Why is my it printing like this on Index Cards? A far as I know the settings are correct in word.

[LodSb]

It's an HP Officejet 3830. I'm using the Windows 10 drivers, the ones from HP smart.

[Dragon-Fur]

@LodSb 

None of your settings are included in the examples or your message content.

Edits - Add section for Full Feature Software

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@LodSb wrote:

It's an HP Officejet 3830. I'm using the Windows 10 drivers, the ones from HP smart.

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Speculation and an Example

HP Smart does not support printing directly from Word.  (Known limitation)

Normally, though, the document and structure settings you use in Word will be saved when you use "Save As" to create / save the Word document as a PDF file for the purpose of printing that file using HP Smart.

That said, a file this small (page size 3x5 inches) may end up being mangled if PDF printing cannot manage the original document structure or margins, or even the exact paper size. It should not happen, but it might - there are several steps and settings between the original Word document and the print options in HP Smart for Windows.

The fix might be as simple as printing the PDF file as an image using Adobe Reader DC (not using HP Smart to print).

General Example

Manage Print Output with Print Preview_PDF_1E

What about the Word document?

I would GUESS that the printer is disregarding the margins and perhaps (as well) the document page size (in Layout).

There might be an incorrectly adjusted setting, in other words.

For example,

• The Page Size (document structure) does not match the selected Paper Size later used in HP Smart for Windows.  HP Smart handles sizes available in the Paper Size list in the application.
• It is possible the printer is substituting fonts  - and the substitutions are not an exact match to the document content - this is unlikely since it is not usually necessary when you use standard font types.
• It is possible the margin settings are incorrect - for example, the printer requires minimum margins (no borderless)
• It is possible the margin settings are being disregarded down the line (when printed).  One way to help manage text placement is to coral the text inside a Text Box - place the box where you want it on the document page and adjust the Text Box formatting (for example, tight, left, right, back (behind))

3x5_Index_Card_Test_1

• Finally, using HP Smart can produce different results if you select (slide to right) the setting for

                       "Let the app change my printing preferences"

Full Feature Software and printing in Word

Full Feature Software / Full Driver software for the printer / Printer Assistant

HP OfficeJet 3830 series Print and Scan Driver and Accessories

Word documents can be printed from within the open document.

 Word pulls initial printer settings from the structure of the document.

Adjust additional settings in Printer Properties.

The document structure must not impinge on the ability of the printer to accept the instructions, that is, some options are printer dependent regardless of whether the option is selected in the print submission.

• Consider using the Text Box solution - watch out for the borders and positioning (Tight, left, right, behind...)
• Watch out for the margins - Do not set the margins smaller than what the printer can support
• Set line size (in the document) to single spaced (No spacing)

General Example - Portrait 3x5 inch card

Word_Test_3X5_card_1

Word_Test_3X5_card_1A

Word_Test_3X5_card_Preferences_1

References

 Printer Specifications for HP OfficeJet 3830, DeskJet 3830, 5730 All-in-One Printers

HP Printers - Printing Documents (Windows)

Adobe Reader DC – Needed 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 should be installed even if you do not normally open / view / print PDF files directly from the Adobe Reader DC software.

HP Smart for Windows

HP Smart is an application available in the Microsoft Windows Store

Learn how to use HP Smart on your Windows 10 computer.

Open the Software and Drivers Support Website for your printer > Check the Box Get the App

OR

HP Printers - Using the HP Smart App (Windows 10)

NOTE:  Website includes the HP Smart software for Windows and Mobile devices, plus an FAQ section to assist with questions / issues

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, User Guides / Manuals, Product Information (Specifications), more

When the website support page opens, Select (as available) a Category > Topic > Subtopic

HP OfficeJet 3830 All-in-One Printer series 

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