Printing PDFs Using Large Format Printers

Whereas PDF files are widely used for fixed-format normal-sized documents, printing large PDF files can still be a challenge for inexperienced users. This is because Adobe's (1) own software is not capable of printing large PDF files that correspond to PDF specifications, although they have developed these specifications.

Professional print shops use special RIP software (raster image processor) from various manufacturers to print various types of vector graphics (Postscript (*.ps), encapsulated Postscript (*.eps), PDF). PDF files are generally printed using the following steps, although transformation to an EPS file is not necessary for all RIP solutions:

•	The PDF file is transformed to an EPS file with the program Adobe Acrobat.

•	The EPS file is opened with RIP software.

•	Print area definition and further settings are made in the RIP software.

•	Print controlled by RIP software.

Users who wish to have a PDF printed in large format at a print shop should first ask if the print shop is able to use this method.

RIP software has additional invaluable features. A preview function is available; in addition, you can print a small test section of the graphic first by setting a very small print area. This will help to avoid large, expensive misprints.

Inexperienced users generally cannot use professional RIP software. Instead, these users can try printing with a PDF reader. Most users generally try to print from Adobe Reader first. However, Adobe Reader and Adobe Acrobat are not capable of printing complete large graphics on large format printers if the printer pixel coordinates exceed certain values.

Other free readers can be used as an alternative to Adobe Reader, such as Foxit Reader from Foxit Software (2), eXPert Reader from Visagesoft (3) or PDF-XChange Viewer from Tracker Software (4). These readers were tested with large format printers with the following results:

The current PDF XChange Viewer Version 2.5.193 works well for printing large PDF files using large format printers. This program only runs under Windows 2000 or later.

The current Foxit Reader Version 4.3.1.0118 works well for printing large PDF files using large format printers. This program only runs under Windows XP or later.

The current eXPert Reader Version 4.0.210 works only with limitations for printing large PDF files using large format printers. This program only runs under Windows 2000 or later.

Warning: If the option Page scaling in the Print dialog of eXPert-Reader is set to None, the graphic will be printed at the top left of the specified paper format. The non-printable margins of the printer will not be taken into account. This means that eXPert Reader will attempt to print any existing graphic sections at the left and top margins outside the non-printable margins of the printer. This makes it impossible to print graphics with a graphic frame using the Page scaling option None. This is only possible with the option Fit to printer margins, in which the non-printable margins of the printer are taken into account. However, the graphic size will be adjusted to fit the printable area of the specified paper size. If the graphic does not have a graphic frame, the option Page scaling None can be used: Increase the graphic margins (top and left) to match the non-printable margins of the printer so that the area does not contain any objects to be printed. The size of the non-printable margins can be found by setting up the printer for FamilyTreeFactory and opening the Help/Info menu, Printer and Monitor Info.... You can also look in the printer manual.

More information about the properties of various PDF readers can be found in the section Functions in PDF Files.

(1) Adobe Systems Incorporated

(2) Foxit Software Company

(3) Visagesoft Inc.

(4) Tracker Software Products Ltd