How to Print VHS Slipcovers at Home on 8.5” x 11” Paper

I’ve developed two methods (I prefer method 2) to print a VHS slipcase on 8.5″ x 11″ sheets of paper!

So you can print using a home printer on regular printer paper, and then double up the thickness with a second sheet and some spray adhesive.

I’ve added these as exportable templates for members on my VHS Slipcover Generator. This generator is the easiest and fastest way to make a VHS slip.

Sidenote: Betamax is also actually a great format if you’re getting into this hobby, in part because its already the perfect size for 8.5″x11 paper, and doesn’t require a paper hack like I’m sharing below.

Why is printing slips on regular printer paper a big deal?

Normally to print VHS slipcases, you need to go to a print shop, because:

1. slip templates are slightly larger than a regular paper, coming in at about 9×11 inches (228.6 × 279.4 mm).
2. most home printers can’t handle thick stock paper. It causes all kinds of paper jams and can damage some printers.

The two methods I’ve outlined below solve these issues.

Method #1 — One-page Split Top

This method squeezes your entire design onto a single sheet of 8.5″ x 11″ paper. It splits the top flap of your box. This is useful if your paper supply is limited. The downside of this method is that there will bu a slight line visible on the top of your cover.

Before I get into this guide, there’s one big catch for Method 1 — some home printers can’t print close to the edge of the paper. Check your printer model and make sure it supports a 0.25 inch (6.35 mm) printable margin. The reason for this — and you can see this in the design below — is that the bottom and left edges must print fully. The top and right edges will get clipped and go partially white, (which is expected).

Supplies:

• You need a home printer that prints with ~0.25″ border or less. Most printers do, but if yours has larger margins, this method will not work.
• Can of spray adhesive You could use other glue, but spray adhesive is designed for exactly this kind of large, even bonding. (~$10)
• A second sheet of cardstock that is 9″ x 11″ or larger. This is what you’ll mount the printed design onto. You might already have something usable at home. You can also buy a 9×12 sketchpad and tear out a sheet.
• Membership on my VHS Slip Generator site to print this out ($6)
• Glue for the final flap (wood glue, contact cement, or similar)

Bonus tools: I love my scoring board for folding thick paper. I also picked up this punch kit for the circular cutouts at the bottom.

Here are the steps:

• Design a VHS Slipcover and select 8.5″ x 11″ as the “Download” option.
• Print! Make sure to select “100% Actual Size” (example screenshots)
• Cut out the spine flap first (top right of template).
• Do not cut out the rest of the design yet. Only remove the spine flap.
• Spray mount the back of the sheet, the spine flap, AND your substrate
• Wait about 30 seconds, the bond the sheet to the substrate
• The bond the spine flap, using the registration marks to align
• Now cut out the full design, fold, and glue the final flap closed.

When you print, you’ll notice parts of the top and right edge are trimmed by the printer. Some of the cut lines will be partially missing. This is expected. When cutting, simply continue the line where it would naturally extend. As long as the bottom & left sides are visible, you’re in good shape. If your printer is clipping the left and bottom of your design, you will need to do Method 2 below.

Method #2 — Two-Page Split

Generally I think this is probably the better quality method because you aren’t splitting part of your design, which can have a seam or even misalignment.

This method splits the VHS slipcover design into two pages, adding a second glue flap to combine the two pages.

So you simply export using the “2-page split” from the website, then glue one side of the panel to the other side, and then proceed with cutting along the bolded lines, fold along the thin lines.

If you’re printing on thinner paper, you can use the same mounting technique described in Method #1 to mount your printed design onto thicker paper.

And then for both designs, simply follow my guide for cutting and folding your VHS Slipcover designs:

A couple notes:

Using a home printer opens up paper options that print shops may not offer, like reflective, holographic, metallic, or high-gloss photo paper.

Printing thick cardstock directly in a home printer is generally not recommended and can damage internal components. These method avoids that risk by mounting your thinner paper to heavier stock — all while still achieving a rigid, professional result.

My website has long been the fastest way to design a VHS cover. Now it’s also the most convenient, because you don’t need to visit a print shop.

Have comments, questions, or suggestions? Let me know below.