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Fix the 'No Pages Selected' Error When Printing a PDF in Adobe
Question details
The user is unable to print locally stored PDF files and receives a 'No pages selected' error message.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat and Reader
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to print a locally stored PDF document from the desktop.
- Observed behavior
- The software displays an error stating that no pages are selected and fails to print, even though specific pages or 'all pages' are chosen. Web-based PDFs print normally.
Before modifying your application preferences, ensure your printer is correctly connected and powered on, and verify that the locally stored PDF file is not corrupted by opening it in another web browser.
Disable PDF/A View Mode and Protected Mode at Startup
Adjusting Adobe's security and document viewing preferences resolves the conflict that prevents local PDF files from registering the selected pages for print.
In many cases, Adobe's Protected Mode or strict PDF/A compliance settings interfere with the print spooler when handling files saved directly on your local drive. Disabling these features temporarily can restore normal printing capabilities.
Launch Adobe Acrobat or Reader. Click on the 'Edit' menu at the top of the screen and select 'Preferences' from the drop-down list.
In the Preferences window, select 'Documents' from the left-hand category pane. Under the 'PDF/A View Mode' section, change the 'View documents in PDF/A mode' dropdown to 'Never'.
Next, select 'Security (Enhanced)' from the left-hand category pane. Look for the 'Sandbox Protections' section and uncheck the box labeled 'Enable Protected Mode at startup'.
Click the 'OK' button to save your changes. Completely close Adobe Acrobat or Reader, reopen your locally stored PDF file, and try printing it again.
Print PDFs Effortlessly with WPS Office
Bypass complicated sandbox security settings and print errors by using WPS Office. Its robust built-in PDF reader allows you to seamlessly open, view, and print your local PDF files without encountering the 'no pages selected' error.
- 1. Download and Install WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website to download and install the free WPS Office suite on your computer.
- 2. Open Your PDF: Right-click your locally stored PDF file, select 'Open with', and choose WPS Office from the list of applications.
- 3. Initiate the Print Command: Click the 'Print' icon located on the top toolbar, or use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + P to open the print dialog.
- 4. Print the Document: Verify your printer selection and page range settings, then click 'Print' to successfully print your document.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my PDF reader say no pages are selected?
This typically occurs due to an internal conflict with the software's Protected Mode or PDF/A viewing mode when reading files from a local hard drive, causing it to fail at passing the correct page data to your printer.
Why do web-based PDFs print normally while local ones fail?
Web-based PDFs are often processed directly through your browser's built-in PDF viewer or bypass the strict local sandbox protections (Protected Mode) that desktop applications enforce on locally stored files.
Can I re-enable Protected Mode after printing my PDF?
Yes. Once you have successfully printed your document, you can return to Edit > Preferences > Security (Enhanced) and check the box to re-enable Protected Mode to ensure your device remains protected against malicious files.
