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Fix Acrobat Scanning Stops After 3 Pages on macOS Catalina
Question details
The user is experiencing an issue where Adobe Acrobat Pro DC unexpectedly stops scanning after processing approximately three pages through an Automatic Document Feeder (ADF).
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat Pro DC
- Device & OS
- macOS Catalina
- Scenario
- Scanning multiple pages via an Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) using a Brother scanner after upgrading the operating system from macOS Mojave to Catalina.
- Observed behavior
- The scanning process abruptly halts or freezes after the third page, whereas it previously functioned without issues on macOS Mojave.
Ensure your Mac is properly connected to your Brother scanner either via USB or a stable local network, and check the Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) for any paper dust or minor jams that might trigger a mechanical pause.
Update Scanner Drivers and Re-add the Device in macOS
Upgrading to macOS Catalina often breaks compatibility with 32-bit scanner drivers from older macOS versions. Installing the correct 64-bit firmware and re-adding the scanner can restore full functionality.
macOS Catalina introduced strict architectural changes, meaning older drivers designed for Mojave or earlier might cause random crashes during memory-intensive tasks like multi-page scanning.
Visit the official Brother support website, search for your specific scanner model (e.g., MFC-9970CDW), and download the latest Scanner Driver and Firmware Update Tool specifically categorized for macOS 10.15 Catalina.
Click the Apple menu and navigate to 'System Preferences' > 'Printers & Scanners'. Select your Brother device from the left sidebar and click the minus (-) button to remove it.
Click the plus (+) button to add a new device. Select your Brother scanner from the list, ensure the newly installed Catalina driver is selected in the 'Use' dropdown menu, and click 'Add'.
Test with Native Utilities and Scan in Batches
This solution isolates whether the issue lies specifically with Acrobat or the scanner itself, while providing a functional workaround for large documents.
Use WPS Office to Seamlessly Scan and Create PDFs
If your current PDF software frequently crashes or stops midway through ADF scans on macOS Catalina, WPS Office provides a lightweight, highly stable built-in PDF toolkit. It effortlessly communicates with macOS scanners to create, edit, and combine multi-page PDFs without freezing.
- 1. Launch WPS PDF: Open WPS Office on your Mac and navigate to the dedicated 'PDF' module from the main workspace.
- 2. Select 'From Scanner': Click on 'Create PDF' on the home screen, then choose the 'From Scanner' option to initialize your connected hardware.
- 3. Configure ADF Settings: Select your scanner from the device list, set the input source to 'Document Feeder', and choose your preferred DPI resolution.
- 4. Scan and Save: Click 'Scan' to process all your pages at once. After scanning, you can immediately organize the pages and save the file as a high-quality PDF.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my scanner stop working after upgrading to macOS Catalina?
macOS Catalina completely dropped support for 32-bit applications. If your scanner's existing driver or background scanning utility was 32-bit, it will no longer function correctly, often resulting in sudden stops or failures to connect.
How do I know if my specific Brother scanner supports macOS Catalina?
You can verify compatibility by visiting the Brother Official Support Center online. Enter your scanner's model number, navigate to the OS downloads section, and check if macOS 10.15 Catalina is listed in the supported operating systems.
Can I merge PDF scans if I am forced to scan in small batches?
Yes. If hardware limitations force you to scan 3 pages at a time, you can use PDF editing software like WPS Office or Adobe Acrobat to combine those separate files. Simply use the 'Merge PDF' or 'Combine Files' tool to merge them into one continuous document.
Is it better to use TWAIN or ICA drivers for scanning on a Mac?
Apple generally recommends using ICA (Image Capture Architecture) drivers for macOS, as they integrate seamlessly with built-in macOS utilities like Image Capture and Preview. TWAIN drivers are older and can sometimes cause stability issues in newer versions of macOS.
