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Adobe Acrobat/MS Office print vs. PDF print

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Expert: Ken Black - 1/23/2009


Question
When I print from an MS Office 2007 application like Word, Publisher or Excel, I get a good looking document.  But, when I create a PDF using Acrobat Distiller 5.0 and then print the document, I get a document that looks good yet it is reduced by about 6% (94%).  Seems like a 0.25" margin is present all the way around the document, but I can't find how to address this margin to get a document that is 100% identical to the one printed from Word.  The Printer is a Xerox Phaser 8560.  Even the preview of the document on my display looks like it is reduced to 94%.  It is difficult to accutally check as Acrobat does not have a ruler in print preview.

Any suggestions as to where I should be looking to correct this problem so I can get a document that is 100% identical?  

Answer
Hi Gene,

Check the Page Setup to see that it is set to 100%.
Also check that when printing it is not set to reduce or fit to page in the print dialog.

Check both of these in the dialog boxes you see for printing and the dialog boxes you use in creating the pdf.

Thanks,

Ken Black  

Adobe Acrobat

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Ken Black

Expertise

With over 20 years experience in graphic arts as well as working as a preflight and prepress technician for Best Printing Online, I can answer any questions relating to graphic design and printing. This includes but is not limited to Adobe Acrobat, Adobe Indesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Quark Xpress and just about any other graphics related software.

Experience

Currently employed by Best Printing Online, I have been working as a graphic designer and printing professional for over 20 years. My experiences range from original design work including layout, illustration and photography to prepress production and troubleshooting. I have done consulting and training for some of the smallest print shops to the largest design agencies and printers in the industry.

Education/Credentials
Occupational Certificate in Darkroom and Printing Technologies from back when light tables and contacting frames were cool. Attended McHenry County College, Columbia College Chicago and Northern Illinois University and strive to attain new knowledge in this field wherever it may be hiding.

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