Problems Printing PDF Files
Why does my pdf document not print from a networked printer?
Recently, users have been experiencing problems printing Adobe pdf files to networked printers, both in the department and elsewhere (e.g. outside granting agencies). These files are generally from online journals, contain research materials, grant proposals, etc.
The following are symptoms of this problem:
A: only one page of a pdf document prints and sometimes a second page prints with an error message
B: a printed pdf document comes out with garbeled text
C: a blank page comes out instead of the document
D: nothing comes out at the printers
The culprit behind these issues have been the recent batch of pdf documents which do not contain the font information necessary for the documents to be printed. These documents therefore are pictures and in most instances cannot be printed using the normal method.
What can I do to resolve this issue?
Whenever the above problem occurs you have two options:
Option 1: If you have a printer connected to your computer, you may print to that
printer. Printing will take anywhere from 3 to 5 minutes depending on the document.
Option 2: If you do not have a computer connected to your computer and utilize a
network printer, then you will have to print the pdf file as an image.
How do I print the PDF file as an image?
To print a PDF file as an image:
Acrobat 6.x, 7.0, 8.0, and 9.0:
1. Choose File > Print, and then click Advanced.
2. Select Print As Image and any other desired printing options.
3. Click OK to close the Advanced Print Setup dialog box, and then click OK.
Acrobat 5.x:
1. Choose File > Print.
2. Select Print as Image, and then click OK.
Some files will still cause trouble
None of the above methods will guarantee trouble-free printing. The problem arises with only a minority of files, and by the above methods you can reduce the likelihood still further. but there will remain some files that obstinately refuse to print.
How long will it take for a pdf file to print?
When you print a PDF file as an image, it may take longer to print.
On mac os X: it will take anywhere from 10 to 13 minutes to print one page of a pdf document due to the fact that the printers must process all of the pdf information. Users are therefore strongly being advised to save these printing tasks for times when the printers are not occupied so as to not greatly upset and inconvenience other printer users. If you MUST print a poster from mac os X do so in early morning (done printing by 9 AM) or late evening (starting no earlier than 7PM).
Windows: it will take anywhere from 3 to 5 minutes to print a pdf document from a windows system.
Linux users: the ppd and ghostscript print drivers are be able to handle the printing of pdf files since the pdf file can be easily converted to postscript format. Linux users should also avoid all adobe acrobat products.
Are all pdf files affected?
NO, only pdf files that have been incorrectly created by the organization or person distributing the file.