Fix Adobe Acrobat Not Printing Using PDF Page Size
Question details
Users need to resolve an issue where Adobe Acrobat fails to print PDFs according to their original page size despite correct configurations.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat and Reader DC
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to print a PDF document that requires specific page dimensions or tray selections.
- Observed behavior
- The software no longer prints PDFs according to their defined page size, even when printer trays and print-size options appear to be configured correctly.
Ensure your printer is turned on, properly connected, and has the correct paper sizes physically loaded in its trays before troubleshooting your software settings.
Update Adobe Acrobat or Reader DC to the Latest Version
A known bug in older versions of Acrobat prevents correct page size printing. Updating the software to version 21.001.20138 or later resolves this issue permanently.
Adobe has acknowledged that certain builds of Acrobat and Reader DC fail to interpret PDF page sizes correctly during the printing process. They released a specific continuous update (version 21.001.20138) to address this exact bug.
Installing this update restores the software's ability to communicate the correct paper dimensions to your printer driver.
Launch your Adobe Acrobat or Adobe Acrobat Reader DC application.
Navigate to the top menu bar, click on 'Help', and select 'Check for Updates' from the dropdown menu.
Follow the on-screen prompts to download and install the latest patches. Once the update to version 21.001.20138 or newer is complete, restart the application and try printing your PDF again.
Repair the Adobe Acrobat Installation
If your software is up to date but still ignores page sizes, repairing the installation can fix corrupted application files causing the print communication error.
Verify Printer Driver and Tray Configuration
Double-check your system's printer driver properties to ensure the paper size and tray configurations correctly match your PDF settings.
Accurately Print PDF Page Sizes Using WPS PDF
If your current PDF reader continues to struggle with accurately mapping document dimensions to your printer trays, try WPS PDF. Integrated directly into WPS Office, it features a highly reliable printing module that automatically detects your PDF's native dimensions and formats them perfectly for your hardware.
- 1. Open Document: Launch WPS Office and open your target PDF document.
- 2. Access Print Menu: Click the Print icon on the top toolbar or press Ctrl+P.
- 3. Configure and Print: In the print dialog, ensure 'Use PDF page size' or 'Actual Size' is selected, then click Print.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my PDF printing on the wrong size paper?
This usually happens when 'Fit to Page' or 'Shrink oversized pages' is selected in your print dialog instead of 'Actual Size'. It can also occur if there is a software bug preventing the application from reading the document's built-in dimensions.
How do I force the printer to use the PDF's native page size?
In your print dialog, look for the option labeled 'Choose paper source by PDF page size' and check the box. This tells the software to automatically select the printer tray that matches the document's dimensions.
Does repairing my Acrobat installation delete my personal PDF files?
No. Using the 'Repair Installation' feature only scans and replaces missing or corrupted application files. It does not delete, move, or modify any of your personal PDF documents.
Can outdated printer drivers cause page size issues?
Yes. If your software is up to date but the page size is still incorrect, an outdated printer driver may be failing to process the sizing commands. You should visit your printer manufacturer's website to download the latest driver.
