PDF Printing Issues

How to Fix Distiller OffendingCommand setlinecap PDF Printing Error

Algirdas Jasaitis Nov 2, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users encounter a PostScript typecheck error preventing PDF creation when trying to print web pages or emails via Adobe PDF Distiller.

How to Fix Distiller OffendingCommand setlinecap PDF Printing Error

Product: Adobe PDF Printer
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Printing web pages or Gmail messages to PDF using a Chromium-based browser like Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge.
Observed behavior: The print job fails and flushes without creating a PDF, displaying a PostScript typecheck error with the message 'OffendingCommand: setlinecap'.

Before you start

Verify that your web browser and Adobe Acrobat software are fully updated, as outdated versions frequently cause PostScript compatibility issues during printing.

Solution 1Recommended

Use the Browser's Built-in 'Save as PDF' Option

Bypass the Adobe PDF printer entirely by utilizing the native PDF export feature built into Chromium browsers, avoiding PostScript generation errors.

Chromium-based browsers like Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge sometimes generate invalid PostScript code that Adobe Distiller cannot process. Using the browser's native PDF creation tool bypasses this conflict.

Open the Print Dialog

Navigate to the web page or Gmail message you want to print, and press 'Ctrl + P' (or 'Cmd + P' on Mac) to open the print interface.

Change the Destination

In the print settings panel, click the drop-down menu next to 'Destination' or 'Printer' and select 'Save as PDF' instead of 'Adobe PDF'.

Save the PDF Document

Click the 'Save' button at the bottom of the panel, choose your desired folder location on your computer, and confirm to generate the PDF successfully.

Use the Browser's Built-in 'Save as PDF' Option

Native Export Advantage: Using 'Save as PDF' often preserves clickable hyperlinks and web page layouts better than traditional virtual printing methods.

Solution 2

Print from an Alternative Web Browser

Switch to a non-Chromium browser like Mozilla Firefox, which generates PostScript code differently and successfully processes the print job to Adobe PDF.

Seamless PDF Creation

Create and Manage PDFs Effortlessly with WPS Office

Avoid complex printer driver conflicts and PostScript errors by using WPS Office. Its powerful built-in PDF tools allow you to seamlessly convert, edit, and manage PDF documents without relying on external virtual printers.

1. Download and Install WPS Office: Get the free WPS Office suite from the official website and install it on your computer.
2. Access the PDF Tools: Launch the application and click on the 'PDF' tab from the main workspace interface.
3. Create a New PDF: Select 'Create PDF' to effortlessly generate a new PDF document from existing files, images, or documents.
4. Edit and Export: Use the built-in editing tools to adjust your document, then save it securely without utilizing any third-party printer drivers.

Create PDFs directly without PostScript or Distiller errorsHighly compatible with all standard Microsoft Office and Adobe PDF formatsBuilt-in PDF editor to modify text, images, and pages with easeLightweight suite that efficiently handles high-quality document exports

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes the 'OffendingCommand: setlinecap' error?

This error occurs when an application, typically a Chromium-based browser like Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge, sends invalid or unsupported PostScript code to the Adobe PDF Distiller, causing the print job to fail and flush.

Can I still use Google Chrome to create PDFs without this error?

Yes. Instead of selecting 'Adobe PDF' as your designated printer, choose the 'Save as PDF' option in the destination menu. This uses the browser's native PDF generation engine and completely bypasses Adobe Distiller.

Will updating Adobe Acrobat fix the Distiller print issue?

Sometimes. Software updates often contain bug fixes for invalid PostScript generation. It is recommended to keep both your web browser and Adobe Acrobat updated to their latest versions to minimize compatibility issues.

PDF Troubleshooting