Skip to main content
A
Analise29353233wnwt
Participating Frequently
May 4, 2023
Question

InDesign Text Printing Incorrectly When Exported to PDF

  • May 4, 2023
  • 3 replies
  • 7242 views

I am having issues when I convert my document from InDesign into a PDF and then print it. The PDF file looks fine but when I print, the text is either bold or outlined and slightly fuzzy. 

 

However, when I create my document in Microsoft Word and export to a PDF and print, it looks great. I like the features that InDesign has but I have tried all sorts of things to fix this printing or exporting issue and I don't know what I'm doing wrong. I don't understand why the font looks different when I print the PDF than how it looks on the screen.

3 replies

Peter Spier
Community Expert
Peter SpierCommunity Expert
Community Expert
May 11, 2023

I'm late to this discussion, but your description that the printed font look bold makes mew think that perhaps there is transparency ion the page and the type is being outlined. If at all possible it's best practice to put text on a lyer above any graphics or other objects with blending modes or transparency applied.

    A
    Analise29353233wnwtAuthor
    Participating Frequently
    May 12, 2023

    This is occuring with only text on the page, no graphics or other objects.

    HARSHIKA_VERMA
    Community Manager
    HARSHIKA_VERMACommunity Manager
    Community Manager
    May 19, 2023

    Hi @Analise29353233wnwt,

     

    Thank you for trying the suggestion shared by our experts on the post. Could you please tell us if it's happening with all files or with a specific file? Is it possible for you to share the InDesign file with me over a private message so that we can check on our end? Have you tried printing from any other printer to check?

     

    Please share the version of InDesign and the details of your operating system.

     

    Thanks,

    Harshika

    Brad @ Roaring Mouse
    Community Expert
    Brad @ Roaring MouseCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    May 4, 2023

    In your PDF, what does it list for embedded fonts in Document Properties?

    If the fonts are properly embedded, it should look similar to this:

    If you zoom in on the text in your PDF, does it look correct?

    How are you printing this PDF? Are you using Acrobat? What are your print settings? Printer model?

     

     

    A
    Analise29353233wnwtAuthor
    Participating Frequently
    May 4, 2023

     This is what it looks like for the embedded fonts.

     

    A
    Analise29353233wnwtAuthor
    Participating Frequently
    May 4, 2023

    When I zoom in on the font, it looks correct. It looks the same as it does in InDesign.

     

    I am using Acrobat.

     

    Not sure what printer settings you would like to know about, but I have it set to Actual size or Fit (both result in the font being bold), color, and then everything is just deafult settings. Printer Model: Ricoh c4500

    Derek Cross
    Community Expert
    Derek CrossCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    May 4, 2023

    Are you using one of the Adobe PDF presets to create the PDF (not Print to PDF)?

      A
      Analise29353233wnwtAuthor
      Participating Frequently
      May 4, 2023

      Yes, I'm not using Print to PDF although I did try that and it did not change anything. Is there a specific Adobe PDF preset that I should be using? I've just been using the High Quality Print option...I'm pretty sure I tried another one as well during this process but it didn't change anything.

      A
      Analise29353233wnwtAuthor
      Participating Frequently
      May 4, 2023

      When I print directly from InDesign it works correctly and the text looks great, so I think I must be exporting to PDF incorrectly.

      Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement
      Using the community Terms of use Privacy Cookie preferences Do not sell or share my personal information ad choicesAdChoices