Document Formatting Change on Print

Question

Hi folks,

I've created a single A4 page document with tables and five columns.

When I print preview the document the flow changes, so that the columns become shorter and the text moves. The same happens on the printed item.

We've had other examples of this in the last few weeks, but this one is easily reproducible. File is here: https://www.dropbox.com/s/hy1olso2osxzy0f/PC%20Setup%20Checkbox.docx?dl=0

Any ideas how to fix this?

I'm using Word 2016 (16.0.4639.1000)

Thanks

Answer 1

1. This is not a Word problem. This, in likelihood, the printer problem.

To check this -

Type Printer in Windows Start Search box

Click Printers & Scanners

Click on Microsoft Print to PDF or Microsoft XPS Document Writer

Click Manage button below

Click Set as Default

Now, this printer is set as default

Now see the print preview

If print preview is OK, it means you need to update your printer driver.

Download the latest printer from internet, install it, restart your computer and things should be fine.

2. From Word side, if the problem persists, you can try repairing your Office installation. First try Quick Repair (takes 5 - 10 mins) , if that doesn't help then try Online Repair (Takes more than 30 mins but less than 1 hour in general)

How to repair instructions -

https://support.office.com/en-us/article/Repair...

Answer 2

It does it also when I save as a PDF though, from Word.

I've spotted the problem. When printing (and saving as a PDF) it collapses the blank row in the table. Even with column breaks it collapses the text.

Answer 3

I've repaired and rebooted. Same problem with the default printer, XPS printer, and saving as a PDF.

It's still collapsing empty rows, unless this is a setting?!

What exact version of Word are you using?

Answer 4

I did download your document and this is not getting reproduced.

Did you try repairing your Office installation?

Answer 5

(XPS Document Writer also has the same problem when previewing)