how to calibrate my printer so it prints a 1" box to size

[jacobs4099]

How can I calibrate my HP Envy 7640 to accurate print a 1" box from a .pdf?

[Dragon-Fur]

@jacobs4099 

Welcome to the HP Community.

I might be completely missing the point, of course...

I do not think you can calibrate the printer to accomplish this.

Answer:  Calibration does not measure / calibrate against PDF file image structure.

Images in PDF files are not actual images (not, for example, a .jpg file).

Images in a PDF file are representations of the images.

One explanation here:

Understanding the PDF file format – How Are Images Stored

So... what?

Make sure the printer is able to do its best work (quality checks / maintenance)

•  Black or Color Ink Not Printing, Other Print Quality Issues

Open the PDF file in the appropriate software

Set the size of the "paper" to match the size of the document sheet

Print at "Actual Size"

Will this do what you want?

I doubt it since you are asking the question "how to make it so".

What to do?

Not sure, though I do think you need an accurate starting point - that is, an image file of the content you want to print.

For example,

If you have the original document from which the PDF file was created (for example a Word document),

Try extracting the image from that document.

There are still "gotchas" - the scale of the document, image size in pixels , any image errors...

Assuming you can get an accurate image of the 1 inch box stored as an image file (on your computer),

You can then try printing that image at "actual" size (Scale=100%).

A few references that may - or may NOT - be useful in context.

Ignore if not useful...

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Document Scale - Word

There is a setting in Word that will "scale" a document for Letter / A4 paper.

If you are having alignment issues with your document (for example, labels), UNCHECK this setting.

When printing directly from within Word

Setup:

Word > File > Options > Advanced

In Section Print (about 2/3 of the way down)

UNCHECK "Scale content for A4 or 8.5 x 11" paper sizes

Click OK to save changes

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"Fix the image" as it appears in your Word Document

If you do not already have a copy of the image file, create a file from the image in your Word document.

Open your Word document

Right-Click on the Image

Use "Save-As" and save the image as a .jpg file on your computer.

Pay attention to the folder in which you save the file...

Use Insert > Pictures and insert the image file into your Word document.

Right-Click on the image (after it is placed in the document)

Adjust the Size and Position to move the image inside the document boundaries.

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Adjust the Image Size and Quality in Word

If it is only the "one" image that is misbehaving, you likely do not have to change this setting...

Word document > File > Options > Advanced

In Section Image Size and Quality

CHECK Do not compress images in file

and

Select a Default Resolution

For example, 330 ppi or 150 ppi

A lower number creates a less dense image (and slightly reduces overall file size).

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References / Resources

Adobe Reader DC – Install Whether You Use It or Not

If you have not done so,

Reinstall / Update your PDF Reader (Adobe Reader DC /Optional  Foxit Reader)

HINT:  Watch out for and UNCHECK unwanted extra software

NOTE:  Adobe Reader DC software can be installed even if you do not normally open / view / print PDF files directly from the Adobe Reader DC software.

HP Printer Home Page - References and Resources – Learn about your Printer  - Solve Problems

 “Things that are your printer”

NOTE:  Content depends on device type and Operating System

Categories:  Alerts, Access to the Print and Scan Doctor (Windows), Warranty Check, HP Drivers / Software / Firmware Updates, How-to Videos, Bulletins/Notices, Lots of How-to Documents, Troubleshooting, Manuals > User Guides, Product Information (Specifications), more

HP ENVY 7640 e-All-in-One Printer series 

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