How to Fix Solid PDF Lines Printing as Dashes or Broken Lines
Question details
The user needs to fix an issue where solid vertical lines in PDF files print out as dashed or broken lines.
- Product
- PDF Reader
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Printing a PDF document, such as an invoice, that contains solid vertical lines.
- Observed behavior
- The printed output shows broken or dashed lines instead of the solid lines displayed on the screen.
Ensure your printer has enough ink or toner, and try printing a different file format (like a Word document) to confirm whether the issue is specific to PDFs or a general hardware problem.
Print the PDF as an Image
Bypass PDF rendering issues by sending the document to the printer as a flattened image.
Often, miscommunications between the PDF reader and the printer's driver cause vector lines to break during rendering. Forcing the software to process the entire page as a single image resolves most line-rendering bugs.
Open your PDF file and press Ctrl + P (or go to File > Print) to open the print settings window.
Locate and click on the 'Advanced' button, usually found near the top or bottom of the print dialog.
Check the box labeled 'Print as Image'. If available, choose your desired resolution (e.g., 300 dpi) and click OK.
Click the 'Print' button to output your document. The solid lines should now print correctly.
Update PDF Software and Printer Drivers
Outdated software or drivers can cause miscommunication between the PDF reader and the printer.
Flatten the PDF Document
If the issue is caused by complex document layers or construction, flattening the file into a single background can resolve it.
Fix PDF Printing Errors Seamlessly with WPS Office
WPS Office provides a robust built-in PDF reader and editor that accurately renders complex documents, including solid lines and tables. It processes vector graphics cleanly so you can print without having to use complex workarounds.
- 1. Install WPS Office: Download and install the free WPS Office suite on your device.
- 2. Open the PDF: Open your problematic PDF file using the WPS PDF tool.
- 3. Access Print Settings: Click the Print icon or press Ctrl + P to open the optimized print dialog.
- 4. Print the Document: Select your printer and click Print to get a flawless, solid-line printout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do solid lines in my PDF print as dashes?
This usually happens due to PDF rendering conflicts between the PDF viewing software and the printer's driver, or because of complex graphical layering in the document's construction.
Does using the 'Print as Image' setting reduce the print quality?
Printing as an image rasterizes the document, meaning vector graphics are converted to pixels. While it might result in slightly softer text edges depending on your printer's resolution settings, it effectively bypasses software glitches that cause broken lines.
Is this a hardware issue with my printer?
If other documents like Word files or different PDFs print perfectly, it is highly likely a software rendering or driver issue. If the same dashed lines appear on all printed materials regardless of the file type, it may be a hardware issue with your printer's cartridges or printheads.
