Fix Acrobat 'The Document Could Not Be Printed' Error
Question details
The user is unable to print any PDF documents using Adobe Acrobat or Reader, encountering persistent generic printing errors.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to print a PDF document directly from Adobe Acrobat or Adobe Reader.
- Observed behavior
- The application displays 'This document could not be printed' and 'An error occurred while printing the document' for every PDF, which persists even after reinstalling the software or changing the selected printer.
Before proceeding with advanced troubleshooting, restart both your computer and your printer, and verify that the printer functions correctly by printing a simple text document from Notepad or Word.
Print the PDF as an Image
Use this method to bypass complex font and image processing errors that commonly cause Adobe Acrobat to fail during printing.
Sometimes, Acrobat struggles to process certain text or graphical elements within a PDF, resulting in an immediate printing failure. Printing the document as an image forces the software to bypass these elements and send a simple image file to the printer.
Open your PDF in Adobe Acrobat or Reader, and click on 'File' > 'Print' (or press Ctrl + P).
In the Print dialog box, locate and click on the 'Advanced' button near the top right of the window.
Check the box labeled 'Print As Image'. You can also adjust the resolution settings if necessary.
Click 'OK' to close the Advanced Print Setup dialog, then click 'Print' to send the document to your printer.
Isolate the Issue Using Alternative Applications
Determine whether the error is caused by Adobe Acrobat itself, the specific PDF file, or a system-wide printer configuration issue.
Update Printer Drivers
Ensure your computer's communication with the printer is functioning correctly by installing the latest driver software.
Print Your PDFs Without Errors Using WPS Office
If Adobe Acrobat continues to fail, use WPS Office's highly compatible built-in PDF reader. It handles complex PDF files with ease, bypassing the configuration errors commonly found in other PDF readers.
- 1. Download and Install WPS Office: Download WPS Office for free from the official website and complete the installation process.
- 2. Open Your PDF: Right-click the PDF file that wouldn't print in Acrobat, select 'Open with', and choose 'WPS Office'.
- 3. Access Print Settings: Click the Print icon on the top toolbar or press the Ctrl + P keyboard shortcut.
- 4. Select Printer and Print: Ensure your correct printer is selected in the dropdown menu, configure your desired page range, and click 'Print'.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Acrobat say 'An error occurred while printing the document'?
This generic error is often caused by corrupt PDF data, outdated printer drivers, or complex graphical elements and fonts that the printer's memory cannot properly process.
Does reinstalling Adobe Acrobat fix the printing error?
No, as confirmed by Adobe support experts, reinstalling Acrobat or Reader rarely resolves this specific printing error. It is usually related to local printer configurations or document-specific corruption.
How do I know if my PDF file is corrupted?
If the PDF fails to display properly on your screen, or if it consistently fails to print from multiple different applications (like web browsers or alternative PDF readers) and computers, the file itself is likely corrupted.
Can I print a secured PDF that gives me an error?
If a PDF is password-protected or has security restrictions placed by the author to prevent printing, you will need the permissions password to unlock the print feature. If you have the password, enter it to enable printing.
