How to Fix Custom PDF Print Scaling Problems in Acrobat DC
Question details
Users are unable to apply custom scaling when attempting to print PDF documents in Adobe Acrobat DC.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat DC
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to print an 8.5-by-11-inch PDF at a custom size, such as 8-by-10 inches.
- Observed behavior
- Acrobat DC displays an error pop-up or rejects the custom scaling input during the print setup.
Verify that your printer driver is up to date and that the correct target printer is selected in the print dialog before adjusting your custom scaling settings.
Update Acrobat DC to the Latest Version
Software bugs in older versions can cause Acrobat to reject scaling inputs. Updating to the latest release typically resolves known printing glitches.
Adobe frequently releases patches to address specific application behaviors, including print dialog errors. Ensuring your software is up to date is the most effective way to eliminate pop-up errors and scaling rejections.
Open Adobe Acrobat DC, click on the 'Help' menu in the top navigation bar, and select 'Check for Updates' from the dropdown list.
If an update is found, follow the on-screen prompts in the Adobe Updater window to download and install the latest version.
Once the installation is complete, close Adobe Acrobat DC entirely and reopen the application to ensure the changes take effect.
Reopen your PDF file, navigate to 'File' > 'Print', and enter your desired percentage or paper size in the 'Custom Scale' field under the Page Sizing & Handling section.
Print PDFs with Custom Scaling Using WPS PDF
If Acrobat DC continues to reject your custom print scaling, you can use WPS Office's built-in PDF tool to easily scale and print your documents exactly how you need them.
- 1. Open PDF in WPS: Launch WPS Office and open your target PDF document.
- 2. Access Print Settings: Click the 'Print' icon on the top toolbar or press Ctrl+P to open the Print dialog box.
- 3. Set Custom Scale: Navigate to the 'Page Sizing & Handling' section, select 'Custom Scale', and input your desired scaling percentage.
- 4. Print the Document: Review the preview pane on the right side of the window to ensure correct sizing, then click 'Print' to send the job to your printer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my PDF print at the wrong size even after scaling?
This usually happens if the 'Fit' or 'Shrink oversized pages' option is selected by default in your print settings instead of 'Actual Size' or your defined 'Custom Scale'. Check the Page Sizing & Handling section in the Print dialog to ensure 'Custom Scale' is actively selected.
How do I force an 8.5x11 PDF to print onto 8x10 paper?
In your print dialog box, click 'Properties' next to your printer name and set the Document Size to 8x10. Then, under Page Sizing & Handling, choose 'Fit' or use a 'Custom Scale' percentage (typically around 90-94%) to ensure all content fits within the printable area.
Can I save my custom print scaling settings for future use?
Yes, many printer drivers allow you to save a preset. Click 'Properties' or 'Preferences' in the Print dialog, configure your scaling and paper size, look for a 'Presets' or 'Profiles' tab, and click 'Save As' to store your settings for future prints.
