Document prints fine from Indesign - Doesn't print properly when saved as a PDF

[default7i9xpmw0ql9i]

When I print my document from Indesign, it is perfect. When I save it as a PDF and then print the PDF, it cuts off on the left side. I have already tried choosing "fit" when printing and messed around with different print settings. It looks fine in print preview, until I select my home printer, and then there is a gray gap between the edge of the printable area and the actual document. I'm not sure if there is an export setting that I am overlooking that could solve my problem.

[Diane Burns · Accepted solution]

I suspect it may be specific to your printer. You might check under page setup and see if there are any offsets or alignnment (in this case, to the right) that might be set. Post the PDF and we can check on other printers.

[Jumpenjax]

I agree with Diane Burns. My printer has a printer gap area which it will not print. Upload a pdf as she recommended.👍

[default7i9xpmw0ql9i]

Thank you, Diane. I have had other people print the PDF for me - my husband at his work where it printed normally from the PDF and my sister, where there was a very slight cutoff (less than my personal printer). My printer prints this perfectly from InDesign so I don't believe there is an alignment issue. The PDF does not allow me to change margins or anything like that in page setup.

[Peter Spier]

Inkjet or laser? How does it print if you turn OFF fit to printable area?

On my cheap laser the test print I pulled is offset about .125" to the right, within tolerance for the technology.

[Brad @ Roaring Mouse]

Using "Fit" will reduce the PDF to completely fit inside the printable image area of the printer selected, which from your screen grab is exactly what's happening. You need to select "Actual".

Also: If you are on a Mac, the default setting under Page Setup is usually Format for > Any Printer, which usually has a "generic" printable area similar to what you are showing. Make sure you are selecting Format for > *your printer*, to get an accurate imageable area for your actual printer (you should see this change in your preview)