Actual print does not match preview

[Lupin29]

I make all my own cards and often print the greetings.  This has always been very successful but recently I have been unable to do so.  The print preview matches the document view and all custom sizes match but the actual printing is   in the wrong place and often off the card completely. Can anyone help with a suggestion please?  I have reset the printer several times and downloaded all the most recent firmware.

[Dragon-Fur]

@Lupin29

The solution might be related to the program are you using to create / edit / print the card

General help and suggestions (where to check / look):

• If this has always works and suddenly changes the behavior, it is possible that the Printing Properties (Preferences) are stuck on a previous job setting.  This can happen if you typically use a Custom Shortcut to set the Properties (Source, Orientation, Size, Media, etc) and that Custom Shortcut is not being called (used) for the current job submission.

Margins might be set within the program you are using to view / edit the card. 

For example, if you use Word to create and then print the card, check to be sure the Margins have not been changed / shifted. 

Margins can be checked in Word > open document > tab Layout

Margins can be shifted if the Page Size (in the Word document) are not a match to the output (paper size)

OR

Word > open document > Print > Margins

OR

Word > open document > Print > Page Setup > tab Margins

Margins can be "messed up" when using booklet printing options when the gutter setup is misconfigured.

• Margins can be "messed up" when there is a communication break between the printer and the computer (program).  Try Restarting everything, including the router on your home network.

• Print output can be "messed up" if Windows Updates disturb (change) any of the infrastructure on which the printer (and printer software) depends.  For older printers, it may be necessary to complete the "Add a Printer" procedure to ensure that the Windows print software is installed.

• If all else fails, consider using free Avery Design Software to create / print your cards.

      Examples of using the software are included in the Dragon document (below).

References

Reportedly works in Windows 10 for this printer -- no verification for whether it continues to support latest Windows 10 Fall Creators version 1709:

Full Feature Software V14.0.304.5 W8-W10

Printer Homepage – “Things that are your printer”

Drivers and Software, Videos, How-to, Troubleshooting, Manuals, Product Information, and more

HP PSC 1210 All-in-One Printer

Add a Printer:

HP Printers - Installing and Using the Windows Built-in Print Driver

Dragon Document – Collection of Help, suggestions, and examples:

Print Labels, Business Cards, Cards, Booklet

Topics / Subjects include:

• Preparation and Setup
• Labels, Cards, and Business Cards
  • Office Word
  • Avery Design and Print (through Windows 10) and Mac
  • Avery Wizard for Word (through Windows 😎
• Print Booklet
  • Links to help documents
  • Foxit Reader - Booklet
  • Adobe Reader - Booklet

Click Thumbs Up to say Thank You!

Answered? Click my post "Accept as Solution" to help others find it.

[Lupin29]

Thanks for your help.  Using one of your suggestions, I managed a workaround but am now considering replacing my printer as it is really not functioning very well at all.

I am grateful for your help.

[Dragon-Fur]

@Lupin29

You are welcome.

Yes, I agree it is time to consider a new printer better suited to your current environment.

We, of course, encourage you to consider a shiny, new, feature-packed HP printer.

Smiling.

Regardless of brand, please do READ about any printer you consider:

• Read the User Manual, the Specifications sheet, the "datasheet" -- check carefully for the features you want / need.  (Do not just read about the features as posted on a box in the store -- this can result in mis-understandings and sadness.) 

Know your printer:

• Know that you "get what you pay for" in printers (any brand).  Low-end, inexpensive printers cost less because they are lacking in features and they are less expensive to make (cheaper parts). 

• Basic printing needs are met by lots of printers -- if you use your printer to print high-end photography, consider whether the (Photosmart) printer provides the features you like and whether it works with your chosen expensive photo editing software on your chosen Operating System version.

• Looking for a document work-horse?  Consider a mid-to-high end Officejet (small business, personal) printer.

• Some printers really do not like to sit about idle, others are more tolerant of neglect (rarely used). 

• Consider the monthly pages printed -- if the datasheet says you can print 1000 pages a month but recommends 200 pages a month, consider that the 200 pages a month is more realistic of that the printer can handle without possible issues and / or hight cost

Thank you for participating in the HP Community Forum.

We are a community of HP enthusiasts dedicated to supporting HP devices and technology.

[Lupin29]

Thank you very much
Lynne