Error "IllegalAttributeValue" when printing PDF on PCL6 universal driver

[vrapp]

When printing some (but not all) PDF documents on PCL6 Universal driver v7.3.0.25919 , the printer (mine is HP1320) prints an error instead:

Subsystem: Image

Error: IllegalAttributeValue

Operator: ReadImage

Position: 14(as an example; this number changes from one document to another)

There's no error if the driver is PCL5.

[Max3Aj]

Hi @vrapp, Welcome to HP Support Community. 

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you. 
The "IllegalAttributeValue" error when printing PDFs using the PCL6 Universal Driver is typically related to how the driver handles images in the document. Since the issue does not occur with PCL5. Here are some possible solutions:

Print Using PCL5 Instead

Since the error does not occur with PCL5, consider using the PCL5 Universal Driver if your printer supports it.

Use a PostScript (PS) Driver

PCL6 can sometimes have issues with certain embedded images or fonts in PDFs. If available, try using a PostScript (PS) driver instead.

Print as Image in Adobe Reader

If the issue occurs when printing from Adobe Acrobat Reader, try:

1. Open the PDF in Adobe Reader.
2. Click File > Print.
3. Click Advanced and check Print As Image.
4. Click OK and print.

This bypasses complex image processing that might be causing the error.

Convert the PDF to Another Format

If the PDF has compatibility issues:

• Convert it to another PDF version (e.g., PDF/A) using Adobe Acrobat or another tool.
• Convert it to a TIFF or JPEG and print.

Check for Driver Updates

Ensure you are using the latest PCL6 Universal Driver. 

Try a Different PDF Viewer

Some PDF applications (like Foxit Reader or SumatraPDF) handle image processing differently than Adobe Reader.

Modify Printer Settings

In the PCL6 driver settings:

• Go to Printing Preferences > Advanced.
• Try disabling "Image Compression" or setting "Raster Graphics" to "Send as Bitmap".
• Set "Print Optimization" to "Optimize for Text and Graphics".

Check the PDF for Corruption

Some PDFs contain corrupted or complex images. Try:

• Opening the PDF in Adobe Acrobat and saving it again as a new file.
• Using the "Optimize PDF" feature in Adobe Acrobat to reduce complexity.

I hope this helps. 

Take care and have a good day. 

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping! 

Max3Aj

HP Support 

[vrapp]

What you posted is certainly NOT a solution.

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @vrapp,

Welcome to the HP Support Community! 

We're here to help you tackle that malfunction!  Don't worry, we've got your back! 

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We're looking forward to helping you resolve this issue! 

Stay tuned, and thanks for your patience! 

Best regards,