How to Fix Adobe Acrobat Cannot Print or Create PDFs from One Program
Question details
The user is unable to print or create PDFs using Adobe Acrobat DC from one specific application, despite PDF printing working normally in other programs.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat DC
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to print a document to a physical printer or convert it using the "Print as Adobe PDF" feature from a particular software application.
- Observed behavior
- Adobe Acrobat DC freezes, stops responding, or fails to process the print job exclusively when initiated from the specific problematic application.
Ensure that your printer is securely connected and turned on, and remember to save any open documents in the problematic application before performing software updates or restarting your computer.
Update Adobe Acrobat DC and Restart
Installing the latest software patches can resolve application-specific bugs and freezing issues in Acrobat.
Software conflicts between Adobe Acrobat and specific third-party applications are common but are frequently addressed in official Adobe patches. Updating ensures you have the latest compatibility fixes.
Launch the Adobe Acrobat DC application on your computer.
Navigate 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 any available updates. Once completed, restart your computer and try printing from the specific program again.
Verify Printer Type and Isolate the Error
Determine whether the issue is with hardware printing or virtual PDF creation to narrow down troubleshooting steps.
Use WPS Office for Seamless PDF Creation and Printing
If Adobe Acrobat continues to freeze or crash with certain applications, try switching to WPS Office. It is a free, lightweight, and comprehensive office suite that includes a powerful built-in PDF editor. You can view, create, edit, and print PDFs smoothly without compatibility errors or system freezes.
- 1. Download and Install: Download WPS Office from the official website and install it on your computer.
- 2. Open Your Document: Launch WPS Office and open the document you wish to convert or print.
- 3. Export or Print to PDF: Click the 'Menu' button and select 'Export to PDF' to easily create a PDF, or use the 'Print' option to send it to your physical printer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Adobe Acrobat only freeze in one specific program?
This usually occurs due to a compatibility conflict between Acrobat's virtual PDF printer driver and the specific application's print spooler. Updating Acrobat or the specific software often resolves these underlying conflicts.
What is the difference between printing to a physical printer and Print as Adobe PDF?
Printing to a physical printer sends data to your hardware to create a paper copy, whereas 'Print as Adobe PDF' uses a virtual printer driver to convert your current document into a digital PDF file saved on your hard drive.
How do I find my current version of Adobe Acrobat DC?
Open Adobe Acrobat, click on 'Help' in the top menu bar, and select 'About Adobe Acrobat'. A pop-up window will appear displaying the exact version number currently installed on your computer.
Can I create PDFs without using Adobe Acrobat?
Yes. Many modern applications feature a built-in 'Save as PDF' or 'Export to PDF' function. Alternatively, you can use lightweight, comprehensive software like WPS Office to easily create, edit, and print PDFs without relying on Acrobat.
