How to Print All PDF Annotations and Markups
Question details
The user needs to print a PDF document along with all of its embedded annotations and markups, which are currently missing in the printed output.
- Product
- PDF Reader
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Printing a PDF exported from an e-book reader where the annotations are visible on the screen but fail to appear on the printed pages.
- Observed behavior
- The document's text prints normally, but the user-added annotations and markups are entirely omitted from the final printed output.
Make sure your printer is properly connected and turned on, and verify that you are using the latest version of your PDF reader software.
Enable 'Document and Markups' in Print Settings
Adjust your PDF reader's print dialog settings to explicitly include comments and markups in the print job.
By default, most PDF readers are set to print only the document text and images. To include your highlights, notes, and drawings, you must manually instruct the software to print markups.
With your PDF open, navigate to 'File' > 'Print', or use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + P (Cmd + P on Mac).
Look for a dropdown menu or section in the print dialog labeled 'Comments & Forms' or 'Print What'.
Click the dropdown and select 'Document and Markups' to ensure all annotations are processed for printing.
Check the print preview pane to confirm the annotations are now visible, then click the 'Print' button.
Troubleshoot Annotation Export Issues
Verify if the missing annotations are caused by third-party export incompatibility rather than incorrect print settings.
Seamlessly View and Print PDF Annotations with WPS Office
WPS Office provides a highly compatible built-in PDF reader and editor that flawlessly handles annotations, highlights, and markups from various devices, allowing you to print exactly what you see on the screen.
- 1. Open the PDF File: Launch WPS Office and open the PDF document containing your annotations.
- 2. Open Print Settings: Click the 'Menu' button in the top left corner and select 'Print', or press Ctrl + P.
- 3. Enable Markup Printing: In the Print dialog box, locate the 'Print content' section and select 'Document and markups'.
- 4. Preview and Print: Ensure your annotations appear in the preview window on the right, then click 'Print' to send the document to your printer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do my PDF highlights show on screen but not on paper?
By default, PDF readers often print only the main document content to save ink and improve print speed. You must explicitly change the settings in the print dialog box from 'Document' to 'Document and Markups' (or check the 'Print markups' box) before printing.
Can I print a list of all PDF annotations separately?
Yes, many advanced PDF editors, including WPS Office, offer a 'Summarize Comments' or 'Print Comments' feature. This allows you to generate and print a separate list of all notes, highlights, and markups without printing the entire document.
What should I do if my e-reader annotations still won't print?
If annotations made on devices like e-readers don't print even when markups are enabled, they might not be saved as standard PDF data. You can try 'flattening' the PDF (saving it as an image-based PDF or using a 'Print to PDF' virtual printer) to embed the annotations directly into the document pages before sending it to a physical printer.
