I had a similar issue where my Mac wouldn’t let me print a PDF file, and it was quite frustrating. After some troubleshooting, I found a few possible solutions that might help you as well.
1. Check Printer Connection: First, ensure that your printer is properly connected to your Mac. Make sure the USB cable or network connection is secure. If you’re using a wireless printer, ensure it is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Mac.
2. Restart Printer and Mac: Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve printing issues. Turn off your printer, unplug it from the power source, wait for a few seconds, then plug it back in and turn it on. Similarly, restart your Mac and try printing again.
3. Update Printer Drivers: Outdated or incompatible printer drivers can cause printing problems. Check if there are any available driver updates for your printer model. Visit the printer manufacturer’s website and download the latest drivers for your specific printer.
4. Reset Printer System: If none of the above steps work, you can try resetting the printer system on your Mac. This will remove all printers from your system and allow you to re-add them. Go to Finder, click on the Apple Menu, select “System Preferences,” then choose “Printers & Scanners.” Control-click on the left side printer list and select “Reset Print System.” Confirm the action, and your printer system will be reset. Afterward, re-add your preferred printer by clicking on the “+” button under the printer list, selecting your printer from the available options, and adding it to your system.
5. Update macOS: Ensure that your Mac is running the latest version of macOS. Sometimes, printer compatibility issues can be resolved by updating your operating system. Go to the Apple Menu, select “System Preferences,” then choose “Software Update.” If an update is available, follow the instructions to install it.
6. Check PDF File Compatibility: Verify that the PDF file you are trying to print is not corrupted or damaged. Try opening other PDF files or printing a different document to determine if the problem lies with a specific file or all PDFs.
7. Test with Another App: Attempt to print the PDF from a different application. Sometimes, the problem can be specific to a particular app or its settings. For example, if you’re experiencing issues with Adobe Acrobat Reader, try opening the PDF in Preview or another PDF reader and see if it prints successfully.
8. Contact Printer Support: If none of the above steps resolve the issue, reach out to your printer’s manufacturer for further assistance. They may have specific troubleshooting steps or firmware updates that can help resolve the problem.
These are some possible solutions that you can try if your Mac is not letting you print a PDF. I hope one of these methods works for you and gets your printing back on track.