You need to print something. Maybe it’s a boarding pass, a job application, or an important contract that requires a physical signature. There’s just one problem: you don’t own a printer.
Don’t worry—you’re not alone, and you have more options than you might think. In fact, going printer-free is becoming increasingly common as people realize that owning a printer for occasional use often doesn’t make financial sense.
Let’s explore all the ways you can get your documents printed without owning a printer, including the real pros and cons of each option.
Your Local Public Library
Public libraries aren’t just about books anymore. Most libraries have embraced their role as community technology centers, offering computer access and printing services to anyone with a library card.
How It Works
Visit your library with your documents on a USB drive, email them to yourself and access them on a library computer, or use the library’s wireless printing service from your phone or laptop. Most libraries have both black-and-white and color printing available.
The Costs
Library printing is typically the most affordable option available. Most libraries charge around $0.10 to $0.25 per black-and-white page and $0.50 per color page. Many libraries even offer free printing credits—some provide $5 or more per week at no cost.
The Pros
Incredibly affordable. Library printing is usually the cheapest option you’ll find, especially if you qualify for free printing credits.
No account or membership needed beyond a library card. Getting a library card is free and only takes a few minutes.
Reliable locations. Libraries are present in most communities and maintain consistent hours.
The Cons
Limited hours. Libraries have specific operating hours, which may not align with your schedule, especially if you need something printed in the evening or on weekends.
Potential wait times. During busy periods, you might wait for an available computer or printer, especially in smaller library branches.
Quality varies. Library printers prioritize functionality over quality. They’re fine for text documents, but photos or graphics may not look their best.
You have to go in person. You can’t print from home and have it ready when you arrive—you need to use their systems on-site or send print jobs that may be held for only 24 hours.
Office Supply Stores: Staples, Office Depot, FedEx Office
National chains like Staples, Office Depot, and FedEx Office (formerly Kinko’s) have built their reputations on being reliable printing destinations for individuals and businesses alike.
How It Works
These stores offer multiple options: bring your document on a USB drive and use their self-service stations, email your files ahead and pick them up at the counter, or use their online upload portals to submit print jobs remotely.
The Costs
Expect to pay more than at a library. Black-and-white printing typically ranges from $0.12 to $0.29 per page, while color printing runs between $0.49 and $1.09 per page. Prices vary by location and volume—larger print jobs often qualify for bulk discounts.
Some locations charge a small minimum fee per transaction (UPS Store, for example, has a $0.50 minimum).
The Pros
Convenience and extended hours. Many locations are open evenings and weekends, making them accessible when libraries are closed.
Professional quality. These stores use commercial-grade equipment, so your documents will look polished and professional.
Wide range of options. Need cardstock? Binding? Lamination? These stores offer services beyond basic printing.
Submit online, pick up later. Many chains let you upload documents online and pick them up at your convenience, saving time at the store.
The Cons
Higher prices than libraries. You’ll pay significantly more per page, which adds up quickly for multi-page documents.
Inconsistent staff expertise. Some locations have knowledgeable staff who can help with complex jobs, while others have minimal assistance available.
Can feel intimidating. If you’re not familiar with printing terminology or options, the self-service stations can be confusing, and staff may be too busy to help during peak hours.
Pricing isn’t always transparent. Different locations may charge different rates, and special paper or services can quickly increase costs beyond what you expected.
Asking Friends or Family
Sometimes the simplest solution is asking someone you know if you can use their printer.
How It Works
Bring your laptop or send your files to a friend or family member who owns a printer. They print your documents, and you pick them up.
The Costs
Usually free, though it’s thoughtful to offer to pay for the paper and ink you use, especially if you’re printing multiple pages or color documents. A small gift or favor in return goes a long way.
The Pros
Free or very low cost. Most friends and family won’t charge you, especially for occasional small jobs.
Flexible timing. You can often arrange to print at times convenient for both of you, including evenings or weekends.
Personal touch. There’s something nice about getting a little help from someone you know, and it can be a good excuse to catch up.
The Cons
You’re imposing on someone’s generosity. Even if they say it’s no problem, you’re using their supplies and asking for their time.
Not always available. Your friend might be out of town, out of ink, or their printer might be broken (printers have a way of not working when you need them most).
Awkward for regular use. Asking once in a while is fine, but repeatedly requesting to use someone’s printer can strain the relationship.
Limited control over quality and timing. You’re at the mercy of their schedule and the capabilities of their printer.
Retail Locations: Pharmacies and Big-Box Stores
Stores like CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, and Target often have photo printing services that can also handle document printing.
How It Works
Most of these stores have photo printing kiosks where you can print from a USB drive, memory card, or phone app. Some also accept email submissions for documents.
The Costs
Pricing varies widely. Document printing typically costs around $0.20 to $0.40 per page for black-and-white, with color costing more. Photo printing has its own pricing structure, usually based on size.
The Pros
Convenient locations. These stores are everywhere, often in shopping centers you already visit regularly.
Extended hours. Many are open late or even 24 hours, giving you flexibility.
Photo quality options. If you need to print photos rather than documents, these stores specialize in that.
The Cons
Not designed for documents. These kiosks prioritize photo printing, so document printing may be clunky or limited.
Quality inconsistency. Document printing quality can be unpredictable since it’s not their primary service.
Confusing interfaces. Photo kiosks aren’t always intuitive for printing standard documents.
Limited support. Staff may not be familiar with the document printing process and may be unable to help if you encounter issues.
Online Printing and Mailing Services
Services like Inktoss represent a newer approach: you upload documents online, they’re professionally printed, and they’re mailed directly to you or wherever you need them sent.
How It Works
Upload your documents from your phone, tablet, or computer. Choose your printing preferences, provide a delivery address, and the service prints and mails your documents to you.
The Costs
Pricing varies by service but is often competitive with print shops, especially when you factor in your time and travel costs. You pay for both printing and postage in one transaction.
The Pros
Ultimate convenience. Print from anywhere, anytime, without leaving your home. No driving to a store or library.
Reliable quality. Professional printing equipment ensures consistent, high-quality results.
Direct mailing option. Need to send documents to someone else? Many services can mail directly to the recipient, saving you a trip to the post office.
No time wasted. Submit your order in minutes and move on with your day. No waiting in lines or at printers.
Transparent pricing. You see the total cost upfront before you commit.
The Cons
Shipping time. You won’t get your documents instantly—expect a few days for delivery, so this isn’t ideal for last-minute needs.
Postage costs. You’re paying for printing and shipping, which can add up, especially for small jobs.
Less hands-on control. You can’t inspect the print quality before accepting it, though reputable services have quality guarantees.
Not ideal for single-page rush jobs. If you just need one page immediately, a local option will be faster.
Which Option Is Right for You?
The best printing solution depends on your specific situation. Here’s a quick decision guide:
Choose a library if: You’re printing simple text documents, you’re on a tight budget, you have flexibility in timing, and there’s a library conveniently located near you.
Choose an office supply store if: You need professional quality, you’re printing something important like a resume or presentation, you need special services like binding, or you need evening/weekend access.
Choose a friend or family member if: You have a close relationship with someone nearby who has a printer, you only need occasional printing, you’re comfortable asking for help, and you plan to reciprocate the favor somehow.
Choose a retail location if: You’re already shopping at one of these stores, you need photos printed rather than documents, or you need printing access outside normal business hours.
Choose an online printing service if: You value convenience over speed, you need documents mailed anyway, you’re printing from home and don’t want to make a trip, or you need reliable professional quality without the hassle.
The Printer-Free Lifestyle
Here’s something worth considering: many people are discovering that not owning a printer is actually a lifestyle upgrade.
You save money on the printer itself, expensive ink cartridges, paper, and maintenance. You free up desk space. You avoid the frustration of paper jams, connectivity issues, and printers that mysteriously stop working at the worst possible moment.
Most importantly, when you do need to print something, you have options. You’re not locked into one solution. Different situations call for different approaches, and being printer-free gives you the flexibility to choose what works best each time.
The Bottom Line
You don’t need to own a printer to print documents. Libraries offer affordable printing. Office supply stores provide professional quality and convenience. Friends might help in a pinch. Retail stores are accessible and open late. Online services deliver professional printing right to your door.
Each option has strengths and weaknesses, so the “best” choice depends on what you’re printing, how quickly you need it, where you’re located, and what you value most—whether that’s cost, convenience, quality, or speed.
The good news? You have options. Plenty of them.
Ready to Print Without the Printer?
If convenience sounds appealing and you’d like to print from the comfort of your home without driving anywhere, Inktoss makes it simple. Upload your documents from your phone or computer, and we’ll print and mail them wherever they need to go—no printer ownership required.
Print from anywhere, anytime. Upload your documents and let us handle the rest. Get started with Inktoss.