WinWord: Troubleshooting Incorrect TrueType Printer Output

Last reviewed: February 5, 1998
Article ID: Q83864
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Word for Windows, versions 2.0, 2.0a, 2.0a-CD, 2.0b, 2.0c, 6.0, 6.0a, 6.0c

SUMMARY

The Microsoft Windows operating system version 3.1 implements TrueType font technology in order to optimize printer output based on the printer model. Consequently, you must verify that the printer driver settings selected in the Microsoft Word for Windows Print Setup dialog box match the actual printer settings exactly. Mismatches between printer driver settings and actual printer settings may cause unexpected output of TrueType fonts.

MORE INFORMATION

TrueType adjusts the way it prints based on factors such as printer memory, soft font limitations, printer capabilities, and printer model. For example, if Windows 3.1 is printing TrueType fonts to a Hewlett-Packard (HP) LaserJet Series II printer, it downloads PCL fonts until the the font memory limit (set in the Print Setup dialog box) is reached, then it downloads the remaining TrueType fonts as graphical images. Windows 3.1 makes similar decisions for all models of printers.

Symptoms of incorrect Print Setup settings include the following:

  • When you print in landscape orientation, TrueType fonts print as a printer font if the wrong printer model is selected. For example, Arial 40-pt prints as Courier 12-pt on an HP LaserJet Series II if you select the HP IID in the Print Setup dialog box.
  • Out-of-memory messages may appear when the printer memory setting does not match the actual amount of memory on the printer.
  • If the wrong printer model is selected, font orientation may be incorrect when you print in landscape orientation with the Print TrueType as Graphics option selected.
  • Some letters in a TrueType font at a certain size (such as Arial or Times New Roman) may print too small or not at all if the Print TrueType as Graphics option is not selected.

Check the following if TrueType output is incorrect:

  1. Does the memory setting on the driver match the memory on the printer?

  2. Does the printer model match the model specified on the driver? (Pay particular attention to this setting when using an emulation mode.)

  3. Has memory been allocated on the printer for items such as permanent download fonts or printer macros? If so, have you modified the printer driver settings accordingly (actual settings vary from driver to driver)?

Do the following if some letters formatted for a TrueType font or some TrueType font sizes do not print:
  • Select the Print TrueType As Graphics option.

    1. From the File menu, choose Print Setup. Choose the Setup button.

    2. Choose the Options button and select the Print TrueType As

          Graphics option. Choose the OK button three times.
    
  • Change the Graphics Resolution setting to 300 dots per inch.

    1. From the File menu, choose Print Setup. Choose the Setup button.

    2. Select 300 dots per inch from the Graphics Resolution list and

          choose the OK button twice.
    


KBCategory: kbtshoot kbusage
KBSubcategory: kbfont
Additional query words: 2.0 2.0a 3.10 true type word6
winword ttf troubleshooting 2.0a-CD 2.0b 2.0c out of memory 6.0
winword2
Keywords : kbfont
Version : 2.0 2.0a 2.0a-CD 2.0b 2.0c
Platform : WINDOWS


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Last reviewed: February 5, 1998
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