How to Print USPS Shipping Labels with Adobe Reader
Question details
The user needs to know how to successfully print USPS shipping labels that were generated online, as they are failing to print even after Adobe Reader is installed.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat Reader
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to print a generated USPS shipping label PDF.
- Observed behavior
- The shipping labels are created successfully on the USPS website but fail to print properly when attempted from the web browser or webmail preview.
Ensure your printer is turned on, properly connected to your computer, and loaded with the correct label paper (such as 4x6 inches or standard Letter size).
Download and Print Directly from the Adobe Reader Desktop App
Web browsers use built-in PDF viewers that often cause compatibility issues with shipping labels. Downloading the file and opening it in the dedicated Adobe Reader app resolves this printing issue.
Simply installing Adobe Acrobat Reader on your computer is not enough. If you click 'Print' directly from the Postal Service website or your email provider, your computer will still attempt to use the browser's default PDF viewer.
To ensure the barcode scales correctly and prints clearly, you must actively open the downloaded file within the Adobe Acrobat Reader desktop application.
On the USPS website, click the option to download or save the generated shipping label PDF directly to your computer's local storage.
Navigate to your computer's 'Downloads' folder or the specific destination where you saved the USPS label.
Right-click the downloaded PDF file, select 'Open with', and choose 'Adobe Acrobat Reader'. Confirm that the application name at the very top of the window displays 'Acrobat Reader' rather than your web browser.
Click on 'File' > 'Print'. Under the 'Page Sizing & Handling' section, select 'Actual Size' or set the Custom Scale to 100%. This guarantees the barcode dimensions remain accurate for USPS scanners.
Click the 'Properties' button next to your printer name to ensure the correct paper size (e.g., 4x6 or Letter) is selected, then click the 'Print' button.
Print Shipping Labels Seamlessly with WPS Office
If you are experiencing consistent issues with standard PDF readers, WPS Office provides a lightweight, highly compatible PDF tool to instantly open, view, and print USPS shipping labels with precise scaling and formatting options.
- 1. Install WPS Office: Download and install the free WPS Office suite on your computer.
- 2. Open the PDF Label: Right-click your downloaded USPS shipping label PDF, hover over 'Open with', and select 'WPS Office'.
- 3. Access Print Settings: Press 'Ctrl + P' (or 'Cmd + P' on Mac) to open the print dialog interface.
- 4. Print at Actual Size: Ensure your scaling option is set to 'Actual Size' so the barcodes remain scannable, select your target printer, and click 'Print'.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my shipping label printing too small or getting cut off?
This usually happens when the printer scaling is set to 'Fit to Page' or 'Shrink oversized pages' by default. Always choose 'Actual Size' or set the custom scale to '100%' in your PDF reader's print dialog to ensure the label prints at the exact required dimensions.
Can I print a USPS label directly from my web browser?
While some web browsers can print PDFs directly, their built-in viewers often lack advanced formatting and precise scaling options. This can lead to printing errors, blurry text, or unreadable barcodes. It is highly recommended to download the PDF and use a dedicated PDF reader for shipping labels.
How do I make Adobe Reader my default PDF program?
In Windows, right-click any PDF file, select 'Open with', then 'Choose another app'. Select 'Adobe Acrobat Reader', check the box that says 'Always use this app to open .pdf files', and click OK.
What paper size should I select for standard USPS shipping labels?
If you are using a standard desktop inkjet or laser printer, select 'Letter' (8.5 x 11 inches) and print on half-sheet adhesive labels. If you are using a dedicated thermal label printer (like a Rollo or Dymo), you must select '4 x 6 inches' in the printer properties.
