How Can I Print HTML Documents in Landscape Orientation Without User Intervention?

Printing HTML Documents in Landscape Orientation

When dealing with HTML reports with numerous columns, printing in landscape orientation can enhance readability. However, ensuring this orientation without user intervention poses some challenges.

CSS Solutions

One approach is to employ the @page CSS property within a @media print block. This method, however, faces limitations due to its depreciation in CSS 3.

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

JavaScript Workarounds

Despite the limitations of CSS solutions, alternative approaches include using JavaScript or ActiveX to manipulate the browser's print settings.

Content Rotation

Another option is to rotate the content instead of the page orientation by applying a transform to the HTML body.

.page {
  -webkit-transform: rotate(-90deg);
  -moz-transform: rotate(-90deg);
  filter: progid:DXImageTransform.Microsoft.BasicImage(rotation=3);
}

PDF Solution

Finally, consider creating a PDF version of the document in landscape orientation. By linking to the PDF, printing will automatically render in landscape mode.

<link media="print" rel="Alternate" href="print.pdf">

Browser Support

Browser support for these methods varies significantly. Some browsers, such as Firefox, have filed bug reports about the @page size property. Internet Explorer 7 may appear to support it, but it relies on user preferences set during print previews.

Conclusion

Printing HTML documents in landscape orientation without user intervention remains a challenge. While CSS solutions offer potential, browser compatibility and limitations hinder their wide implementation. Alternative approaches, such as content rotation or PDF creation, may provide acceptable workarounds depending on the specific content and environment.

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