How to Fix PDF Not Printing in Adobe Acrobat or Reader
Question details
Users are unable to print PDF files using Adobe Acrobat or Reader, even though other file types like Word documents, Excel files, and images print without any issues.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat / Adobe Reader
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to print a PDF document to a connected local or network printer.
- Observed behavior
- The PDF file fails to print entirely, while other software applications and file formats continue to print normally.
Ensure your printer is turned on, has sufficient paper and ink, and is securely connected to your computer or network before modifying any software settings.
Use the 'Print as Image' Feature
Printing the PDF as an image bypasses complex formatting, transparent layers, or corrupted fonts that might be preventing the document from processing correctly.
PDFs often contain complex visual elements and embedded fonts. If your printer struggles to interpret these specific elements, it may fail to print the document entirely. Forcing Adobe Acrobat to send the document to the printer as a simple image resolves this miscommunication.
Open the problematic PDF in Adobe Acrobat or Reader, and click 'File' > 'Print' or press Ctrl+P on your keyboard.
Click the 'Advanced' button located near the top of the Print dialog box.
Check the box next to 'Print As Image' and click 'OK'.
Click 'Print' to send the simplified image file to your printer.
Verify Printer Selection and Update Drivers
Ensuring the correct physical printer is targeted and its software is up-to-date fixes backend communication errors.
Test Printing in a Web Browser
Printing from a web browser helps determine if the issue is strictly isolated to the Adobe Acrobat software.
Print PDFs Flawlessly with WPS Office
If Adobe Acrobat continues to encounter printing errors, try opening and printing your files using WPS Office. Its built-in, lightweight PDF reader offers a highly reliable and fast printing experience without the complex configurations that commonly cause print spooler failures.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Download and install WPS Office for free from the official WPS website.
- 2. Open the PDF: Launch WPS Office, select 'PDF' from the home screen, and open your problematic document.
- 3. Access Print Settings: Click the 'Print' icon on the top toolbar or simply press Ctrl+P.
- 4. Print Document: Choose your printer from the list and click 'Print' to successfully complete the job.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my PDF not printing but Word and Excel files are?
PDF files often contain complex visual elements, embedded fonts, and transparent layers that standard Microsoft Office documents lack. These advanced elements can sometimes overwhelm your printer's memory or cause Adobe Acrobat to stall during the print rendering process.
What is a print spooler error and how does it affect PDFs?
The print spooler is a system software service that temporarily stores and manages print jobs sent to the printer. If the spooler crashes or gets stuck trying to process a heavy PDF file, it will prevent the document from printing. Restarting the Print Spooler service in your computer's Services menu often clears the jam.
How do I make my physical printer the default for all PDF files?
To set a default printer on Windows, go to your computer's Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners. Click on your preferred printer, select 'Manage', and click 'Set as default'. Adobe Acrobat and WPS Office will then automatically select this printer for your future print jobs.
