Fix Missing PDF Gradients and Images When Printing via Fiery
Question details
Large blank areas appear where gradients and image elements should be when printing a PDF through a Fiery PostScript printer.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat 11 and Fiery Printers
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Printing a PDF document containing graphical elements like gradients and images via a Fiery PostScript printing workflow.
- Observed behavior
- Gradients or image elements fail to print and display as large blank areas on the output, even though the file processes correctly in other workflows.
Ensure your printer is properly connected and check if there are any pending firmware or driver updates for your Fiery PostScript printer.
Use 'Print as Image' as a Diagnostic Workaround
Enable the 'Print as Image' setting in your print dialog to bypass standard PostScript processing and force the document to print exactly as it appears on screen.
When standard printing fails to render complex vectors or gradients, forcing the software to rasterize the document can act as both a diagnostic tool and a temporary workaround. If this succeeds, the issue lies in how the printer driver or Fiery software optimizes Acrobat's generated code.
Open your PDF file in Acrobat and go to File > Print.
Click on the 'Advanced' button located near the top of the Print dialog box.
Check the box labeled 'Print as Image'. You may also be able to adjust the DPI settings here depending on your version.
Click OK to close the Advanced print setup dialog, then click Print to send the file to your Fiery printer.
Print PDFs Reliably with WPS Office
WPS Office provides a robust, built-in PDF reader and editor that processes complex gradients and images smoothly. Using WPS Office can help you bypass software-specific PostScript conflicts and ensure high-quality prints.
- 1. Open Your PDF: Launch WPS Office and open the PDF file containing the missing gradients or images.
- 2. Access the Print Menu: Click on the 'Menu' button in the top left corner and select 'Print', or press Ctrl+P.
- 3. Select Your Printer: Choose your Fiery printer from the drop-down list of available printers.
- 4. Print the Document: Adjust your desired layout and paper settings, then click 'Print' to output the document with all graphical elements intact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do gradients disappear when I print my PDF?
Complex gradients and transparency effects can sometimes be mistranslated by older printer drivers or specific PostScript processors like Fiery. The printer fails to interpret the code correctly, resulting in blank spaces.
Does 'Print as Image' affect the quality of the print?
Yes. Printing as an image rasterizes the entire page. While it preserves the visual layout and forces missing graphics to print, it can result in slightly less crisp text and a significantly larger print spool file compared to standard vector printing.
How can I permanently fix the Fiery printing error?
If the 'Print as Image' test is successful, you should update your Fiery PostScript driver and the printer's firmware to the latest versions. Additionally, check the Fiery command workstation settings for PostScript optimization options.
