Fix Acrobat Error: Cannot Open CUPS Temporary File on Mac
Question details
The user is unable to print PDF documents to an HP printer due to a CUPS spool directory temporary file error.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat DC
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Attempting to print a PDF document to an HP OfficeJet Pro printer.
- Observed behavior
- Acrobat fails to print and reports it cannot open a temporary file in the CUPS spool directory, whereas Preview and other applications print without issues.
Ensure your Mac is properly connected to the printer on the same network, and save any open PDF documents before resetting your system's print settings.
Reset the Mac Printing System and Update Drivers
Resetting the printing system clears corrupted spool queues and temporary files, which often resolves CUPS directory conflicts.
CUPS (Common UNIX Printing System) manages all print jobs on macOS. When Acrobat encounters an error creating temporary files in the CUPS spool directory, it usually indicates a conflict between outdated printer drivers, macOS, and Adobe's custom print engine.
Open 'System Preferences' > 'Software Update' to ensure your Mac is up to date. Then, open Adobe Acrobat, go to 'Help' > 'Check for Updates', and install any pending patches.
Go to 'System Preferences' > 'Printers & Scanners'. Right-click (or Control-click) anywhere in the printer list on the left and select 'Reset printing system'. Confirm by entering your Mac administrator password.
Click the '+' button below the empty printer list to re-add your HP OfficeJet Pro. Make sure to select the latest HP driver or AirPrint instead of a generic PostScript driver.
Restart your Mac to ensure all CUPS permissions are refreshed, then open a PDF in Acrobat and attempt to print again.
Adjust Acrobat Print Settings and Disk Permissions
If the printing system reset does not work, modifying how Acrobat sends data to the printer can bypass the temporary file creation issue.
Use WPS Office to Print PDF Documents on Mac
Bypass Acrobat's CUPS spooler errors entirely by using WPS Office. WPS features a robust, built-in PDF reader that communicates directly and natively with macOS printing services, ensuring your documents print smoothly without temporary file conflicts.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Download and install the free version of WPS Office for Mac from the official website.
- 2. Open your PDF: Launch WPS Office and open the PDF document that you were trying to print.
- 3. Access the Print menu: Click 'Menu' in the top-left corner and select 'Print', or simply press 'Cmd + P' on your keyboard.
- 4. Print the document: Select your HP OfficeJet Pro from the printer dropdown list, adjust your settings, and click 'Print' to complete the task seamlessly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'cannot open CUPS temporary file' mean on Mac?
CUPS (Common UNIX Printing System) is the background service macOS uses to manage printing. This error means the application (like Acrobat) either lacks the system permissions to write to the temporary printing folder, or a corrupted file is blocking the queue.
Why can I print from Apple Preview but not from Adobe Acrobat?
Apple Preview uses native macOS printing frameworks that integrate seamlessly with CUPS. Adobe Acrobat uses its own custom print engine to handle complex PDF layers and fonts, making it more vulnerable to permissions conflicts or spool directory issues on Mac.
How do I bypass the CUPS temporary file error immediately?
If you need to print a document urgently, the fastest workaround is to open the problematic PDF file in another application, such as Apple Preview or WPS Office, and print it from there. This bypasses Adobe Acrobat's specific spooling issues entirely.
