Where Windows Stores Custom Acrobat PDF Paper Sizes
Question details
The user needs to locate where custom PDF paper sizes are stored in Windows to migrate these settings from an old Windows 7 computer to a new Windows 10 computer.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat, Windows
- Device & OS
- Windows 7, Windows 10
- Scenario
- Setting up a new computer and transferring existing custom print settings and paper sizes so they do not have to be manually recreated.
- Observed behavior
- Custom PDF paper sizes do not automatically transfer with software installations and must be manually recreated or exported via the system registry.
Modifying the Windows Registry can cause system instability if done incorrectly. Ensure you create a System Restore point or back up your Registry before exporting and importing these system settings.
Migrate Custom Paper Sizes via Windows Registry
Export the specific registry key containing your custom print forms from the old PC and import it to the new one.
Windows stores system-wide print forms, including custom PDF page sizes created for Adobe Acrobat, directly in the Registry. Transferring these keys is the most efficient method if you have created multiple custom dimensions.
On the old Windows 7 computer, press Win + R, type 'regedit' into the Run dialog, and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
In the left pane, navigate to the following path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Print\Forms.
Right-click the 'Forms' folder, select 'Export', name the file, and save this .reg file to a USB flash drive.
Plug the USB drive into your new Windows 10 computer, double-click the .reg file, and click 'Yes' when prompted to merge the keys into the new registry.
Restart your Windows 10 computer to ensure the Print Spooler service reads the newly imported custom paper sizes.
Manually Recreate Custom PDF Paper Sizes
If you only have a few custom sizes or prefer not to edit the registry, recreating them manually via Print Server Properties is a safe alternative.
Easily Manage PDFs and Documents with WPS Office
If managing complex registry entries for PDF print settings is frustrating, try WPS Office. It includes a powerful built-in PDF reader, editor, and virtual printer alongside Word, Excel, and PowerPoint alternatives, offering seamless format compatibility and intuitive controls.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installation package for Windows.
- 2. Install the Software: Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to quickly set up the suite on your computer.
- 3. Open and Print PDFs: Open your document in WPS PDF and use the built-in print dialog to easily manage custom page sizes without registry edits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer custom PDF paper sizes to another user account on the same PC?
Yes. Because the custom paper sizes are stored in the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE registry hive, they are applied system-wide. Any user logging into that specific computer will have access to the same custom PDF forms in their print dialog.
Why aren't my custom paper sizes showing up in the Acrobat print dialog after importing?
Sometimes the Print Spooler service needs to be refreshed to recognize the new registry entries. Ensure you have completely restarted your PC after importing the .reg file. Additionally, verify that the custom form dimensions do not exceed the maximum limits allowed by the PDF printer driver.
Is it safe to edit or export the Print Forms registry key?
Exporting and importing the specific 'Print\Forms' key is generally safe. However, modifying or deleting other keys in the CurrentControlSet can cause system instability or printer failures, which is why creating a system restore point or registry backup beforehand is highly recommended.
