Fix 'No Pages Selected' Error When Printing PDFs in Adobe Acrobat
Question details
Users are unable to print PDF documents because Adobe Acrobat throws a 'No pages selected' error.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat Pro DC / Acrobat Reader
- Device & OS
- Windows Server / Windows 10
- Scenario
- Attempting to print a PDF document to a local or redirected printer, often occurring after a software update.
- Observed behavior
- Adobe Acrobat displays a warning message stating 'Document cannot be printed. No pages selected.' and fails to process the print job.
Verify if the issue occurs with a single specific PDF or all PDF files, and ensure your printer is powered on, connected, and set as the default printer in Windows.
Use 'Print as Image' and Verify Page Range
Bypassing standard rendering by printing the PDF as an image often resolves document processing errors.
Open your PDF in Adobe Acrobat and select 'File' > 'Print' from the top menu.
Under the 'Pages to Print' section, ensure that 'All' is selected rather than a blank or invalid page range.
Click on the 'Advanced' button located near the top of the Print dialog box.
Check the box next to 'Print As Image', click 'OK' to close the Advanced settings, and then click 'Print' to test.
Update Software and Reset Acrobat Preferences
Updating your software or reverting a recent update can fix underlying bugs causing the printing failure.
Troubleshoot Windows Print Spooler and Server Permissions
For users on a Windows Server terminal server, restarting the spooler and checking permissions can clear stuck print jobs.
Print PDFs Seamlessly with WPS Office
If Adobe Acrobat continues to produce printing errors, switch to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, reliable, and completely free PDF reader and editor that flawlessly handles PDF printing without software conflicts or rendering issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Adobe Acrobat say 'Document cannot be printed'?
This can happen due to corrupted PDF files, outdated printer drivers, invalid page range selections, or glitches introduced in recent Adobe software updates.
What does printing a PDF as an image do?
'Print as Image' bypasses the standard font and vector rendering in Adobe Acrobat by sending the document to the printer as a simple image. This often circumvents complex processing errors that prevent the document from printing.
How do I fix a PDF file that has unexpected-value warnings?
If Acrobat's Preflight tool reports an unexpected-value warning, you can try recreating the PDF. Use the original source document (like a Word file) and export it to PDF again, or use a PDF editor to repair the file by 'Saving As' a new optimized PDF.
