How Can I Reliably Print HTML Reports in Landscape Orientation?

Mastering Landscape Printing from HTML: A Comprehensive Guide

Navigating the landscape printing of HTML reports can be a perplexing task, especially when the report spans multiple columns. This article delves into the complexities of landscape printing and offers viable solutions to automate the process without user intervention.

CSS @page Property

The @page property offers a straightforward approach to landscape printing in CSS. Simply include the following line in your CSS:

@media print{@page {size: landscape}}

However, it's worth noting that this property stems from the CSS 3 Draft Specification and may not be universally supported.

Limited Browser Compatibility

Unfortunately, browser support for the @page size property is highly fragmented. While it appears to function in IE7, this is due to the browser's memory of the user's last print preview settings. Firefox and many other browsers do not support this property, leaving you with limited options.

Alternative Solutions

Since the @page size property is unreliable, alternative solutions are necessary. These include:

• Rotating Content: By manipulating CSS to rotate the content rather than the page, you can achieve a landscape effect. However, this method can create alignment and layout issues.
• PDF Generation: Creating a landscape-oriented PDF version of the report allows you to force the printer to use the desired orientation.
• JavaScript/ActiveX Workarounds: While not ideal, JavaScript or ActiveX solutions can simulate user actions to change the printer settings, but they depend on your browser's security settings.

Conclusion

Landscape printing from HTML remains a challenge due to inconsistent browser support. The @page size property offers a convenient approach, but its limited compatibility necessitates alternative methods. Carefully evaluate your content and environment to determine the most appropriate solution. Remember, Google Documents' PDF-based printing approach provides a reliable solution for some browsers.

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