Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated October 9, 2021)
This tip applies to Word 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2021
Debra is having problems with printing envelopes. The default font for envelopes is Calibri, and when she goes to print an envelope she gets "junk" printed instead.
The first step is to ensure that the problem is really with how the printer handles the Calibri font. To do this, prepare a regular document and format a paragraph in the document with Calibri. Make sure you leave a paragraph before and after this paragraph formatted with a different font that you know works on the printer. (Times Roman is always a good choice, as it will work fine on most all printers.) Print the document and see if the Calibri-formatted paragraph prints legibly. If it does not, then you know the problem is with the printer. If it does, then you know that the problem has something to do with envelope printing.
If the problem is related to the printer, there is a good chance that Word is not downloading the Calibri font to the printer. You'll need to search around through your printer controls (including on the Printer Properties dialog box) and make sure that Word is configured to download fonts to the printer. Once configured properly, this should solve the problem. (You can try your test document again to make sure.)
If the test document does print OK, then you'll need to check your printer documentation to see if the problem is somehow in the envelope handling capabilities of the printer itself. It is not unheard of that some printers will only print envelopes using a limited subset of fonts.
You may also want to make sure that you are using the latest and greatest printer driver available for the printer. Check the website of the printer manufacturer and make sure you have the one that is proper for your operating system. (Updating printer drivers can help to cure a boatload of problems and quirks.)
WordTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Word training. (Microsoft Word is the most popular word processing software in the world.) This tip (3401) applies to Microsoft Word 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2021.
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