How to Fix the Disabled Print Option in Acrobat Reader on Mac
Question details
The user is unable to print a PDF document because the Print command and printer icon are disabled or greyed out in Acrobat Reader.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat Reader
- Device & OS
- Mac
- Scenario
- Attempting to print a PDF document using Adobe Acrobat Reader on a Mac.
- Observed behavior
- The Print option in the menu and the printer icon are completely disabled, preventing the user from initiating a print job even when the printer is functioning correctly.
Ensure your Mac is connected to a working printer and try printing a document from another application, such as Apple Notes or Safari, to verify that the printer is functioning correctly.
Check Document Security Restrictions
PDF creators can lock files to prevent unauthorized printing. Checking the document properties will reveal if security settings are causing the disabled print option.
When a PDF is secured with a permissions password, the author can restrict certain features, including printing. Acrobat Reader respects these settings by greying out the print icon.
Launch Acrobat Reader and open the specific PDF file that you are trying to print.
Right-click anywhere on the document page and select 'Document Properties' from the context menu.
In the Document Properties window, click on the 'Security' tab at the top.
Look at the 'Document Restrictions Summary' and check the status next to 'Printing'. If it says 'Not Allowed', you must contact the document creator to request an unrestricted copy.
Restart Mac and Verify Printer Connections
If printing is allowed in the document properties but the option remains disabled, a system glitch or connection issue may be occurring.
Print and Manage PDFs Seamlessly with WPS Office
WPS Office offers a robust, built-in PDF reader that makes viewing and printing PDFs on Mac straightforward and hassle-free. Bypass application-specific glitches while enjoying a complete suite of PDF management tools.
- 1. Install WPS Office: Download and install WPS Office for Mac from the official website.
- 2. Open Your PDF: Launch WPS Office, click on 'Open', and select the PDF file you wish to print.
- 3. Access Print Settings: Click the 'Menu' button in the top-left corner and select 'Print', or simply press Cmd+P on your keyboard.
- 4. Print Document: Adjust your preferred printer settings in the dialog box and click the 'Print' button to output your document.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the print button greyed out on only one specific PDF?
This usually indicates that the creator of that specific PDF has applied security restrictions preventing unauthorized printing. You can verify this by checking the Document Properties under the Security tab.
Can I unlock a secured PDF to print it if I know the password?
Yes. If you have the permissions password, you can go to Document Properties > Security, change the Security Method to 'No Security', enter the password, and save the document. The print option will then be available.
How do I know if my printer is causing the issue instead of the PDF reader?
Try printing a simple text document from another application like Apple Notes or Safari. If it prints successfully, the issue is isolated to your PDF reader or the specific PDF file's security settings.
