Printing Instructions

Short Version

For more experienced computer users, the following instructions may be too detailed. All you need to know is when you print the dictionary, do it 2-sided. Then choose and print a cover. Then staple it in the middle and trim it to size. You might want to scroll down and read the bit about assembling the booklet once it's printed.

Two-Sided Printing

It may surprise you that your printer will print 2-sided pages, a feature enabled by software, not hardware. The printer doesn't acutally print on both sides of the page at the same time; one side is printed and then you remove the printed pages, spin them around and put them back in the feed tray for printing on the flip side. Your printer's software guides you through the process.

How the dictionary looks in your browser

When you click on the Download link, you'll see four columns of words in unusual order and as you scroll down you'll see large gaps or whitespace. This is all good. The disorder you see will transform into your bookmark once printed and assembled.

The following instructions are based on HP Deskjet 940, because that's what I have, but other printers work similarly.

Instructions - Detailed Version

First of all, before printing, make sure you've got your browser running and are looking at the dictionary. (Some "Z" words are on the left and "A" words are on the right. The print is small, but don't try to change it. The dictionary is formatted to fit just right using 7-pt type, which as large as most books use.)

Printing the Bookmark Dictioanry

Click the "Download" link in the left sidebar on the main "Home of the Bookmark Dictionary" page.
In your browser, in the menu bar, click "File".
The "file" dropdown menu will appear.
Select "Page Setup" from the "File" dropdown menu.
The Page Setup dialog box appears.
Click "Printer..." in the lower right-hand corner of the "Page Setup" dialog box.
A second, smaller "Page Setup" dialog box appears with information about your printer.
Select the printer you want to use, if you have more than one printer installed.
Click the "Properties" button in the "Printer Information" dialog box.
The Printer's "Properties" dialog box appears. (There are now 3 separate dialog boxes open.)
Click the "Features" tab"
Check the "2-Sided Printing" checkbox and make sure the "Book" radio button is selected.
Click "OK"
Click "OK" in the Printer's "Properties" dialog box.
Click "OK" in the smaller, second, "Page Setup" dialog box.
Click "OK" in the larger, "Page Setup" dialog box.
Now you should be looking at your browser only.
In your browser, in the menu bar, click "File".
The "file" dropdown menu will appear.
Select "Print" from the "File" dropdown menu.
The "Print" dialog box appears.
Click the "Print" button at the bottom "Print" dialog box.
At this point, at least on my system, the computer thinks for about 5 or 10 minutes before the printer wakes up and starts printing, so be patient. Go throw the stick for the dog.
Half the book prints and a dialog box appears on the screen with instructions to take the printed pages, turm them around so the top of the page is facing the printer, and place them, printed side up back into the feed try.
Click the Continue button.
Select a cover and print it. If you like, use a heavier paper for the cover.

Assembling the Bookmark Dictionary

To assemble, you basically staple the book in the middle, fold it lengthwise along the staples and trim it to size. If this makes sense, just skip the detailed instructions below.

Orient your stack of dictionary pages so that the page with the "Z" words and "A" words is facing up.
Place your cover page on top of the pile, printed side up.
Put a couple of staples right in the middle of the stack so that the smooth side of the staple will be on the outside of the fold. If your stapler arm isn't log enough, trim off one edge of the stack, but don't cut too close to the print on the pages. This edge will trimmed again after the pages are folded.
Fold the stack lengthwise, down the middle, along the length of the staples.
Trim all around so the booklet is the size of the printed cover. The book is pretty thick for a pair of scissors to get through, so you can do this bit by bit. Or, take it to Kinkos and they'll trim it down for 50 cents or so and it'll be very clean.