You hit print and the result is wrong: content cropped at the edges, scaled awkwardly, or with a blank page tacked on. Printing is where PDFs reveal their hidden problems.
A print-ready PDF respects the printer's requirements. Most of the fixes are quick.
Match the page size
First, set the PDF's page size to match the paper you'll print on. A4 outside North America; Letter inside. Mismatched sizes cause scaling or cropping.
If you're sending to a commercial printer, use the size they request, including any bleed area (extra 3mm beyond the visible page for full-bleed prints).
Margins that survive the printer
Home printers usually need at least 5mm margins. Content closer to the edge gets clipped. Commercial printers handle full bleed if the file includes bleed area.
Adjust margins if your content runs too close to the edge. Crop a bit, or scale the content down to fit within safe margins.
Embed all fonts
Some print-on-demand services choke on missing fonts. Re-export from the source with "embed all fonts" enabled.
If you can't re-export, the editor can sometimes flag font issues. Otherwise, run a test print and check for substitutions.
Print one page first
Always test print a single page before running the whole document. Catches margin issues, scaling problems, blank pages, and orientation flips.
If the test print is right, the rest will be. If wrong, fix in the source rather than the printer.
FAQ
Why does my PDF have blank pages when printed?
Usually empty pages in the source (Word likes to add them at section breaks). Delete blank pages before printing.
How do I print full-bleed?
Set the PDF page size larger than the print size (typically +3mm each side). The printer trims the bleed during finishing.
What DPI for printing?
300 DPI for images is the print standard. Below 150 DPI images look blocky on paper.
Should I flatten before printing?
For complex documents with many annotations, yes — flatten reduces print-time issues. For simple documents, no need.
Print-ready PDFs make printers happy and you faster. Tune yours in Flint's editor and the print will come out right.