From Screen to Paper: How to Implement Print Layout Functionality in Sitecore

1. Introduction

Websites are designed for on-screen interaction, but there are still many scenarios where users need a print-friendly version of the content. Whether for documentation, receipts, reports, or marketing materials (Ebooks, Whitepapers, FAQs), ensuring a seamless print layout enhances usability and accessibility. Implementing a structured print layout can improve user experience, maintain brand consistency, and optimize content presentation across different formats.

2. What is Print Layout Functionality?

Print layout functionality refers to the ability of a website to offer a properly formatted, print-optimized version of its content. It ensures that when users print a page, unnecessary elements like navigation menus, sidebars, or advertisements are excluded, and the essential content is displayed in a clean, readable format.

Key features of print layout functionality include:

• Custom Stylesheets – CSS rules that hide non-essential elements and format content for printing.
• Page Break Management – Ensuring content breaks logically across multiple pages.
• Print-Specific Components – Custom headers, footers, and watermarks for branding.
• PDF Generation – Exporting pages into PDF format for professional-looking documents.

3. Step-by-Step Technical Implementation in Sitecore

Sitecore provides multiple ways to implement print layout functionalities, ensuring consistency across digital and print experiences. Here’s how it can be done step by step:

3.1 Using Print-Specific CSS

• Create a Separate CSS File for Print:

Define a new CSS file (e.g., print.css).

Add @media print rules to customize the content appearance.

• Hide Unnecessary Elements:

@media print {
    nav, .sidebar, .ads, .footer { display: none; }
}        

• Optimize Text Formatting:

@media print {
    body { font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; }
}        

Ensure Proper Page Breaks:

@media print {
    h1, h2, h3 { page-break-after: avoid; }
    .section { page-break-before: always; }
}        

3.2 Custom Print Views in Sitecore

Create a Dedicated Print Layout:

• In Sitecore, navigate to Presentation > Layouts.
• Create a new layout that contains only essential content.

Modify Components for Print Mode:

• Use rendering conditions to hide unnecessary elements.
• Modify Rendering Variants to display only relevant information.

Set Up a Print-Friendly URL:

• Provide a “Print Version” button that links to /print?itemid=XYZ.
• Ensure the new layout is applied dynamically when the print mode is detected.

3.3 PDF Generation with Sitecore

Install a PDF Generation Library:

• Use iTextSharp, DinkToPdf, Puppeteer, JSPDF or WKHTMLtoPDF for PDF rendering.

Generate PDFs Dynamically:

• Add a controller action in Sitecore that generates a PDF.
• Example (C#):

public ActionResult GeneratePDF()
{
    var pdfContent = GenerateHtmlForPrint();
    return File(ConvertToPDF(pdfContent), "application/pdf", "document.pdf");
}        

Automate PDF Downloads:

• Use Sitecore PowerShell Extensions (SPE) to trigger PDFs on demand.

4. Best Practices for Print Layout Implementation

To ensure an optimal print experience, follow these best practices:

• Use Print-Specific Stylesheets: Keep print CSS separate to maintain clarity and avoid affecting on-screen design.
• Optimize Content Structure: Ensure clear headings, logical content flow, and appropriate use of white space.
• Ensure Accessibility Compliance: Use high-contrast colors and readable fonts to enhance legibility.
• Provide a Print Preview: Allow users to see how content will appear before printing.
• Leverage PDF Generation Smartly: Offer downloadable PDFs where applicable to enhance professionalism and usability.

5. Use Cases for Print Layout Functionality

Print layouts are particularly useful for:

• E-commerce Websites: Printing invoices, order summaries, and receipts.
• Corporate Portals: Generating reports, contracts, and meeting summaries.
• Educational Platforms: Providing printable study materials, certificates, and syllabi.
• Healthcare Websites: Printing prescriptions, medical reports, and patient records.
• Government & Legal Websites: Generating policy documents and compliance reports.

6. Impact & Why This is a Recommended Practice

Implementing a well-structured print layout enhances user experience and improves content accessibility. Benefits include:

• Improved Readability: Ensuring users get clean, distraction-free printed content.
• Professional Presentation: Providing well-formatted PDFs or printed documents.
• Branding Consistency: Ensuring logos, colors, and branding elements are appropriately included in print materials.
• Better Compliance: Meeting regulatory needs where print documentation is required.
• Enhanced User Satisfaction: Giving users the flexibility to consume content in multiple formats.

7. Conclusion

Print layout functionalities are often overlooked in digital-first experiences, but they play a crucial role in usability and accessibility. By leveraging Sitecore’s flexible architecture, organizations can implement effective print-friendly solutions that enhance the customer experience while maintaining brand consistency.

With Sitecore’s powerful customization capabilities, businesses can ensure that their digital experiences follow a holistic approach to content delivery.