MFP 3101 fdw prints extra page with only "PDF" word in it

[rubik_burik]

When I print any pdf file printer for some reason prints extra blank page that has only 1 word: "PDF". I checked printer settings, there is nothing that indicates "separator" feature, that AI usually points as a problem. I check local file (jobs) and nothing that is sent from MacOS has two pages, but printer still prints 2 per doc. I think (not sure) it started to happen recently. There are no firmware updates available.

Formware version: HULKXXXXXN002.2527B.00

Built date: 2025-07-05

Driver is used calls AirPrint. I compared it with older smaller printer M140 we, and it works fine (1 pdf file with 1 page prints 1 page). So basically same setup and same flow, but MFP prints 2 pages. I looked at PPD file, printer settings, everything I could. There is nothing indicitive that this is a some sort of on/off setting.

Recap:
- Two printers doing same job differently. MFP prints 2 pages, m140we prints 1(correctly);
- MFP printer settings don't have anything that would make a change. No firmware update available.
- Changing MFP "use" model (or driver) from AirPrint doesn't do anything.

Feels like it's internal printer issue.

[Bulldhair]

Disable the document end page feature in the printer preferences and update the PCL/PS driver to the latest version.

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @rubik_burik 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

Thank you for laying out the issue so precisely—your comparison between two printers using the same workflow is especially helpful. Since the MFP 3101fdw prints an extra page only when handling PDFs via AirPrint, and the smaller M140we does not, this points to how the MFP interprets the job structure, not a file or system-level issue.

The extra page with just the word “PDF” printed by your HP MFP 3101fdw is likely caused by how AirPrint handles PDF metadata during rendering. This behavior is not present on the M140we, suggesting a difference in how each printer interprets the print job. You can resolve it by switching to HP’s PostScript or PCL driver instead of AirPrint.

Recommended steps to resolve the extra “PDF” page

Switch from AirPrint to HP PCL or PostScript driver

• On your macOS system, go to System Settings > Printers & Scanners.
• Select your MFP 3101fdw > Remove the printer.
• Click Add Printer, then select the MFP 3101fdw from the list.
• In the Use dropdown, choose Select Software.
• Choose HP LaserJet MFP M3101 PCL or PostScript (if available).
• Add the printer and test with the same PDF file.

Disable banner or separator pages (if hidden)

• Access the printer’s Embedded Web Server (EWS):
  • Type the printer’s IP address into a browser.
• Navigate to Settings > Print Setup > Job Separator Page.
• Ensure this is disabled, even if it appears inactive in the HP App.

Test with different PDF viewers

• Try printing the same file from Preview, Adobe Acrobat, and Chrome.
• If the extra page appears only in one app, it may be embedding metadata that the printer misinterprets.

Re-save the PDF to flatten metadata

• Open the PDF in Preview or Acrobat.
• Choose Print > Save as PDF.
• This strips embedded tags that may be triggering the extra page.

Use HP App for direct printing

• Open the HP App on macOS.
• Select your printer > Print Documents.
• Upload the PDF and print directly from the app interface.

Let me know if you'd like help locating the correct driver or testing with a sample PDF—I’ll guide you through it.

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye

[rubik_burik]

Both of the replies above are not helpful.

1. There is no preference settings that disables that behavior. This problem is with Mac OS latest driver, there is nothing to update.

2. Other drivers like PostScript have the same issue and they have less capabilities.

Still waiting for real human from HP to address this issue.