Fix Image Issues when Printing Word Documents to PDF

Many face these challenges when converting Word documents to PDF. But don’t worry—there's a way to make the process seamless.

This guide covers the most common problems and shows you how to solve them using tools from Smallpdf.

By the end, you’ll know exactly how to eliminate these roadblocks for good.

Common Issues and How to Fix Them

1. Blurry or Pixelated Images

Does your image come out pixelated when you print Word documents as PDFs? This happens due to compression or low image resolution.

Fix:

• Go back to your original Word document and instead of printing it to PDF in Word, try our Word to PDF converter to keep the image resolution high.

2. Incorrect Image Alignment

Sometimes, images shift position after converting Word documents to PDFs, making your layout look unprofessional.

Fix:

• Double-check the image placement in your Word file. Use Word’s layout tools to align your image properly before conversion.
• If it moves post-conversion, open the PDF in our Edit PDF. Here, you can drag and adjust images back to their correct positions.

3. Images Disappearing

Ever converted a file only to find an image missing? This usually happens when images aren't embedded correctly in Word.

Fix:

• Ensure the images in your Word document are embedded rather than linked. You can check by selecting the image, right-clicking, and confirming it's saved directly in the document.
• Use our Word to PDF, which locks in all embedded images to prevent them from disappearing.

4. Color Differences

Are the colors in your images changing after you convert or print the PDF file? This is often due to mismatched color formats between Word and PDF.

Fix:

• Convert your images to the RGB color mode before adding them to Word. RGB formats work best for digital PDF viewing.
• Convert the file again using our Word to PDF, which keeps your colors consistent across formats.

5. Missing Fonts Inside Images

If your image has text, mismatched fonts can ruin its appearance in the PDF. Why? Sometimes, PDF viewers don’t recognize certain fonts.

Fix:

• Convert the text inside your image to outlines before saving it in Word. This ensures the fonts remain intact during conversion.
• Alternatively, use our Edit PDF to enhance or adjust text in the final PDF.

6. Images Don’t Print

You’ve printed your PDF, but your images are nowhere to be found. This primarily happens when images are layered behind text or hidden due to a formatting glitch.

Fix:

• Go to your Word file and ensure your images are set to “Bring to Front.” Adjust layering issues before converting.
• If the problem persists, use our Edit PDF to ensure the images are visible in the final version.

Bonus Tips for Seamless PDF Printing

Use Smallpdf’s Suite of Tools:

• PDF Annotator: Add comments or markups to ensure your file is print-ready.
• PDF Reader: Double-check your converted file’s display to avoid surprises.
• Protect PDF: Keep your important documents secure if sharing them.

Save PDFs Directly to Cloud Storage

With Smallpdf, save your perfectly converted file to Google Drive, Dropbox, or Smallpdf storage. No need to worry about losing files or manually tracking them across devices.

Portable Access

Use the Smallpdf Mobile App to handle conversions on the go. Whether it’s your PC, Mac, or smartphone, get the same high-quality results anytime, anywhere.

FAQs

How do I make images in a Word document print clearly in PDF?

Use higher-resolution images (300 DPI or above) and convert your file with our Word to PDF, designed to maintain image clarity.

Why are images blurry when printed from Word to PDF?

Blurriness usually occurs due to image compression. Use the Compress PDF to fix this without compromising image quality.

How do I fix images that disappear during conversion?

Confirm that images are embedded directly in the Word file. Then, use our Word to PDF, which supports seamless image embedding. Why don’t my images print at all?

Check that your images aren’t layered behind text or hidden in the Word document. Using our Edit PDF can also help adjust this in the final PDF.

It’s Time to Perfect Your Documents

With tools from Smallpdf, you can tackle every image issue—from blurry quality to alignment problems—in just a few clicks.

Go ahead, try our Word to PDF today, and ensure your documents always print perfectly.