TechNote

Error or partial output when printing to a non-PostScript large format printer (Photoshop)

Issue

When you try to print to a non-PostScript large format printer from Adobe Photoshop or Adobe Photoshop Elements, the following occurs:

-- Only part of the image prints

-- Changing the paper size using the File > Print with Preview dialog box causes the error "Could not complete your request because of a program error".

Details

-- You have defined a very large paper size (90" or more) in the printer properties.

-- You are using an Epson Stylus Pro 7600 or an HP DesignJet 5500 printer.

Solutions

Do one of the following:

Solution 1: Use a PostScript driver for the printer.

Try to print using a PostScript printer driver if one is available for your printer. Contact the manufacturer of the printer or check their web site for PostScript drivers for your printer.

Solution 2: Turn on banner printing.

Turn on the banner printing option, if available, in the printer properties (or options). See the user guide for your printer or contact the printer manufacturer to determine if your printer has banner printing features.

Solution 3: Print the image at a smaller size.

The maximum paper size that can be used before encountering this issue varies for different printer models. On the Epson Stylus Pro 7600, the maximum size is approximately 91 inches. On the HP DesignJet 5500, the maximum size is approximately 110 inches. You may need to experiment with your printer settings to find the right size.

Note: To test paper size settings and avoid wasting paper, change sizes by choosing File > Print with Preview dialog and then clicking Page Setup. If the paper size is too large, an error will occur when you click OK. Reduce the paper size until the error no longer occurs, and proceed to verify the solution by printing to the printer.

Background information

When printing with a non-PostScript printer driver, Photoshop pulls the resolution data from the driver incorrectly. With extremely large paper sizes on large format printers, this can make it appear as if the image is larger than the maximum size of 30,000 pixels. This may cause the image to only partially print, or cause an error will occur after clicking OK in the Page Setup dialog box.

After printing the image, or after receiving the program error message, the File > Print with Preview dialog will not open until Photoshop is restarted.