Fix Adobe Acrobat Error: Unable to Convert PostScript File When Printing PDF
Question details
Users encounter an error preventing them from printing PDF documents successfully using Adobe Acrobat Pro DC.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat Pro DC
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Attempting to print a PDF document directly from the Adobe Acrobat application.
- Observed behavior
- The application displays an 'Unable to convert PostScript file' error message and fails to print the PDF document.
Ensure your printer is properly connected to your Mac and test printing a different PDF file to confirm whether the issue is isolated to a specific document.
Use the Print as Image Feature
Bypassing the standard PostScript processing by rasterizing the document is the fastest and most reliable workaround for this printing error.
This method forces Acrobat to send the PDF to the printer as a simple image rather than a complex PostScript file, eliminating translation errors between the software and the printer driver.
Launch Adobe Acrobat Pro DC, open your PDF file, and click on 'File' followed by 'Print' in the top menu.
In the Print dialog box, locate and click on the 'Advanced' button near the top right.
Check the box next to 'Print as Image', then click 'OK' to save the setting and click 'Print' to print your document.
Adjust PostScript Options in Acrobat
Modifying the advanced PostScript output options can help the printer driver successfully process the PDF data stream.
Update Printer Drivers and Firmware
Outdated printer software on macOS can cause miscommunication with Acrobat's PostScript generation. Updating ensures proper compatibility.
Print PDFs Smoothly with WPS Office
If Adobe Acrobat continues to throw PostScript errors on macOS, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, integrated PDF reader and editor that prints documents seamlessly without relying on complex external PostScript conversions.
- 1. Install WPS Office: Download and install the free WPS Office suite for Mac from the official website.
- 2. Open Your PDF: Launch WPS Office and open your problematic PDF document using the built-in PDF tool.
- 3. Print the Document: Click the 'Print' icon or press Command+P to print your file instantly without PostScript errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the 'Unable to convert PostScript file' error mean?
This error usually indicates that your printer or printer driver cannot properly interpret the PostScript data stream generated by Adobe Acrobat. It frequently points to a mismatch in driver settings, incompatible printer firmware, or a corrupt specific PDF element.
Does this PostScript print error only happen on Mac?
While it is most commonly reported on macOS when using Adobe Acrobat Pro DC due to specific Apple printer driver integrations, similar PostScript communication errors can occasionally occur on Windows if generic or incompatible PostScript drivers are utilized.
Will reinstalling Adobe Acrobat fix the PostScript printing error?
Reinstalling the software might not resolve the issue if the root cause lies in the printer driver itself or specific advanced print settings. It is generally much more effective to update your printer's firmware or simply use the 'Print as Image' workaround in Acrobat.
