Direct answer. In PrintExactly, choose the Page, set the Photo Frame dimensions, adjust the Image Content inside it, review the printable area, then confirm the macOS print panel is not applying fit-to-page scaling.
The 3-step method
- Pick the paper and the printer you will actually use. In PrintExactly, the document page size matches the loaded paper and the workspace reads the active printer's printable area.
- Enter the Photo Frame dimensions in mm, cm, or inches. Type the target width and height — 2 × 2 in, 4 × 6 in, 5 × 7 in, 8 × 10 in, 35 × 45 mm, or custom dimensions up to 2,000 mm per side. The physical size is the value you typed, not a fit-to-paper guess.
- Verify DPI, printable area, and 100% scale, then print. PrintExactly checks effective DPI, flags clipping, and prints the generated PDF without page scaling. Review any driver-specific scaling before sending the job.
Why photos print wrong size on Mac
Two settings cause most "photo printed wrong size" reports. PrintExactly warns about paper and printable-margin mismatches it can detect; Scale to Fit still needs a manual check in the print panel.
- Scale to Fit is on in the print dialog. The macOS print panel scales the photo to fill the loaded paper. Turn it off and set Scale to 100%.
- Paper size mismatch. If the document is sized for A4 but the tray has US Letter, macOS scales the output. Match document size to loaded paper.
Frequently asked questions
How do I print a photo at exact size on Mac without it shrinking?
Set the Photo Frame dimensions in PrintExactly, turn off Scale to Fit in the macOS print dialog, set Scale to 100%, and confirm the loaded paper matches the Page size.
Can PrintExactly print exact size in millimeters or centimeters?
Yes. Enter width and height in mm, cm, or inches, up to 2,000 mm per side. Sizes such as 35 × 45 mm and 9 × 13 cm work without manual conversion.
Read the full Mac exact-size photo guide · Why your Mac prints the wrong size · Mac print at 100% checklist