How to Fix PDFs That Print Blank or Do Not Print
Question details
The user needs to troubleshoot and resolve an issue where a PDF document fails to print entirely or outputs completely blank pages.
- Product
- PDF Reader/Viewer
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to send a PDF document to a physical printer for a hard copy output.
- Observed behavior
- The printer processes the job but spits out blank pages, or the print job fails to initiate despite the document displaying correctly on the computer screen.
Verify that your printer has sufficient ink and paper, and try printing a standard text document (like a Word file) to confirm the hardware is functioning correctly before troubleshooting the PDF software.
Use the 'Print as Image' Feature
This solution forces the PDF viewer to send the document to the printer as a simple image, bypassing complex graphics or font rendering issues that cause blank pages.
PDFs often contain complex formatting, layered graphics, or customized fonts that some printer drivers struggle to interpret. By selecting 'Print as Image', you bypass the printer's processing engine, virtually eliminating rendering errors.
Open your problematic PDF file in your standard PDF viewer (such as Adobe Acrobat) and select 'File' > 'Print', or press Ctrl + P on your keyboard.
In the Print window, look for and click on the 'Advanced' button, typically located near the top right or bottom of the dialog box.
In the Advanced Print Setup dialog, check the box labeled 'Print As Image'. Click 'OK' to close the advanced settings, then click 'Print' to send the document to your printer.
Test with an Alternative PDF Viewer
Switching to a different PDF reader helps identify if the issue is caused by a bug or recent update in your current PDF software.
Use WPS PDF to Print Complex Documents Without Errors
WPS Office features a robust, built-in PDF reader that processes complex graphics and fonts seamlessly. If your current software fails to print properly, WPS PDF offers a highly compatible and lightweight alternative for viewing and printing your important documents.
- 1. Install WPS Office: Download and install the free version of WPS Office from the official website.
- 2. Open the PDF File: Right-click your problematic PDF document, select 'Open with', and choose 'WPS Office'.
- 3. Access Print Settings: Click the 'Menu' button in the top left corner and select 'Print', or simply press Ctrl + P.
- 4. Execute the Print Job: Ensure your physical printer is selected in the Name dropdown menu, then click 'Print' to successfully output your document.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my PDF look fine on the screen but print completely blank?
This happens when the printer driver cannot correctly interpret the complex data (like transparent layers, custom fonts, or vector graphics) sent by the PDF viewer. The screen rendering engine and the print rendering engine process data differently. Using the 'Print as Image' option usually resolves this by flattening the data before it reaches the printer.
Can an outdated printer driver cause PDFs to not print?
Yes. Outdated or corrupted printer drivers might fail to process the spooling data of a modern PDF file. Updating your printer driver to the latest version directly from the manufacturer's website can often restore normal printing functionality.
How do I know if the PDF file itself is corrupted?
To check for file corruption, try opening and printing a completely different PDF file. If other PDFs print perfectly fine, the original file might be damaged, improperly exported, or structurally flawed by the software that created it. Requesting a new copy from the creator can help.
