PRA: TrueType Fonts Shift Vertically on HP LJ4 Printer

Article ID: Q100151
Creation Date: 16-JUN-1993
Revision Date: 19-SEP-1996

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Access version 1.0

SYMPTOMS

When you print a Microsoft Access form or report formatted with a TrueType font to a Hewlett-Packard (HP) LaserJet 4 printer, the text in the controls is shifted vertically. These symptoms also occur with the IBM 4029 printer.

CAUSE

The HP LaserJet 4 and IBM 4029 printer drivers are reporting incorrect font metrics for some TrueType fonts. This problem causes Microsoft Access to incorrectly compensate by shifting the fonts vertically when sending the form or report to the printer.

RESOLUTION

Use a non-TrueType font when you print to either the HP LaserJet 4 or IBM 4029 printer, or use another printer driver that is compatible with these printers (for example, the HP LaserJet 3 printer driver).

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Microsoft Access version 1.0, using HP LaserJet 4 printer driver versions 31.1.03 and 31.V1.08, or the IBM 4029 printer driver. This problem no longer occurs in Microsoft Access version 1.1.

MORE INFORMATION

If you experience the same problem with a non-TrueType font, verify that you are using a printer font. If Microsoft Windows is remapping your font to a TrueType font, you will continue to see the same vertical shift when you try to print.

Steps to Reproduce Problem

The following example assumes that you have an HP LasetJet 4 printer connection and that you are using a HP LaserJet 4 printer driver version 31.1.03 or 31.V1.08:

Create a new, unbound form.

Add two text box controls to the form, as follows:

      Object: Text Box
      ------------------------------------------
      ControlName: Field0
         ControlSource: ="Testing TrueType font"
         FontName: Arial

      Object: Text Box
      ----------------------------------------------
      ControlName: Field2
         ControlSource: ="Testing non-TrueType font"
         FontName: Microsoft Sans Serif

Switch to Form view.
Verify that you are configured to print to an HP LaserJet 4 printer, then choose Print Preview from the File menu. The data looks normal and is not shifted in either control.
From the File menu, choose Print. Note that the data in Field0 is shifted vertically in the control; the data in Field2 maintains the correct position.

The HP LaserJet 4 printer driver (HPPCL5E.DRV) is manufactured by Hewlett- Packard Company, a vendor independent of Microsoft; we make no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding this product's performance or reliability.

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