Fix Adobe Acrobat Printing PostScript (.ps) Files Instead of PDF
Question details
The user needs to stop Adobe Acrobat from defaulting to a .ps (PostScript) file extension when attempting to print signed PDF documents.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat 2017
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Printing signed PDF documents.
- Observed behavior
- When printing the PDF, the print dialog incorrectly prompts to save a PostScript (.ps) file instead of generating a PDF. Additionally, document properties show unexpected producer metadata.
Ensure you have the correct printer selected in your print dialog and check that your default printer drivers are fully up to date.
Disable the "Print to File" Option
Turning off the Print to File setting in the advanced printer options prevents Acrobat from generating raw PostScript files.
The "Print to File" feature intercepts the print job and saves the raw printer language (PostScript) to your local disk instead of sending it to the printer or PDF creator. Disabling this resolves the unexpected .ps extension prompt.
In Adobe Acrobat, open your PDF document and press Ctrl + P (or go to File > Print) to open the print dialog box.
Click the "Advanced" button located near the top of the Print dialog.
In the Advanced Print Setup window, locate the "Print to File" checkbox and uncheck it.
Click "OK" to save your changes, make sure "Adobe PDF" or your physical printer is selected, and click "Print" again.
Avoid Printing a PDF to Create Another PDF
Using a virtual PDF printer to re-print an existing PDF degrades quality and breaks metadata.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my PDF show 'PaperPort' as the Producer or Creator?
The 'Producer' and 'Creator' fields in a PDF's document properties identify the software engine used to generate the file, not the author's name. It is normal for this to reflect background software (like PaperPort or Adobe Acrobat) that originally processed the document.
What exactly is a .ps file?
A .ps (PostScript) file contains the raw page description language used primarily by printers. When the 'Print to File' option is enabled, the instructions meant for the physical printer are saved as a .ps file on your computer instead.
Can I convert a saved .ps file back to a PDF?
Yes, if you accidentally generated a .ps file, you can convert it to a PDF by opening it with Adobe Acrobat Distiller or a compatible PDF creation tool, which will process the PostScript code into a standard PDF format.
How do I preserve digital signatures when saving a PDF?
To keep digital signatures intact, always use the 'Save As' function. 'Printing' a document to a virtual PDF printer flattens the file, which invalidates and removes cryptographic digital signatures.
