I am working in Word 2000 but need someone who really knows typography, so I'm hoping you can help. I want to use a font that is somewhat unique (but found on most computers) to write resumes. I like Garamond, but when printing it out (on a PC with a laserJet printer) found that parts of the strokes almost disappeared. (I have Adobe's postscript font loaded, so it's a good quality font.) In fact, I almost replaced my printer cartridge thinking that was the problem! Now I'm not so sure. Have you found that problem with Garamond? Should I change to a non-postscript font? Garamond book looks quite different, although I considered that-
Thanks!
Answer Which parts of the strokes are disappearing? Is it the descenders (in which case you may just need to increase your leading -- paragraph spacing, in Word)? Or is it the serifs themselves (could mean your typesize is too small, or the LaserJet's resolution is too low)?
I would be surprised to learn that it was a problem with the font. But this is something that should be checked. There are a couple of ways to do this: try a different font, or, with Garamond, create a PostScript file. You can then try downloading the PostScript file straight to the printer (using the HP LaserJet Utility), or opening the PS file in Illustrator. (I'm assuming you have Illustrator, since you've posted this question in the Illustrator section.) If one or both of these works out it's not a problem with the font.
Another thing to try (particularly if the disappearing act is with the serifs) is to increase the LaserJet's output resolution. I'm a Mac user and, as such, unfamilir with the Windows driver for LaserJet printers. But you should find resolution options in the Page Setup dialog box from within Word. This, of course, assumes that the printer isn't already set for its maximum resolution.
If none of these works, then it's time to try a different font.
(Usually the best indicator for changing the toner cartridge is big streaks of disappearing page elements all the way down the page, so it doesn't sound like that's the problem.)
