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How to Print Directions from Bing Maps
Quick answer Open Bing Maps, enter your start and end points, click the Directions button, then choose Print from the overflow menu (⋯) and select your printer or save as PDF.
What You’ll Need
- A computer or mobile device with a web browser (Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari).
- An internet connection to load Bing Maps.
- A printer, or a PDF printer option if you want to save the directions as a file.
Step-by-Step
- Open Bing Maps. Go to bing.com/maps in your browser. You do not need an account to print directions.
- Enter your start and destination. In the top-left panel, type your starting address (or click the location icon to use your current location) in the “Start” box, and your destination in the “End” box. Press Enter or click the arrow icon.
- Review your route. The map will show a suggested route with turn-by-turn directions listed on the left. If you want a different route, click an alternative gray route on the map or select it from the list.
- Open the print menu. Look for the three-dot (⋯) or hamburger menu icon, usually near the directions panel or at the top-right of the map. Click it, then select Print from the dropdown. (On some versions, you may see a printer icon directly—click that instead.)
- Choose your print options. A print preview window will open. You can select your printer, choose to include the map or just the text directions (if available), and adjust other settings like paper size and orientation.
- Print or save as PDF. Click the Print button to send to your printer, or choose “Save as PDF” from the destination dropdown to create a digital copy of the directions.
Common Mistakes
- Not selecting a route first. If you just search for a place without clicking Directions, the print option may not appear. Always use the Directions button to get turn-by-turn instructions.
- Using the browser’s print shortcut. Pressing Ctrl+P (or Cmd+P) prints the entire webpage, which can cut off the directions or include unnecessary elements. Use the built-in print option in Bing Maps for a clean output.
- Ignoring the map preview. The print preview may show only the map or only the text. Make sure you select the option to include both if you need both.
- Forgetting to check the route details. The printed directions may omit some steps if you don’t scroll through the full list on screen. Always verify the complete route is visible before printing.
Tips
- Use the “Save as PDF” option to keep a digital copy on your phone or computer—handy for offline access or sharing.
- Adjust the map zoom before printing to show the area you need. The print preview will reflect the current map view.
- Choose “Text only” if you want to save ink and paper—this option is available in some versions of the print dialog.
- Print in landscape orientation for longer route names or if the map appears cut off.
- Double-check the start and end points before printing—typos are the most common cause of wrong directions.
Troubleshooting
- Print option is grayed out or missing. Make sure you have actually clicked “Directions” and entered both start and end points. If it still doesn’t appear, try refreshing the page or using a different browser.
- The print preview looks wrong (map missing, text garbled). Close the preview, wait a few seconds, and try again. If it persists, clear your browser cache or try incognito mode.
- Directions do not print correctly. Ensure you have selected the correct printer in the dialog. If the text is cut off, try reducing the margins or changing the paper size in the print settings.
- Cannot find the print icon. On mobile, the menu may be hidden behind a hamburger icon (three horizontal lines). Tap it, then look for “Print” or “Share” (which may include a print option).
- No routes appear after entering addresses. Check your internet connection and try re-entering the addresses. If the location is very remote, Bing may not have a route—try a nearby landmark.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I print directions without a printer?
Yes, choose “Save as PDF” in the print dialog. This creates a digital file that you can view on any device or send to a print shop later.
Does the printed version include the map?
Usually yes. The print preview lets you choose to include the map, the text directions, or both. The exact options vary by browser and version.
Can I print walking or public transit directions?
Yes, Bing Maps offers walking, transit, and driving directions. The print option works the same way for all modes.
Why does the print button not appear on my phone?
On mobile, the print option is sometimes under the share or menu icon. If you still can’t find it, use your browser’s “Print” function (usually under the browser menu) and adjust the layout to fit the page.
Can I change the route before printing?
Yes, click on any alternative route on the map or select it from the list on the left. The print preview will update to show the selected route.
Is there a limit to the number of stops I can print?
Bing Maps supports multiple stops, but the print layout may become cramped with too many. For best results, keep the route under 10 stops.
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Sources: Microsoft Support. Menus and buttons can differ slightly by version. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.