Having a printer that refuses to cooperate with PDFs can be frustrating. But before you throw your hands up in defeat, there are several solutions you can try to get things printed smoothly again. This guide will walk you through troubleshooting steps to identify the culprit and get your PDFs rolling off the press.
Troubleshooting Solutions for PDF Printing
There are three main categories to explore when tackling PDF printing issues:
- Printer-related solutions: These address problems stemming from your printer’s hardware or connection.
- PDF file solutions: If the problem lies within the PDF itself, these steps will help fix it.
- Software-related solutions: Sometimes, outdated software or glitches with your PDF viewer can cause printing problems.
Diving Deeper: Common Problems with Printing PDFs
Here are some specific issues you might encounter when printing PDFs, along with solutions for each:
Corrupt Data in the PDF
A damaged PDF file can prevent printing. Try opening the PDF in a different program or downloading a fresh copy.
Outdated Printer Driver
Outdated drivers can lead to compatibility issues. Head to your printer manufacturer’s website to download and install the latest driver for your model.
Blank Printing
This could be caused by empty ink cartridges, incorrect paper settings, or a selected print area of zero pages. Ensure your cartridges are full, check paper size and orientation settings, and verify you’re not accidentally trying to print blank pages.
Issues with Printing from Excel
PDFs generated from Excel may have formatting issues that prevent printing. Try exporting the Excel file as a different format, like a Word document, and then creating a PDF from that.
Incorrect Printing Presets
Double-check your print settings. Ensure the correct printer is selected, layout options are appropriate (like portrait or landscape), and margins are set as desired.
Frozen or Outdated Acrobat
A sluggish or outdated Adobe Acrobat Reader can cause printing problems. Close and reopen the program, or check for updates to ensure you’re using the latest version.
Malfunctioning Images, Fonts, or Layers
Complex PDFs with embedded images, fonts, or layers might not print correctly. Try flattening the PDF (a feature in some PDF viewers) to simplify its structure and potentially resolve printing issues.
Quick Fixes for PDF Printing Issues
If you’re short on time, here are some quick fixes to try:
Troubleshoot your Printer
Make sure it’s powered on, properly connected (wired or wireless), and has paper loaded. Check for error messages on the printer’s display.
Repair or Recreate the PDF File
Try opening the PDF in a different program or downloading a fresh copy if it’s corrupted. In some cases, recreating the PDF from scratch might be necessary.
Scan for Computer Issues
Restart your computer. Sometimes a simple reboot can clear up temporary glitches that might be causing printing problems.
Check for Updates to Acrobat Reader
An outdated version of Adobe Acrobat Reader could be the culprit. Update to the latest version to ensure compatibility and bug fixes.
Conclusion
By following these troubleshooting steps and quick fixes, you should be able to identify and address the issue preventing your printer from cooperating with PDFs. If you’ve exhausted these options and are still facing problems, consulting your printer manufacturer’s support page or contacting their support team might be necessary.