Print problems – Slowness or documents don’t print correctly

This article applies to:

  • Revu 20
  • Revu 2019
  • Revu 2018

Jump to other versions:

Problem

Whenever you print certain PDFs to a physical printer, the documents don’t print correctly, or the printing process takes an unusually long time.

Cause

Whenever you print a file, the Windows GDI process creates PostScript (PS) files that are sent to a physical printer. The printer converts these files into printed page content.

During the conversion process, fonts and other printed elements are broken down into data points that represent arcs, curves, transparencies, etc. and are sent to the printer. The more PostScript data your file has, the longer it will take to print. If your file has a high word count, or more complex graphical data like line merge, transparency, and hatch patterns, your file will take longer to print.

Solution

There are a few things you can do to resolve the issue:

Use a PCL printer driver if you’re not already doing so

PCL 6 drivers help compatible printers translate GDI to PCL 6 faster than converting PostScript data, because PCL 6 commands are designed to closely match Microsoft Windows GDI commands.

Assuming there’s already a PCL 6 driver installed on your machine for your printer, you can follow the steps listed below to select it.

  1. Initiate the print process in Revu by going to File > Print (Ctrl+P) .
  2. Choose the PCL 6 version of your printer from the Name dropdown list, located at the top of the Print dialog box.
    If you don’t see one listed, please check the manufacturer website to see if there’s a PCL 6 driver available for your printer.
  3. Click Print.

If the issue still persists, or you were already using a PCL 6 driver in the first place, you can usually fix these types of printing problems by going into the Advanced Printing preferences, and selecting Image from the Print Engine dropdown.

Doing this sends the document to the printer as an image instead of a combination of different elements.

To change the setting:

  1. Initiate the print process in Revu by going to File > Print or using keyboard shortcut Ctrl+P.
  2. Click the Advanced button in the lower left.
    The Advanced Printing dialog opens.
  3. Choose Image from the Printing Engine dropdown list, and then click OK to close the Advanced Printing dialog box.
  4. Click Print.

Most likely, you are currently running Revu in 64-bit mode. If your printer drivers are 32-bit, however, then you may experience problems printing in 64-bit software like Revu. Because of this, Revu offers a 32-bit mode which allows printers with 32-bit drivers to function properly.

To run Revu in 32-bit:

  1. In Windows, go to Start > Bluebeam Software > Bluebeam Revu [your version] (32-bit).
    • For example, Revu 20 would be Bluebeam Revu 20 (32-bit)
  2. Once Revu opens, try printing as you normally would.

If your printer is relatively new, you should be able to find 64-bit drivers for your printer on the manufacturer’s website. If the manufacturer only offers 32-bit drivers, then you will need to use Revu in 32-bit mode in order to print.

Other versions of this article

Revu 2017 and older

Problem

Whenever you print certain PDF’s to a physical printer, the documents don’t print correctly, or the printing process stalls and takes a really long time.

Why Does this Happen?

These issues usually occur with lengthy documents, files with high word counts, as well as PDF drawings with line merge, transparency, and hatching.

This is often caused by the Windows GDI process, which creates PostScript (PS) files that are converted to printed page content by the physical printer.

During the conversion, fonts are sent to the printer as arcs and curves that need to be filled, transparency must be processed, and small specs of data such as those representing gravel must all be accounted for within the file. All this can result in large amounts of PostScript data that needs to be processed, which in turn impedes printing the file to paper.

Solution

There are a couple of things you can do to resolve the issue:

Use a PCL Printer Driver if You’re Not Already Doing So

PCL 6 drivers help compatible printers translate GDI to PCL 6 faster than converting PostScript data, because PCL 6 commands are designed to closely match Microsoft Windows GDI commands.

Assuming there’s already a PCL 6 driver installed on your machine for your printer, you can follow the steps listed below to select it.

  1. Initiate the print process in Revu by going to File > Print or using keyboard shortcut Ctrl+P.
  2. Choose the PCL 6 version of your printer from the Name dropdown list, located at the top of the Print dialog box.
    If you don’t see one listed, please check the manufacturer website to see if there’s a PCL 6 driver available for your printer.
  3. Click Print.

If You’re Already Using a PCL 6 Driver – Print as Image

If the issue still persists or you were already using a PCL 6 driver in the first place, you can usually fix these kinds of printing problems by going into the Advanced printing preferences, and select Image from the Print Engine dropdown.

Doing this sends the document to the printer as an image instead of a combination of different elements.

To change the setting:

  1. Initiate the print process in Revu by going to File > Print or using keyboard shortcut Ctrl+P.
  2. Click the Advanced button in the lower left. This opens the Advanced Printing dialog.
  3. Choose Image from the Printing Engine dropdown list, and then click OK to close the Advanced Printing dialog box. This takes you back to the Print dialog.
  4. Click Apply, and then click Print.

 

 

Troubleshooting

Revu 20

Revu 2019

Revu 2018

Revu 2017 & Below

Printing

Do your documents not print correctly, or does the printing process takes an unusually long time? You may need to adjust your printer preferences.

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