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How to Fix PDF Text Blocks Not Printing (Documents & Markups)
Question details
Users are unable to print text blocks or annotations that are otherwise perfectly visible when viewing the PDF document on screen.
- Product
- PDF Reader
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Printing a received PDF file that contains added text blocks, comments, or markups.
- Observed behavior
- Text blocks and markups are visible while reading the document but are completely missing from the final printed output.
Ensure your printer is properly connected and that the PDF file is not restricted by security permissions that prevent high-resolution printing or document modifications.
Enable 'Document and Markups' in Print Settings
This is the most common and effective fix. PDF readers often default to printing only the base document content, excluding added comments or text blocks.
By default, most PDF software applications are designed to print just the core document text to save ink. To include annotations, text boxes, and comments, you must manually adjust the print dialog settings.
Open the PDF file in your preferred PDF software (such as Adobe Acrobat or Reader) and press 'Ctrl + P' (Windows) or 'Cmd + P' (Mac) to open the Print dialog.
Look for a section titled 'Comments & Forms' or 'Print What', which is typically located above the print preview window.
Click the dropdown menu in this section and change the selection from 'Document' to 'Document and Markups'.
Check the print preview to ensure the text blocks are now visible. Once confirmed, click the 'Print' button.
Verify Annotation Properties
If enabling markups in the print dialog doesn't work, the specific text block might be individually set to a non-printing status.
Use WPS PDF to Print Documents with Text Blocks and Annotations
WPS PDF offers a highly intuitive print interface that makes it incredibly easy to include comments, text blocks, and forms in your printed output without digging through complex menus.
- 1. Open PDF in WPS: Launch WPS Office and open your PDF document containing the text blocks.
- 2. Open Print Settings: Click the 'Print' icon on the top toolbar, or press 'Ctrl + P' on your keyboard.
- 3. Select Print Content: In the Print dialog box, locate the 'Print content' dropdown menu.
- 4. Choose Markups: Select 'Document and markups' from the dropdown list to ensure all text blocks are included.
- 5. Print: Review the live preview on the right and click the 'Print' button to get your full document.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my PDF comments and highlights not printing?
Most PDF readers are set to print the 'Document' only by default to save ink. You need to explicitly change your print settings to include 'Document and Markups' or 'Comments' in the Print dialog box before sending the job to the printer.
Can I print just the text blocks or comments without the main PDF text?
Yes, many premium PDF editors provide a 'Comments Only' or 'Form Fields Only' option in the print dialog. This allows you to print just the summarized notes or filled fields without the background document.
Does flattening the PDF help print text blocks?
Yes. If your printer consistently drops annotations, you can 'flatten' the PDF or use a 'Print as Image' feature. Flattening merges the text blocks permanently with the background, ensuring the printer processes them as part of the page graphic.
What should I do if my printer still ignores the text blocks after changing settings?
If your software settings are correct but the printer still ignores the text, click 'Advanced' in the print dialog and select 'Print as Image'. This bypasses standard text and font processing and sends a visual snapshot directly to the printer.
