Issue with printed PDF (bold text)

Question

Level 1

9 points

Issue with printed PDF (bold text)

Hello!

I googled this topic and I can't understand how to fix the issue: when I print a pdf file texts look bolder than how they should be (and how they appear on screen).

Previously I had this problem but only if I opened the file using Acrobat Reader, when I used Preview the prints were fine.

Now I got the same issue also using Preview.

iMac 24" with MacOS Ventura 13.1

Printer: HP OfficeJet 3833 (connected via Wi-Fi)

The printer appears to be updated as it says when I search for updates.

Thank you.

iMac 24″, macOS 13.1

Posted on Feb 2, 2023 06:43 AM

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Answer 1

Old Toad

Level 10

214,284 points

Feb 2, 2023 09:14 AM in response to theclubber

Give this a try: boot into Safe Mode according to How to use safe mode on your Mac and test to see if the problem persists. Reboot normally and test again.

NOTE 1: Safe Mode boot can take up to 3 - 5 minutes as it's doing the following;

• Verifies your startup disk and attempts to repair directory issues, if needed

• Loads only required kernel extensions (prevents 3rd party kernel/extensions from loading)

• Prevents Startup Items and Login Items from opening automatically

• Disables user-installed fonts

• Deletes font caches, kernel cache, and other system cache files

NOTE 2: if you have a wireless keyboard with rechargeable batteries connect it with its charging cable before booting into Safe Mode. This makes it act as a wired keyboard as will insure a successful boot into Safe Mode.

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Answer 2

Owl-53

Level 10

100,165 points

Feb 2, 2023 06:57 AM in response to theclubber

Perhaps updating to Jan 13, 2023 release of Ventura may or may not fix the Preview Issue

Links below pertains to updates

Keep your Mac up to date - Apple Support (CA)

About the security content of macOS Ventura 13.2 - Apple Support

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Answer 3

Owl-53

Level 10

100,165 points

Feb 2, 2023 07:16 AM in response to theclubber

Agree on the macOS side of the equation.

This is only IMHO and does not come with a Technical Knowledge of the Inner Works

macOS is still being offered on Intel Computer hough Apple is moving to Apple Silicon CPUs .

As long as Both Platforms are running side by side - the Apple Servers may need extra time to desert what update elements are needed for which Platform.

The work Pre-work ( Server Side ) required for the delivery to End User is also extended

IOS side - this would not apply

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Answer 4

Barney-15E

Level 10

121,238 points

Feb 2, 2023 07:28 AM in response to theclubber

While it is supposed to be very accurate, PDFs aren't perfectly rendered.

I doubt it would help, but have you tried printing it to PDF, then printing that PDF. Compare the two visually and see if the extra boldness appears in the Print to PDF version onscreen.

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Answer 5

theclubber Author

Level 1

9 points

Feb 2, 2023 07:40 AM in response to Barney-15E

MacOS updated. Nothing changed.

I tried to print to PDF and then to print it and it seems it is slightly better, especially the bold words. Not optimal, though.

The unbold words have the same "texture" as before.

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Answer 6

Barney-15E

Level 10

121,238 points

Feb 2, 2023 08:38 AM in response to theclubber

Preview doesn't handle all PDFs and all PDF capabilities. Acrobat Reader should be the standard. If it is also do that, I don't know why. I suppose it could be something to do with the rendering for the printer.

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