How to Fix Adobe Acrobat PDF Printing Problems on a Mac
Question details
The user is unable to print PDF files using Adobe Acrobat or Acrobat Reader on a Mac computer and needs troubleshooting steps.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Attempting to print a PDF document from Adobe software to a connected printer on a Mac.
- Observed behavior
- The PDF fails to print, the print job gets stuck, or an error code appears during the printing process.
Before troubleshooting, ensure that your Mac is properly connected to the printer, the printer is turned on with sufficient paper and ink, and take note of any specific error codes that appear on your screen.
Update Software and Verify Printer Settings
Ensure both your Adobe software and Mac printer drivers are up to date, and verify the correct printer is selected.
Outdated application versions or mismatched printer drivers are the most common causes of printing failures on macOS. Keeping Adobe Acrobat and your macOS drivers updated ensures optimal compatibility.
Open Adobe Acrobat or Reader, go to the 'Help' menu at the top, and select 'Check for Updates' to install the latest version.
Click the Apple menu, go to 'System Settings' > 'Printers & Scanners', and check for any pending printer software updates.
Open the PDF, select 'File' > 'Print', and ensure your active printer is correctly chosen in the Printer dropdown menu.
In your Mac's 'Printers & Scanners' settings, click your printer and open the print queue to delete any stuck or paused jobs.
Isolate the Issue Using Apple Preview
Determine if the issue is specific to the PDF file, Adobe Acrobat, or the printer itself by testing the document with Apple Preview.
Use the Print as Image Feature
If the PDF contains complex formatting, transparent layers, or corrupted fonts, printing it as an image can bypass rendering errors.
Print Your PDFs Easily with WPS Office for Mac
If Adobe Acrobat continues to give you trouble on your Mac, you can seamlessly open and print your PDF files using WPS Office. It features a built-in, lightweight PDF reader that ensures high compatibility and smooth printing without complex configurations.
- 1. Install WPS Office: Download and install WPS Office for Mac from the official website.
- 2. Open your PDF: Right-click your PDF file, select 'Open With', and choose 'WPS Office'.
- 3. Access print settings: Click on the 'Print' icon in the top toolbar or press the 'Cmd + P' shortcut on your keyboard.
- 4. Print the document: Select your connected Mac printer from the list and click 'Print' to successfully print your document.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Mac say the printer is offline when using Adobe Acrobat?
This usually happens if the connection between your Mac and the printer is interrupted. Check your Wi-Fi or USB connection, ensure the printer is turned on, and confirm it is selected as the default printer in Apple System Settings > Printers & Scanners.
Can I print a locked or password-protected PDF on a Mac?
If a PDF has printing restrictions applied by the author, the print option will be grayed out. You must enter the permissions password to unlock the file in your PDF reader before the system allows you to print the document.
What should I do if my printed PDF has missing text or graphics?
Missing text or altered graphics are often caused by missing fonts or complex design elements that your printer cannot process. To fix this, open the Print dialog in Adobe Acrobat, click 'Advanced', and select 'Print As Image' to bypass these rendering errors.
How do I clear the print queue on my Mac if a PDF is stuck?
Open the Apple menu, go to 'System Settings', select 'Printers & Scanners', click on your printer, and select 'Print Queue'. Click the 'X' next to the stuck PDF job to delete it, then try printing your document again.
