Fix Adobe Reader Cannot Print PDF State Forms with Barcodes
Question details
The user is unable to print state and federal PDF forms containing barcodes after installing Adobe Acrobat Reader DC.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat Reader DC
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- A law firm attempting to process and print official state or federal PDF forms with embedded barcodes and extended rights.
- Observed behavior
- The PDF forms fail to print correctly or at all after a recent installation of Adobe Acrobat Reader DC.
Before troubleshooting, ensure your printer drivers are up to date and verify whether the specific government form strictly requires an exact version of Adobe Reader to process embedded XFA data.
Print the PDF as an Image
Bypass complex rendering issues, such as XFA scripts and dynamic barcodes, by sending the document as a flattened image to the printer.
Dynamic PDF forms with extended Reader rights or XFA data sometimes fail to spool correctly to the printer. Printing the document as an image forces the software to bypass these complex internal scripts and send a flat visual representation to the printer instead.
Open your barcode form in Adobe Acrobat Reader DC and click on 'File' in the top menu, then select 'Print'.
In the Print dialog box, locate and click the 'Advanced' button near the top right.
Check the box for 'Print As Image'. Click 'OK' to close the advanced settings, and then click 'Print' to print your form.
Disable Protected Mode in Adobe Reader
Prevent Acrobat's strict security sandbox from blocking the dynamic barcode generation and printing process.
Print Complex PDF Forms Seamlessly with WPS Office
Avoid persistent rendering issues and complex software conflicts by using WPS Office's built-in PDF viewer and printer. It handles standard PDF forms effortlessly, provides a smooth viewing experience, and offers exceptional document compatibility.
- 1. Install WPS Office: Download and install the free WPS Office suite on your computer.
- 2. Open the PDF Form: Right-click your state or federal PDF form, select 'Open with', and choose WPS PDF.
- 3. Print the Document: Click the 'Print' icon in the top toolbar, verify your printer settings in the dialog box, and click 'Print' to output the document with its barcodes intact.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are XFA PDF forms and why are they hard to print?
XFA (XML Forms Architecture) forms are dynamic PDF documents created using Adobe LiveCycle. They contain complex XML data that changes based on user input. They often require specific Adobe software to render properly, which causes printing failures in third-party viewers.
Why do the barcodes disappear when printing the state PDF?
Barcodes in dynamic state forms are generated dynamically based on the form fields you fill out. If the PDF viewer's security settings block JavaScript execution or lack full XFA support, the 2D barcode will not generate on the screen or send to the printer.
Can I use Apple Preview on Mac to print state forms with barcodes?
Apple Preview generally struggles with rendering XFA documents, portfolios, and PDF files requiring extended Reader rights. It is highly recommended to use a dedicated PDF editor like Adobe Acrobat or WPS PDF instead of default system viewers.
