A well-documented, but little known fact about web browsers is that they support a special feature called "Print Stylesheets" which allow you to control what your website looks like when it is printed.  This is great for websites with a lot of information, particularly text-based content - users of your website can simply click Print, and their web browser will print your web page in a format that suits you.  For example, you might choose to have only your logo, contact details, and the text on the webpage appear when printed.  Other elements such as the search box, navigation bar / menu, unnecessary images, colours and backgrounds can be removed.

As great as this sounds, most website developers overlook this feature, or don't bother to spend the small amount of extra time required to implement this feature.  Always make sure you have print stylesheets on your own website.  If you want to check, you can have a look to see how your website would appear when printed.  Simply go to your website and use the "Print Preview" function in your web browser.  If it all looks terrible, ask your web developer to amend your website so that it prints well.

About the author

Gavin Grubb is the Manager of Smart Multimedia, a website development business based in Brisbane, Australia.  Smart Multimedia specialises in cost-effective website solutions to help you promote and expand your business.  Whether you have your own business that needs a web presence, or you already have an older website that needs updating, Smart Multimedia can help.

Smart Multimedia
Phone: (07) 3129 2314
Web:   http://www.smartmultimedia.com.au/