How to Fix Acrobat Reader Cannot Print PDFs on macOS High Sierra
Question details
User is unable to print PDF files using Adobe Acrobat Reader DC on a Mac running macOS High Sierra.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat Reader DC
- Device & OS
- macOS High Sierra 10.13.6
- Scenario
- Attempting to print a PDF document directly from Adobe Acrobat Reader DC.
- Observed behavior
- PDF files fail to print entirely, despite other file types like Word and Excel documents printing normally on the exact same machine.
Ensure your printer is properly connected and turned on. Verify that you can print other document formats to confirm this is an app-specific issue rather than a hardware malfunction.
Update Adobe Acrobat Reader DC to the Latest Version
Updating to a newer version of Acrobat Reader (specifically version 19.008.20074 or higher) includes a verified patch for this macOS printing bug.
Software glitches in specific builds of Adobe Acrobat often cause printing failures on older macOS versions. Installing the latest patch directly resolves these known bugs.
Launch Adobe Acrobat Reader DC on your MacBook Air.
Go to the top menu bar, click on 'Help', and select 'Check for Updates' from the drop-down menu.
Follow the on-screen prompts to download and install the latest available version.
Once the update is complete, restart your Mac, open the PDF again, and attempt to print.
Verify Mac Printer Queue and Reset Printing System
Clearing out stuck print jobs or resetting the Mac printing system can restore functionality if the queue has been corrupted by a failed PDF print.
Upgrade Your macOS Operating System
Since High Sierra is an older operating system, upgrading to a newer macOS version can resolve deep-seated software compatibility issues.
Use WPS Office as a Reliable PDF Reader and Printer
If Adobe Acrobat Reader continues to fail on macOS High Sierra, WPS Office provides a lightweight, free alternative with a built-in PDF reader. You can open, view, edit, and successfully print your PDF documents without dealing with compatibility bugs.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Download and install the free version of WPS Office for Mac from the official website.
- 2. Open Your PDF: Launch WPS Office, click 'Open', and navigate to the PDF file you wish to print.
- 3. Access the Print Menu: Click on the 'Print' icon in the top toolbar or press the 'Cmd + P' shortcut on your keyboard.
- 4. Print the Document: Configure your printer settings and click 'Print' to successfully send the document to your printer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Mac print Word and Excel files but not PDFs?
This usually indicates an application-specific glitch within the PDF reader (like Adobe Acrobat DC) rather than a system or hardware issue. It means your printer driver is working correctly, but the PDF software is failing to send the correct print data to the macOS spooler.
Can I print PDFs directly from my Mac without third-party software?
Yes. macOS includes a built-in application called 'Preview'. You can right-click your PDF file, choose 'Open With', and select 'Preview'. From there, you can press Cmd + P to print the document natively.
What should I do if updating Acrobat Reader doesn't fix the printing error?
If updating doesn't work, try saving the PDF as an image before printing (in the Advanced print setup in Acrobat). Alternatively, reset your Mac's printing system, or switch to an alternative PDF reader like WPS Office or Apple Preview to complete your task.
