Fix PDF Text and Dimensions Overlap When Printing from Archicad
Question details
The user is experiencing overlapping text and dimensions when printing an Archicad-generated PDF, despite the file looking correct on screen.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat / Archicad
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Printing an A3 architectural plan exported from Archicad as a PDF document.
- Observed behavior
- The printed document shows overlapping text and dimensions, even though it displays correctly in the PDF viewer and prints correctly when printed directly from Archicad.
Ensure your printer drivers are up to date and verify that your printer is physically loaded with the correct A3 paper size before adjusting software settings.
Adjust Print Scaling and Page Size Settings in Acrobat
Incorrect scaling or 'fit to page' settings can distort architectural plans and cause text to overlap. Setting the print to 'Actual Size' often resolves this.
PDF viewers often default to shrinking or fitting large documents to the standard paper size of your default printer. If an A3 Archicad drawing is forced onto A4 paper, or if margins are miscalculated, text and dimension lines can crash into each other.
Open the PDF document in your PDF reader and navigate to File > Print, or press Ctrl + P (Cmd + P on Mac).
In the Print dialog box, locate the 'Page Sizing & Handling' section. Select the 'Actual Size' option instead of 'Fit' or 'Shrink oversized pages'.
Check the box for 'Choose paper source by PDF page size' to ensure the software pulls from the A3 paper tray automatically.
Click the 'Print' button to send the document to the printer and verify if the overlapping issue is resolved.
Print the PDF as an Image
Printing as an image bypasses font and vector rendering issues that might cause overlapping elements during the spooling process.
Re-export the PDF with Embedded Fonts from Archicad
If the issue persists, the PDF export settings in Archicad might not be embedding fonts correctly, causing substitution and overlap during printing.
Print Architectural PDFs Flawlessly with WPS Office
WPS Office includes a powerful, free PDF reader that accurately renders and prints complex architectural plans without text overlap, scaling issues, or font substitution errors.
- 1. Install WPS Office: Download and install the free version of WPS Office on your computer.
- 2. Open the PDF: Right-click your Archicad-generated PDF and select 'Open with WPS PDF'.
- 3. Access Print Settings: Click the Print icon in the top toolbar or press Ctrl + P to open the Print dialog.
- 4. Configure Scaling: Under the 'Print Handling' section, select 'Actual Size' and verify that your A3 printer is selected.
- 5. Print Document: Click 'Print' for a precise, overlap-free hard copy of your architectural plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my PDF look fine on screen but print with overlapping text?
This usually happens due to font substitution or scaling issues during the print spooling process. Your printer driver might be trying to fit an A3 document onto a different paper size, compressing layout elements and causing them to crash into each other.
How do I ensure my Archicad fonts translate correctly to PDF?
When exporting or publishing your PDF from Archicad, always check the document options to ensure fonts are embedded. Using standard, widely supported TrueType fonts in your architectural drawings also reduces the risk of translation errors.
Can outdated printer drivers cause PDF text overlapping?
Yes, outdated or corrupted printer drivers can misinterpret vector data and fonts from complex PDFs. Updating your printer driver to the latest version provided by the manufacturer can often resolve rendering bugs.
What does 'Print as Image' actually do?
'Print as Image' rasterizes the entire PDF document into a single flat picture before sending it to the printer. This bypasses any complex vector or font processing by the printer's memory, ensuring the printout matches your screen exactly.
