Printing without a printer is a lot easier than people think. Here are the six options, roughly ordered from cheapest to most expensive.
1. Your local public library
Almost every public library has a public printer. Most libraries charge between 10 and 25 cents per black-and-white page and a little more for color. You usually need a library card, but many libraries let guests use the printer too.
How it works: email the PDF to yourself, go to the library, sign in at a computer, open your email, and print. The librarian at the desk is paid to help — don’t be shy about asking.
2. A shipping store (UPS Store, FedEx Office, Staples)
Most shipping and office-supply stores have a self-service printer. Prices are a bit higher than the library — typically 25-50 cents a page — but the stores are open longer hours and the staff will print the file for you if you email it ahead or bring it on a USB stick.
3. Ask a neighbor, friend, or family member
Sending a PDF to someone else’s printer is easy with email (see our email a PDF guide). People are usually happy to help — it takes them less than a minute.
4. Your city or town hall
Many government buildings — city halls, tax offices, DMV offices, even courthouses — have a public printer for filling out forms. Usually it’s free or a small fee. Just ask at the information desk.
5. Your bank or credit union
If the PDF is a bank statement, tax form, or mortgage document, your own bank or credit union will usually print it for you at no charge. Call first to make sure. Bring your ID.
6. Buy a cheap printer
If you’re printing more than a couple of times a year, an inexpensive printer starts around $60-$80 new. Ink cartridges cost $20-$40. Look for one labeled AirPrint (works with iPhones) and Mopria (works with Android and Chromebooks) to make future printing easy.
What’s next
Now that you know where to go, see our email a PDF guide — sending the file is usually the first step no matter which of the six options you choose.