PDF won't print: 7 fixes that actually work

2 min read·24 July 2026

You click print but nothing happens, the printer acts up, or the PDF comes out wrong. These are the seven most common causes and how to fix them.

1. Re-download the PDF

A corrupted PDF file is the most common cause. Download the PDF again and try printing. Afterwards use the "Repair PDF" tool on PDFrust if the file keeps causing issues.

2. Use a different PDF reader

Try opening the PDF in Adobe Acrobat Reader (free) if you are currently using a browser or another viewer. Browser viewers sometimes struggle with complex PDFs. In Acrobat Reader: File → Print.

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3. Enable "Print as image"

In Adobe Acrobat Reader: click "Advanced" in the print window and check "Print as image". This bypasses issues with fonts and transparency that confuse the printer.

4. Printer offline or queue stuck

Check that your printer is online. On Windows: Start → Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners → select your printer → Open print queue. Delete all pending jobs and try again.

5. PDF has print protection

Some PDFs have print protection enabled. You will see a greyed-out print button or an error message. Use the "Unlock PDF" tool on PDFrust to remove the protection, then try printing again.

6. Update your printer driver

An outdated printer driver can cause printing problems. Go to your printer brand's website (HP, Canon, Epson, Brother) and download the latest driver.

7. Compress large PDF files

Large PDFs with many images can cause printer timeouts. Use the "Compress PDF" tool on PDFrust to make the file smaller before printing.