
printing.
Because the base data in the National Geographic TOPO!
software are scans of topographic maps, if your printer
gives you good results printing scans of photographs, it
should also give you good results printing these maps.
Fortunately many printers have settings to improved photo
printing. You should experiment with these settings as they
can improve the way your maps print.
Use good quality paper when you print your maps. Splurge
and buy high quality inkjet paper if you are using an
inkjet printer. You can buy 500 sheets for $7 or $8 at an
office supply store and your maps will print better than if
you use cheap $3 paper.
Use Adobe Acrobat Reader to print your maps. If your
computer has another .pdf viewer do not use it. Adobe
Acrobat prints better than Preview on a Macintosh, for
example.
Print a few maps to test your settings. Different printers
have different settings but you probably want to use the
best quality or photo quality printer settings. Enable
options to print fine detail if your printer driver has
this option. Use the highest dpi setting if your printer
driver has this option.
With the right printer, paper and settings these maps can
look great when printed.