Unable to print business cards

[nditt]

I am attempting to print business cards with Avery 8371 template and blanks.  When I print on a sheet of plain paper, it is perfect and the spacing is correct.  When I print on the avery card stock, without changing anything, the font changes and the entire page is printed much smaller.  This is a PDF file.

In a chat with Avery, they printed my file on both paper and cardstock and it printed correctly on both.  I have used this file and hp printers for years with no problem.  This is the first time I have tried to print this file with this printer.  I am going crazy.

Logic tells me that there is no way changing the weight of the paper will change the font.  I have even tried changing to "Other types of paper" with the same results.

Reason found!  "DOUBLE SIDED PRINTING"  Printing a single side and the font stays correct, in double sided printing, the font and images shrink.

I would like to know how to work around that.

[Dragon-Fur]

@nditt

Printer Specs and Ruminations on the subject of Media type, Paper Size

Specifications indicate the printer handles "card" media up to 200 gsm / 110 lb.

In general, (though not always) weight of paper is listed on the package in which the paper is purchased.  If the weight of the paper is within the maximum allowed weight, and the Media type is set correctly, the content should print on the paper / card.

The specifications indicate Media type Card > Paper size settings do not include "letter" size (as would be needed for the template 8371 - 10 card sheet ).

If the Media type (card) can be set,

If the Paper Size cannot be set to accomodate the size of the sheet of business cards, 

AND

If the printer supports "Custom Size" forms,

then

Create a Custom Size form for your sheets of business cards in the paper size needed.

Control Panel > icon view > Devices and Printers >

Left-Click on your Printer one time to highlight >

Left-Click Print Server properties

Creating Custom Paper Sizes

Guessing / Hunting for Easter Eggs

The issue may be related to the margin settings -- "duplex" might be changing the "back side" margin setting and throwing off the size / centering.  A similar effect can be seen when printing in "booklet" style when the gutters are set to other than zero.

Looking at the Avery template #8371 shows that the template is intended for "one side" printing.

Reference:  Avery Business Card Templates

Depending on the software you are using, the "duplex" printing setting for this Media type may -- or may not -- be unsupported.  ??

"Duplex" aside, ensure whatever software you are using to print the PDF file is not set to "Fit" / Shrink to Fit / or similar setting that would "force the content" onto the confines of the paper.

Check the margins to ensure they are not set less than the boundary needed to allow the content to fit within the "cut" areas of each card on the sheet.  Reminder:  Margins cannot be set to be less than the minimum margin for the printer / media type / size.  For example:  "Borderless" may not be supported on Media "card".  Reference:  Datasheet

Commentary

This might be easier using Word (if you have it).  PDF Reader software may behave differently when setting up the print job.  Carefully check the settings (Media, margins, page size, source...)

Alternatively, Windows supports Avery Design and Print software (free from Avery).  Select to download for your PC / Mac Operating System.

The latest version of Design and Print does produce a "proprietary" file (odd file type that must be used with Avery software).  This is irritating (to me); the software does work quite well.

Caveat:  Avery Design and Print will likely not support Duplex printing with a template that is not made for it.  ??  (I do not know this; I am guessing.)

References

Printer Homepage – “Things that are your printer”

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

HP Deskjet 3522 e-All-in-One Printer

Avery

Dragon Document - Help, suggestions, and examples:

Printing Labels_Business-Cards_Cards

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

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