PDF files are great for protecting the integrity of documents, but they can be problematic when you intend to print them. Before you can print a PDF file, you must be able to open it. See Step 1 below to learn how, and read the section that follows for some troubleshooting tips for stubborn documents.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Print PDF
Step 1. Download PDF file reader
Adobe makes a free reader program that can be downloaded from their website. You can also download PDF readers from various other developers. If you don't want to download a reader, most browsers can open PDF files in a browser window.
Step 2. Open your PDF file
Use your reader program to open the PDF, or open it in your browser by dragging the file onto the browser window.
Step 3. Click "File" then "Print"
This will open a print dialog box showing various options. Certain readers and web browsers provide a Print button at the top or bottom of the document without having to open the File menu.
Step 4. Select your printer
In the Print dialog box, you will be able to select the printer you want to use to send the document. This is especially important if you are in an environment that has more than one printer.
- Check that the printer you have selected is directly connected to the computer or network you are using and that it is working properly.
- You must also load enough paper in the printer.
Step 5. Set the range for your print job
If your PDF file has multiple pages and you only need certain pages, use the Range or Pages section of the Print window to determine which pages to send to the printer.
Step 6. Select advanced printing options
Select advanced printing features by clicking the "Properties" button. From here you can make several choices about the layout, finish, and other features of the PDF file. Plus, this is where you can choose to print in color or black and white mode.
- The location of the feature will vary depending on the software you used to open the PDF file.
- In Adobe Reader, front covers as well as back covers can be printed from the "Cover Mode" tab. In addition, to save printer toner you can select "Toner Save" under "Quality". This will slightly reduce the quality of the printed file. An additional way to save paper is to print two-sided paper by selecting "Two-Sided" under Print Type from the "Layout" tab.
Step 7. Print the document
After setting all the printing options, you can send them to the printer by clicking the Print button. Your document will be added to the printer queue.
Part 2 of 2: Troubleshooting a PDF That Won't Print
Step 1. Check your printer
Before attempting any software repairs, make sure that your printer is properly connected and has enough ink and paper to complete the print job. Paper jams can also cause a document to not print.
Step 2. Try a different document
Try printing something other than a PDF file, such as a Word document. If the other documents print without problems, then the problem is most likely with the PDF file. If the document does not print, then your printer may be damaged.
Step 3. Update your printer driver
Some printers may have difficulty with PDFs if their drivers have not been updated. Visit your printer manufacturer's website and look for your printer model in the Support section. Download the latest drivers and install them.
Step 4. Try a different printer
Try printing the PDF file to a completely different printer. This can solve the problem if the original printer turns out to be incompatible.
Step 5. Convert the PDF to another file type
If nothing else works, you can convert the PDF to an image file. Your printer will be able to print the document without causing any problems. For details on how to convert a PDF file, see this guide.
