Printing PDF documents on a Mac is simple and reliable thanks to macOS’s built-in support for PDF files. Whether you are printing an invoice, a contract, a school assignment or a presentation, your Mac allows you to send PDF files directly to any connected printer with just a few clicks. This article explains how to print a PDF on a Mac, what settings to check before printing and how to fix common issues that may arise.
Opening a PDF File on Mac
Before you can print a PDF, you need to open it using an application that supports PDF files. The default option on a Mac is Preview, a lightweight and powerful tool that comes installed with macOS. To open your PDF in Preview, double-click the file and it should launch automatically in the app. If it opens in another application, you can right-click the file, choose Open With then select Preview.
You can also open PDF files using other apps such as Safari, Adobe Acrobat Reader or Pages depending on your needs. Most of these apps offer similar print features although the steps may vary slightly.
How to Print PDF from Preview
Once your PDF is open in Preview, printing it is straightforward. Click File in the top menu bar and select Print from the dropdown menu. Alternatively, you can press Command + P on your keyboard to bring up the print dialogue box.
In this window, you will see several options including printer selection, number of copies, page range and paper size. Choose the printer you want to use and check that it is connected either by USB or Wi-Fi. You can also choose whether to print the whole document or select specific pages using the From and To boxes.
Click Print when you are ready and the document will be sent to your printer.
Printing PDF from Safari or Chrome
If you have opened a PDF in your web browser such as Safari or Google Chrome, you can still print it easily. Simply press Command + P or go to File > Print in the browser menu. You will see a print preview and similar options to those in Preview.
Some browsers show a custom print interface first, but you can click More Settings or Open System Dialogue if you prefer to use the macOS print settings.
Make sure your printer is selected and configured correctly before clicking Print.
Printing PDF from Adobe Acrobat Reader
Adobe Acrobat Reader is another popular tool for working with PDFs, especially if the document includes forms, security features or advanced formatting. To print from Adobe Reader, open your file and go to File > Print or press Command + P.
In the print dialogue, you will have options for page scaling, orientation, double-sided printing and more. Choose your preferences carefully especially if the document contains images or forms that need to be preserved in a specific layout.
Acrobat also allows you to print multiple pages per sheet, print in grayscale and manage print quality depending on your needs.
Setting Paper Size and Orientation
Before printing, check that your paper size matches what is loaded in your printer. For UK users, this is typically A4. In the print dialogue, make sure the paper size is set correctly under the Paper Size option. You can also select Portrait or Landscape depending on the layout of your document.
If your PDF includes mixed page orientations, you may need to choose the Auto Rotate option to ensure all pages print correctly. This is available in most apps including Preview and Adobe Acrobat.
Printing Double-Sided PDFs
If your printer supports duplex printing, you can print on both sides of the paper to save space and reduce waste. In the print window, look for the Two-Sided checkbox and tick it. Choose Long-Edge Binding for portrait documents or Short-Edge Binding for landscape layouts.
If your printer does not support automatic double-sided printing, you can still do it manually. Print the odd-numbered pages first, flip the paper and then print the even-numbered pages.
Saving PDF as a Printable File
If you want to prepare a document for printing later, you can save it as a print-ready PDF. In most apps including Pages and Word, go to File > Print then choose Save as PDF from the bottom left corner of the print window. This creates a new PDF file formatted exactly as it would appear when printed.
This is helpful if you plan to send the document to a print shop or use a different printer at another location.
Troubleshooting Printing Issues
If your PDF does not print correctly, start by checking the printer connection. Make sure your printer is turned on, has enough paper and ink, and is connected to your Mac. Restart both the printer and your Mac if needed.
You can also try printing a different file to see if the issue is specific to one document. If the PDF is protected or damaged, it may not print properly. Try opening it in another app or re-downloading the file.
Finally, make sure your printer driver is up to date. You can check the printer manufacturer’s website for the latest software compatible with your macOS version.
Final Thoughts
Printing a PDF on a Mac is quick and easy whether you use Preview, Safari, Adobe Reader or another app. With just a few clicks, you can select your printer, choose the right settings and get a clear and professional-looking printout. Whether for work, study or personal use, knowing how to print PDFs ensures you can handle documents of all types with confidence.