Missing subscript characters when printing .docx - file via Microsoft Print to PDF

Question

Dear all,

I am using Print to PDF in order to obtain a higher quality of graphics in a final PDF file. This is clearly the case when comparing a pdf obtained by the "Microsoft PDF printer" and a pdf that is saved via "save as .pdf - option". The quality can't be upscaled, even though all options (do not compress etc.) are handled with care.

However, within the pdf (obtained by the printer) randomly characters are missing of a formula that is embedded in a line of text. This happens absolutely randomly. For instances, in case I print a single page, the single page is fine. When I print the full thesis however, it happens and changes from print to print.

I will try to attach an example graphic, showing at the top a copy from the text of the docx and at the bottom from the pdf.

With best and thanks in advance.

Answer 1

Dear MichaelFechter,

Good day! Thank you for posting to Microsoft Community. We are happy to help you.

As per your description, it seems that you are having issue printing .docx - file via Microsoft Print to PDF, missing subscript characters.

If the understanding above is right, we've done a lot of searches and we found that there're some users have reported a similar situation on their side, and below are the solutions and workarounds that works for part of the user for your reference:

1. Install Office updates - Microsoft Support
2. Online Repair an Office application - Microsoft Support
3. Use Save as PDF as you have already tried

If the issue still persists, we do understand the inconvenience caused and apologize for it, more resources need to be involved in to investigate further.

On one hand, we sincerely recommend you send feedback about the behavior via File>Feedback or Help>Feedback within Word. Feedback submit by this way directly goes to the related team, this is the best way to let Word developers aware of this situation, help do investigation for the issue and fix it soon.

How do I give feedback on Microsoft 365? - Microsoft Support

On the other hand, it is also recommended to contact your Microsoft 365 administrator, follow steps in this article to create a support ticket with Online Support. The support team over there has higher permission than us, they can remotely help check the situation on your side, involve more resource to collect logs and help you do troubleshoot. They have the correct escalation channel and will involve more resource to further investigate the issue. This would be a more efficient way in handling this case for you.

 For reference: How do I find my Microsoft 365 admin?

Thanks for your understanding and cooperation! Have a good day.

Sincerely,

Rhoda | Microsoft Community Moderator