Fix Acrobat DC Cannot Print PDFs After macOS Catalina Update
Question details
Users are unable to print PDF files using Acrobat DC after upgrading their Mac to macOS Catalina, receiving specific error messages in the print queue.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat DC
- Device & OS
- macOS Catalina
- Scenario
- Attempting to print PDF documents from Adobe Acrobat DC after a recent macOS operating system upgrade.
- Observed behavior
- The print job fails and the printer queue reports that opening the raster file failed. The issue occurs specifically with PDFs in Acrobat, while the printer works normally with other file types and applications.
Ensure your Mac is connected to the internet to download any required driver updates, and verify that your printer is turned on and recognized in your Mac's System Preferences.
Use the Print as Image Option
Bypassing standard font and rendering processes by printing the PDF as an image is a highly effective workaround for Catalina compatibility issues.
When macOS Catalina struggles to process the complex vector data or fonts in a PDF sent from Acrobat, forcing the application to rasterize the document before sending it to the printer often resolves the 'raster file failed' error.
Open your PDF file in Adobe Acrobat DC and go to 'File' > 'Print' from the top menu bar.
In the Print dialog box, locate and click on the 'Advanced' button near the top right.
Check the box next to 'Print As Image'. You can leave the default resolution settings as they are.
Click 'OK' to close the Advanced dialog, then click 'Print' to send the document to your printer.
Update macOS, Acrobat, and Printer Drivers
Updating your software ensures that all components have the latest Catalina-compatible 64-bit architecture.
Use WPS Office to Print Your PDFs Seamlessly
If Acrobat DC continues to have compatibility issues with macOS Catalina, you can easily open, manage, and print your PDF documents using WPS Office for Mac without encountering raster file errors.
- 1. Install WPS Office for Mac: Download and install the free WPS Office suite on your Mac.
- 2. Open Your PDF: Right-click the problematic PDF file, hover over 'Open With', and select WPS Office from the list.
- 3. Initiate Printing: Click the 'Print' icon on the top toolbar or press Cmd+P to open the print dialog.
- 4. Print the Document: Select your printer from the drop-down list, adjust any necessary settings, and click 'Print'.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does macOS Catalina show a 'raster file failed' error?
This error typically occurs because macOS Catalina no longer supports 32-bit architecture. If your printer relies on older 32-bit drivers to rasterize (convert into printable dots) the PDF file, the process fails. Upgrading to 64-bit drivers usually resolves this.
Does this printing issue affect all printers on macOS Catalina?
No. It primarily affects specific models from brands like Brother and Epson where the manufacturer has either delayed the release of 64-bit Catalina drivers or ended support for older hardware models.
What should I do if updating my printer driver doesn't fix the Acrobat issue?
If new drivers don't work, use the 'Print as Image' feature in Acrobat's advanced print settings. Alternatively, you can open and print the PDF using a different PDF reader, such as WPS Office for Mac or Apple Preview, which utilize different rendering engines.
