Fix Adobe Acrobat "A Drawing Error Occurred" When Creating PDF
Question details
The user encounters an error message stating "A drawing error occurred" when attempting to convert specific image files to PDF using Adobe Acrobat DC.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat DC
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Converting image files to PDF format.
- Observed behavior
- Acrobat fails the conversion and throws a drawing error, despite the images functioning properly in other PDF applications.
Ensure that your original image files are not corrupted and can be opened normally in a standard image viewer before attempting to convert them to PDF.
Update Adobe Acrobat to the Latest Version
Since this is a known internal bug in certain versions of Acrobat, installing the latest software patch often resolves the drawing error.
Launch your Adobe Acrobat DC application on your computer.
Navigate to the top menu bar, click on 'Help', and select 'Check for Updates'.
Follow the on-screen prompts to download and install any available software updates, then restart Acrobat and try converting your file again.
Use the System Print to PDF Feature
If the error persists after updating Acrobat, use your computer's built-in Print to PDF method to generate the PDF temporarily.
Convert Images to PDF Smoothly with WPS Office
If Adobe Acrobat continues to show drawing errors, you can seamlessly convert your images to PDF using WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible PDF toolkit that effortlessly handles image-to-PDF conversion.
- 1. Launch WPS Office: Open WPS Office and navigate to the 'PDF' tab on the main interface.
- 2. Select Picture to PDF: Click on the 'Picture to PDF' tool located in the PDF creation menu.
- 3. Add Images: Drag and drop your image files into the conversion window, or click 'Add Pictures' to select them manually.
- 4. Convert and Save: Adjust your output settings if needed, then click 'Convert' to instantly generate your error-free PDF.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Adobe Acrobat say 'A drawing error occurred'?
This specific error is typically caused by an internal bug within Adobe Acrobat DC when rendering certain image file types or complex graphic structures during the PDF conversion process.
Can Adobe Reader create PDFs from images?
No, Adobe Acrobat Reader is a free PDF viewing application and does not have the built-in capability to create PDFs from image files. You need Acrobat Pro/Standard or an alternative tool to perform conversions.
What should I do if updating Acrobat doesn't fix the error?
If updating doesn't resolve the issue, you can temporarily use alternative workflows such as your system's 'Print to PDF' feature, or use a reliable third-party PDF tool like WPS Office to handle the conversion.
