PDF Printing

  1. How can I resolve a print problem?

    • These are big files with graphics, you should try to print one or two pages at a time. You may not have enough printer memory to print the whole document.
    • Printer Memory Issues using PDF format - If you encounter problems, such as a "Vmerror" printing to a PostScript Level 1 or 2 printer, it may be because the printer has insufficient memory available. Below are two potential solutions to this problem:
      • In the Acrobat® Reader® General Preferences dialog (select from the File > Preferences menu) you may choose to use Serif only or Sans only for font substitution. This frees up additional memory in the printer and chances are good your document will print successfully.
      • Upgrade the printer's memory.
    • Raster vs. Vector Modes - You may get more consistent results if your printer driver is set to use Raster mode for graphics. Note, not all printer drivers have this mode.
    • Dithering - Set your printer driver's Graphics/Dithering option to Fine or Coarse for best results when printing half-tone images. A setting of None will produce poor results.
    • 600dpi - If you experience problems printing to HP LaserJet printers in the 600dpi mode, try switching back to 300dpi mode or if it is equipped with a PostScript option, use the PostScript mode for 600dpi printing.

  2. When printing some files in PDF format all the words run together with no spaces between them, however, everything looks fine on the screen. Is there an error in your documents, or is it my system?

    This issue can nearly always be resolved by obtaining and installing the most recent print driver available for your particular make and model printer. Most printer manufacturers, including Hewlett Packard, provide free printer driver updates from their Web sites.

  3. Are there any known issues when printing PDF files with specific printers?
  • Canon BJC 4100 - PDF files may not print properly in the printer's photographic mode. Use the printer's Graphics & Text or Automatic modes instead.
  • Canon LBP-81V - Use the printer's bitmap mode for best results.
  • HP DeskJet Printers - If provided, it is recommended to use the printer's Raster Graphics mode as opposed to the Vector Graphics mode.
  • HP DeskJet 500C - This printer has an unprintable area near the top of the page. Be sure to use the shrink-to-fit option in Acrobat® Reader®'s Print dialog box.
  • HP LaserJet Printers - For best results it is recommended that you use the printer driver's TrueType font option to download TrueType fonts as bitmaps (not outlines).
  • HP LaserJet 5M - For best results, it is recommended that you use the standard HP Laserjet 5M printer driver and not the enhanced driver that ships with the printer.