Fix Acrobat Pro 8 Printing Squares Instead of Text on Windows 10
Question details
The user needs to resolve an issue where a PDF file prints with square symbols instead of readable text when using an older version of Acrobat on a modern operating system.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat Pro 8
- Device & OS
- Windows 10
- Scenario
- Printing a PDF document from Adobe Acrobat Pro 8.
- Observed behavior
- The printed document displays square symbols instead of actual text, despite the exact same PDF printing correctly from other applications.
Verify if this issue occurs with a single specific PDF or all PDF documents, and ensure your printer is fully powered on and connected to your Windows 10 computer.
Print the PDF as an Image
Forcing the PDF application to process the file as an image bypasses the font rendering system, which is a common workaround for obsolete software bugs.
Because Adobe Acrobat Pro 8 is an obsolete application, its font rendering engine often conflicts with modern Windows 10 printer drivers. Printing the document as an image forces the printer to draw the page exactly as it looks on your screen, rather than trying to interpret the embedded fonts.
Open your PDF file in Acrobat Pro 8 and go to File > Print to open the main printing settings.
Click on the 'Advanced' button located near the top or bottom of the Print dialog box.
Check the box next to 'Print As Image'. You can also choose the resolution (e.g., 300 dpi) if prompted.
Click 'OK' to close the Advanced settings, then click 'Print' to send the document to your printer.
Update Your Printer Drivers
Updating your printer drivers ensures that your printer can properly communicate with Windows 10 and handle older software commands.
Use a Modern PDF Application
Switching to a modern, supported PDF application avoids the inherent compatibility issues of running obsolete software on Windows 10.
Print PDFs Seamlessly Using WPS Office
Avoid the compatibility issues and font substitution errors of obsolete PDF software. WPS Office includes a modern, built-in PDF reader that ensures your documents print exactly as they appear on the screen on Windows 10.
- 1. Install WPS Office: Download and install the free WPS Office suite on your Windows 10 PC.
- 2. Open your PDF: Right-click the problematic PDF file, select 'Open with', and choose WPS Office from the list of applications.
- 3. Print the Document: Press Ctrl + P to open the print dialog, select your printer, and print your document with perfectly rendered text.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my PDF print as strange characters or squares?
This usually happens when the software fails to properly communicate font data to the printer. It is often caused by missing embedded fonts within the PDF or compatibility issues between an outdated PDF application and modern operating systems.
Is Adobe Acrobat Pro 8 compatible with Windows 10?
No, Adobe Acrobat Pro 8 is an obsolete version of the software. It is not officially supported on Windows 10, which frequently leads to glitches, missing features, and printing errors like text converting into squares.
Does the 'Print as Image' option reduce print quality?
Printing a PDF as an image can sometimes result in slightly less sharp text compared to vector-based font rendering, and the file may take longer to process and print. However, it is a highly effective workaround when fonts fail to render correctly.
How can I fix PDF printing errors permanently?
The most reliable long-term solution is to upgrade to a modern, actively supported PDF application that is fully compatible with Windows 10 updates and current printer drivers.
