Expert: Kevin Stohlmeyer - 4/23/2009

Question
Hi Kevin,

I have one user experiencing issues when priting some graphics from illustrator CS3. Please note that he is using a Intel Mac Pro with Leopard.

The problem is when he gets to print a graphic (it can be 1mb or 10mb no difference) The process bar will progress normally until about 95%. It seems to be freezing at 95% for a big delay (1-2 mins) and then it finally prints. First I tought it was a printer setting so I tried priting on another printer, same thing.  Do you know if it could be linked to any settings in illustrator?

Have you ever encountered the same issue?

Thanks alot for the help!

Patrick

Answer
HI Patrick,

My first thought is fonts or the number of points if this is a complex image. Usually when the progress stalls at the end has to do with finalizing the download to the printer.

Three things to try,

1. Outline any fonts temporarily just to print

2. select all and go to Object>Path>Simplify. Leave it set to 100% accuracy and just see what the point count comes out to. If it is a large number of points, that could be it.

3. Try printing simple docs - one with just type, one with just a filled square and see if it still stalls. If it does, download and install your printer drivers. See if that helps.

Normally its not the AI doc that causes the issue, rather it is communication between the app and the printer itself.


Thanks

Kevin