LibreOffice get colors back in PDF exports

LibreOffice get colors back in PDF exports

Since OpenOffice [1] moved to  LibreOffice   [2], direct consequence of Sun Microsystems bought by Oracle [3], some differences may have been felt, except name change.

One of them, on my  LibreOffice   version (actually 3.3.3), had a particular impact on me : my PDF exports were systematically black and white.

For example, while working on a  LibreOffice   Writer document (Fig 1), containing some colored titles, I noticed that PDF export, with same options (Fig 2) as before version change, was exported as a black and white PDF (Fig 3).

A simple solution that I propose you, is to look in your print options (Ctrl + P). Once in the print screen, go in the  LibreOffice   Writer tab, and uncheck Print text in black option (Fig 4). Cancel is enough, it is not necessary to start printing.

Re-export then your file in PDF, and colors are back (Fig 5)!

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On my computer, this manipulation have to be done each time I start  LibreOffice   [2], as this option is automatically checked, even if I change it.

LibreOffice: export directly as PDF

In LibreOffice, print to PDF is a standard function of the software, accessible in the menu File > Export as PDF.

An OpenOffice PDF export, or a  LibreOffice   PDF export, can be generated easily simply by using this built-in function, and following the instructions – the standard PDF export settings will be good enough for most cases.

Frequently Asked Questions

What adjustments should be made in LibreOffice to ensure that colors are accurately preserved when exporting documents to PDF format?

To retain colors in PDF exports from LibreOffice, go to File > Export As > Export as PDF. In the PDF Options dialog, ensure that the PDF/A-1a option is unchecked, as this setting can restrict color usage to comply with archival standards. Also, check the color settings under LibreOffice Preferences > LibreOffice > Colors to ensure they’re set correctly.