How to Print at Staples: Upload, Order, and Pick Up

You can use Staples print services for documents, presentations, photos, and other supported items. Before starting, have the file ready and check that it opens correctly; the exact products, order options, and pickup process can vary by location. If the job is urgent or has unusual requirements, contact the store before placing it.

What You’ll Need

A digital file in a format accepted by the Staples print service, such as a PDF or a common office-document format.
Internet access and a device if you want to upload and order online.
The print details you want: quantity, color or black-and-white, paper or product type, size, and single- or double-sided printing.
A way to access the order confirmation and any pickup instructions. You may also bring the file on a USB drive if the store can print from it.

Step-by-Step

Prepare the file. Open the document and check the wording, page order, orientation, and page count. For a document with a specific layout, save or export a PDF so fonts and page breaks are less likely to shift. Make sure the file is not password-protected and that you have permission to print it.
Choose how to submit it. For online ordering, go to Staples’ official website and find its printing or print-and-marketing service. Select the relevant product or document-printing option. If you prefer to visit a store, call ahead to confirm it can handle your file type, size, and turnaround needs; in-store equipment and services can differ.
Upload or provide the file. In the online order flow, use the upload control and select the correct file from your device. Wait for the upload to finish, then check any preview or file details shown. At a store, ask an associate how to provide the file; do not assume every location accepts USB drives or other media.
Set the print options. Select the quantity and the available paper size, paper type, color setting, and one- or two-sided option. Check orientation and whether the job should be stapled or otherwise finished, if those choices are offered. Use the document’s actual page size rather than relying on a default that may crop or shrink the layout.
Review the preview and order details. Confirm the first and last pages, page count, margins, color, and layout. If the file has multiple pages, look for unexpected blank pages or cut-off content. Correct the file or settings before submitting; a preview may not show every color or finishing detail exactly as the final print will.
Select fulfillment and submit. Choose a pickup store or another fulfillment option shown for your order. Check the store location, contact details, and any estimated ready time in the order flow. Submit the order and keep the confirmation, order number, and instructions. Do not head to the store until you have a ready-for-pickup notice or have confirmed the order is ready.
Collect and check the print job. Follow the confirmation instructions and bring the order number or other requested details. Before leaving, check that you have the right job and quantity and that the pages are legible and in the expected order. If anything is missing or printed incorrectly, tell the associate promptly and show the order confirmation.

Common Mistakes

Uploading the wrong version: Give the final file a recognizable name and open it once more before submitting. If you revise it after ordering, check with the store about whether the existing order can be changed; do not assume a replacement upload updates an order already placed.
Choosing the wrong paper size: A letter-size file sent to a different size can be scaled, shifted, or cropped. Match the order size to the document and inspect the preview, especially for forms, labels, and designs with content near the edge.
Missing a double-sided or color setting: Defaults may not match what you need. Review each option deliberately, including whether “color” applies to the whole job or only selected pages if the service provides that control.
Assuming online ordering means immediate printing: Uploading a file is not the same as confirming a completed order. Submit the job, check the confirmation, and wait for a ready notice or verify with the store before collecting it.
Leaving out finishing instructions: If you need pages collated, stapled, or arranged in a particular way, choose the relevant option if available or ask the store whether it can do so. Do not rely on an unstated preference.

Tips

Use PDF for layouts that must stay consistent, but review the exported PDF for missing fonts, images, or pages before upload.
For a large or time-sensitive job, contact the chosen store first to confirm service availability, acceptable file formats, and the expected completion time. Those details can vary by location and workload.
For a document with sensitive information, consider what it contains before uploading or handing it over. Use only the official Staples service or a store process you understand, and collect the printout promptly.
If only a few pages need color, check whether the order flow lets you specify page ranges. Otherwise, ask the store how to submit separate print jobs without mixing up the pages.
Keep the original file and confirmation until you have checked the completed print job. They make it easier to identify the correct document if you need help.

Troubleshooting

The upload fails: Check your internet connection, confirm the file opens on your device, and try again using a supported file format. If the file is unusually large or still will not upload, contact the store or use its available in-person submission process. Do not send sensitive files through an unofficial channel.

The preview looks wrong: Stop before submitting. Re-export the file as a PDF, confirm its page size and orientation, and check that the text and images fit within the page. If the preview remains unclear, ask the store to review the settings before printing.

The order is not ready: Check the confirmation for the selected store and estimated timing, then contact that location with your order number. A ready-time estimate is not necessarily a guarantee, so verify before making a special trip.

The printout has an error: Keep the printout and order confirmation, and explain what differs from the approved file or selected settings to the store associate. Ask what correction options are available; the resolution depends on the order and the store’s assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I print at Staples without ordering online?

Often, stores can help with print jobs in person, but available equipment and file-submission methods differ. Call the specific location first, particularly if you need a certain size, finish, or quick turnaround.

What file formats can I upload?

Accepted formats depend on the product and the online order flow. Check the upload page for its current list. A PDF is usually a practical choice when preserving page layout matters, but confirm the preview before submitting.

Can I print from my phone?

You can try the official Staples website on your phone if the print-order page supports your browser and file. If uploading from mobile is difficult, use a computer or ask the store what submission methods it accepts.

Can I choose same-day pickup?

Pickup timing depends on the product, store, workload, and order details. Select only a time or service the order page offers, and wait for confirmation that the job is ready before traveling to the store.

Can Staples print a document from a USB drive?

Some stores may accept files on removable media, but this is not guaranteed. Contact the location to ask which file types and devices it can use, and bring a backup copy if practical.

Sources: Staples Print & Marketing Services. Menus and buttons can differ slightly by version. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.