How to Fix Microsoft Publisher Printing Blank Pages for Envelopes
Question details
Users experience an issue where Microsoft Publisher prints blank pages when trying to print an envelope design, specifically when routing the print job through a printer bypass tray.
- Product
- Microsoft Publisher
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Printing envelope designs through a manual feed or printer bypass tray.
- Observed behavior
- The printer outputs completely blank pages instead of printing the expected envelope design and text.
Ensure your printer has enough ink or toner, and that your envelope is correctly loaded into the designated bypass tray in the proper orientation.
Export the Publisher File to PDF
Converting the file to a PDF formats the layout into a flattened document that most printers can process flawlessly, bypassing Publisher's internal print spooling bugs.
Microsoft Publisher can sometimes struggle with sending accurate page layout data directly to the printer memory, especially when custom tray settings are involved. Exporting the envelope design as a PDF acts as a highly effective workaround.
Click on 'File' in the top menu of Microsoft Publisher, then select 'Export'. Choose 'Create PDF/XPS Document' and click the corresponding button to save the file.
Locate the saved PDF file on your computer and open it using a reliable PDF reader (such as WPS PDF or your web browser).
Click 'Print' within the PDF reader, ensure your printer's bypass tray is selected in the properties, and click 'Print' to run the envelope.
Compress Embedded Images in Publisher
Large, uncompressed images can overwhelm the printer's active memory, causing it to abort the print job and eject a blank page.
Verify Printer Driver and Bypass Tray Settings
Corrupted printer drivers or incorrect paper source selections can misalign with Publisher's layout, resulting in blank outputs.
Design and Print Envelopes Easily with WPS Office
Tired of dealing with blank pages and complex printing settings in Microsoft Publisher? WPS Office offers a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative that makes designing and printing envelopes incredibly straightforward. Enjoy a familiar interface and seamless migration from MS Office.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installation package for your operating system.
- 2. Open WPS Writer: Launch WPS Writer and navigate to the 'References' or 'Mailings' tab to access the built-in Envelopes tool.
- 3. Print Directly: Input your delivery and return addresses, verify your bypass tray settings in the print dialog, and print your envelope seamlessly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my printer output blank pages when printing envelopes?
This often happens due to overly large embedded images causing printer memory limits to be exceeded, incorrect paper source settings (like failing to select the manual bypass tray), or outdated printer drivers failing to process the publisher file correctly.
What is the best resolution for images when printing from Publisher?
For standard desktop printing, it is highly recommended to compress your images to 220 ppi (pixels per inch). This provides excellent print quality while significantly reducing the risk of memory-related printing errors.
How do I ensure my envelope is pulled from the bypass tray?
In your Publisher print settings, click on 'Printer Properties' or 'Preferences'. Manually change the 'Paper Source' or 'Paper Feed' dropdown option from 'Auto Select' to your specific bypass, multi-purpose, or manual feed tray.
Will exporting to PDF affect my envelope design dimensions?
No, exporting to PDF perfectly preserves your exact dimensions, visual layouts, and fonts. It serves as an excellent flattened version of your document that home and office printers can process much more reliably than native Publisher files.
