macOS Terminal Commands for Batch Printing PDFs with Adobe Reader
Question details
The user wants to know if they can use Terminal commands in macOS to batch print PDFs using Adobe Reader DC.
- Product
- Adobe Reader DC
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Attempting to automate the printing process of multiple PDF files simultaneously using a Bash script via the macOS Terminal.
- Observed behavior
- The user is searching for Terminal command-line switches for Adobe Reader DC, but the required switches are exclusively available for Windows systems.
Before attempting to batch print PDFs via the macOS Terminal, ensure your default printer is correctly configured, turned on, and connected to your Mac.
Use the Native lpr Command in macOS Terminal
Since Adobe Reader DC does not support command-line printing on macOS, use the built-in lpr command to natively batch print PDFs from the Terminal.
The command-line switches provided by Adobe (such as /t or /p) are strictly for Windows. Fortunately, macOS is built on a UNIX foundation that includes the highly capable CUPS printing system, allowing you to bypass Adobe entirely and print directly from the Terminal.
Navigate to 'Applications', open the 'Utilities' folder, and double-click on 'Terminal' to launch the command-line interface.
Type 'cd' followed by a space, and then the path to the folder containing the PDF files you want to print (e.g., cd /Users/username/Documents/PDFs), and press Enter.
Type 'lpr *.pdf' and press Enter. This command sends all PDF files in the current directory to your Mac's default printer.
Create an Automator Quick Action for Batch Printing
If you prefer a graphical user interface over Terminal scripts, you can use macOS Automator to create a reusable Quick Action to print multiple PDFs at once.
Manage and Print PDFs Easily with WPS Office for Mac
While Adobe Reader DC lacks command-line batch printing on macOS, WPS Office offers a comprehensive, user-friendly suite for managing, editing, and printing PDFs and Office documents on your Mac. Enjoy a seamless experience without relying on complex Terminal scripts.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the macOS version.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Open the downloaded .dmg file and drag the WPS Office icon into your Applications folder.
- 3. Open and Print Your PDFs: Launch WPS Office, open your PDF files, and use the robust Print dialog to manage your document outputs efficiently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Adobe Acrobat command-line switches on macOS?
No. The command-line switches provided by Adobe (such as /t, /h, or /p) are strictly tied to the Windows operating system and its DDE (Dynamic Data Exchange) functions. They are not supported in macOS versions of Adobe Reader DC or Adobe Acrobat.
How do I print a PDF silently from the Mac Terminal?
Using the native 'lpr' command in the macOS Terminal (e.g., 'lpr filename.pdf') automatically prints the document silently in the background without opening a graphical user interface or print dialog box.
Are there third-party applications for batch printing PDFs on a Mac?
Yes. If Terminal commands or Automator workflows do not meet your needs, there are several third-party PDF management tools and dedicated batch printing applications available in the Mac App Store designed to queue and print multiple documents effortlessly.
