How to Fix the 'Can't Open' Error When Printing PDFs on macOS
Question details
The user encounters a 'Can't Open' or CUPS temporary-file error when attempting to print PDF files on a Mac.
- Product
- Adobe Reader
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Printing a PDF document from a PDF reader on a Mac.
- Observed behavior
- The system displays a 'Can't Open' or CUPS temporary-file error and fails to process the print job.
Ensure your printer is properly connected to your Mac and turned on. Save any open documents before restarting your computer or resetting the printing system, as active processes will be interrupted.
Restart Your Mac and Reset the Printing System
A simple restart often clears temporary CUPS spooler errors. If it doesn't, resetting the macOS printing system will resolve underlying printer configuration issues.
The macOS printing system relies on CUPS (Common Unix Printing System). When its temporary files get stuck or corrupted, it prevents documents from printing. Resetting the system clears these files and gives your printer a fresh start.
Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen, select 'Restart', and try printing your PDF again once the system boots up.
If the error persists, click the Apple menu, select 'System Settings' (or 'System Preferences'), and click on 'Printers & Scanners'.
Right-click (or Control-click) anywhere in the printer list on the left side, and select 'Reset printing system...' from the context menu.
Click 'Reset' to confirm. After the process finishes, click the 'Add Printer, Scanner, or Fax...' button (or the '+' icon) to re-add your printer to the Mac.
Perform a Clean Reinstallation of Adobe Reader
If resetting the printing system does not work, the Adobe Reader installation itself might be corrupted and needs a clean install.
Use WPS Office to Print Your PDFs Without Errors
Bypass Adobe Reader installation issues by using WPS Office for Mac. Its built-in PDF reader provides a seamless and fast printing experience without dealing with CUPS temporary-file errors.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Download and install WPS Office for Mac from the official WPS website.
- 2. Open your PDF: Launch WPS Office, click on 'Open' in the home screen, and locate the PDF file you want to print.
- 3. Access the Print menu: Once the PDF is open, click the 'Menu' button in the top left corner and select 'Print', or simply press Cmd + P on your keyboard.
- 4. Configure settings: Select your target printer from the drop-down menu and adjust your preferred print settings, such as page range and orientation.
- 5. Print the document: Click the 'Print' button to process the job and print your document successfully.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the CUPS temporary-file error mean on macOS?
CUPS (Common Unix Printing System) is the standard printing engine used by macOS. A temporary-file error generally means the system's print spooler is stuck, corrupted, or lacks the correct folder permissions to create the temporary files needed to process and send your print job to the printer.
Will resetting the macOS printing system delete my documents?
No, resetting the printing system will not delete your personal PDF files or any other documents. However, it will remove all configured printers and scanners from your Mac, clear any pending print jobs, and delete printer preference files. You just need to add your printer back afterward.
Why do I need a cleaner tool to uninstall Adobe Reader on a Mac?
Simply dragging the Adobe Reader application to the Mac's Trash leaves behind background services, cache files, and system preferences. The Acrobat Cleaner Tool ensures that all corrupted installation files are completely removed, providing a truly clean slate for a fresh installation.
