How to Print Selected Ranges in LibreOffice Calc

This guide explains how to define, customize, and manage print ranges in LibreOffice Calc to print only designated portions of a spreadsheet. By utilizing print area definitions, users can isolate specific cell blocks, combine multiple non-adjacent ranges, and prevent unwanted data from appearing on paper or in PDF exports.

Defining a Single Print Area

To restrict printing to a specific block of cells:

  1. Highlight the range of cells you want to print.
  2. Go to the top menu and select Format > Print Ranges > Define.

Calc will now restrict all standard print jobs and PDF exports for that sheet exclusively to the selected boundaries.

Adding Multiple Ranges to a Print Area

If you need to print separate, non-contiguous sections of the same sheet:

  1. Select your first cell range and choose Format > Print Ranges > Define.
  2. Select the second cell range.
  3. Go to Format > Print Ranges > Add.
  4. Repeat this process for any additional ranges.

Each added range is printed on a separate page by default.

Managing Definitions via the Edit Dialog

For precise control over your print parameters, use the Print Ranges edit window:

  1. Navigate to Format > Print Ranges > Edit….
  2. In the Print Range dropdown menu, choose one of the available options:
    • None: Disables printing for the active sheet.
    • Entire Sheet: Prints the entire sheet content (the default behavior).
    • User Defined: Allows you to manually type cell references (e.g., A1:E20; G1:J20) or click the shrink icon to highlight areas directly on the sheet.
    • Selection: Sets the range based on current active cell highlights.
  3. Under the Rows to Repeat and Columns to Repeat sections, define header rows or columns (e.g., $1 or $A) to appear consistently across every printed page.
  4. Click OK to apply.

Printing Selected Cells Without Defining a Range

If you only need a one-time printout without saving a permanent print range to the document:

  1. Highlight the cells you wish to print.
  2. Go to File > Print (or press Ctrl + P).
  3. Under the Range and Copies section, select the Selected cells option.
  4. Click Print.

Clearing Print Areas

To remove all custom print definitions and return the sheet to its default state:

  1. Open the sheet containing the defined area.
  2. Navigate to Format > Print Ranges > Clear.