Major bug in Print Layot

[Djard007]

I have learned to live with the myriad of small bugs in X8, but the latest one I find very serious. In Print Layout, I set two 5" x 7" images to print on 8.5" x 11" HP photo paper in a HP printer. I set the properties for borderless and allowed plenty of room for marginal drift, since I don't have a commercial printing press.

The first print run gave me 5.1" x 7.2" prints, which did not fit into the angled frames I bought. So the "Dimensions" reading in the lower right corner is unreliable.

Thinking maybe the printer was to blame, I drew a rectangle 5" x 7" in PSP then printed it up. Using an architects ruler, I measured the printed rectangle: it was 4-27/32" x 6-13/16." So I printed the same image, using freeware IrfanView. The result? A perfect 5" x 7". So to finish my project, I had to print one 5" x 7" image at a time, using IrfanView and running the page through the printer twice. In the future, I will not use the otherwise handy Print Layout feature in X8 but place both images in one file and use IrfanView, until I can find print software that can resize multiple prints on a page.

I expect others to say that they experience no such problems, but I cannot persuade myself that the issue I describe herein is unique to me. Corel really needs someone to oversee quality control; for if little freeware IrfanView can print with precision, I expect at least as much from PSP.

[brucet]

I have no such problems. I use QImage for all my printing. I suggest there is a printer issue rather than a PSP issue. But may be I'm wrong. However I find, like many other tasks, that a specialise piece of software is always the best solution. I would recommend downloading QImage and giving it a try. You may find some other benefits of QImage as well. Such as very good soft proofing.
http://www.ddisoftware.com/qimage-u/index.html It's an excellent printing program which offers many other features.

regards

[Djard007]

Since software companies do not advertise their bugs, I would like to know if QImage prints accurately, before buying it. I'm not doubting your satisfaction with QImage, but have you actually used a ruler to measure the dimensions of a printed images on photo paper, not an 8.5 x 11 image but, say, a 5 x 7 or 4 x 6 on regular size photo paper?

[brucet]

I live in Australia. Do my printing here to an exact size. I order mat boards in the USA. Fly to the USA with my prints. Pick up the mat boards and mount my prints. They fit perfectly into the sizes I order from the mat board supplier. QImage will allow you to save 'jobs'. Custom sizes and profiles. You can make all the adjustments you like. Save those settings and be assured that all future prints will match.

Try asking on their user forum. http://www.ddisoftware.com/tech/

I would suggest downloading their trial and testing for yourself.

regards

[Djard007]

Thanks mate. I'm also an Aussie, living in Florida. I am grateful for your valuable suggestion.

[rondo]

I've been using PSP since PSP X- and the Print page layout and selections have not changed since then- it is truly ancient.

I've complained to Corel in the past to no avail- was just told to use Windows to print instead.

[Djard007]

Solved the problem! After editing my images in X8, I imported them into MS Office Word 2007 that offers all kinds of powerful graphic features, including the ability to create collages with angled and overlapping pictures, shadows, framing, borders, tinting, etc., etc. Very simple and you have full control. Buts most importantly, MS-Word prints images accurately. I wrote a short guide if anyone is interested.