Fix Microsoft Project Printing Incorrect Data in Columns
Question details
The user needs to resolve an issue where Microsoft Project prints duplicate or wrong data in specific schedule columns.
- Product
- Microsoft Project
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Printing a project schedule that includes multiple data columns.
- Observed behavior
- When printed, the Successors and Resources columns incorrectly display the exact same information as the Predecessors column instead of their true values.
Ensure your default printer drivers are fully up to date and try restarting Microsoft Project before making changes to your views and tables.
Compare Views and Reset Table Settings
Checking the print preview against the active Gantt Chart view helps identify if the issue is a visual glitch or a corrupted table setting.
In many cases, Microsoft Project may experience a temporary glitch where the print spooler misinterprets column data. Refreshing the active view and verifying the print preview can resolve this discrepancy.
Click on 'File' and select 'Print' to open the Print Preview. Carefully review how the Successors, Resources, and Predecessors columns appear on the page.
Return to your active on-screen view (e.g., Gantt Chart) and ensure the data displayed in the columns is actually correct before printing.
Navigate to the 'View' tab, click on 'Tables', and reapply the 'Entry' table (or your custom table) to refresh the column data mappings.
If the preview still duplicates the Predecessors column, try slightly expanding or adjusting the column widths manually in the main view, then check the Print Preview again.
Export Schedule to PDF Before Printing
Exporting the project to a PDF locks the layout and prevents native rendering glitches from duplicating column data during the print process.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why do columns in Microsoft Project duplicate data when printing?
This is often caused by a software glitch where the print engine incorrectly maps column indices, or due to a corrupted table view. Resetting the active table view usually refreshes the data mapping for the print spooler.
Can exporting my schedule fix column printing issues?
Yes. Exporting your project schedule to a PDF (via File > Export > Create PDF/XPS Document) locks the layout and data visually. You can then print the PDF document, which typically bypasses native Project printing bugs.
How do I verify which view is currently selected for printing?
In Microsoft Project, look at the active view on the left side of the 'View' tab ribbon. When you go to 'File' > 'Print', the preview automatically uses this active view (like Gantt Chart or Task Sheet) along with the currently applied Table settings.
