You can print a PDF on a Mac without downloading any software by using your computer’s built-in apps like Preview, Safari, Chrome, or Microsoft Word. Once you know the steps, you can get your documents on paper whenever you need them.
Besides some tips on how to perform these procedures, we will also teach you how to print password-protected PDFs and troubleshoot common issues during the process. By the end of this macOS PDF printing guide, you will have everything you need to get physical copies of your files with minimal hassle.
Can You Print a PDF on a Mac?
Yes, you can print a PDF on a Mac, as the macOS operating system includes built-in support for this document format across multiple apps. The most common way to print a PDF on a Mac is through Preview, the default app for viewing such files and images on your device.
If you are viewing a file in your web browser, you can print directly from Safari or Chrome. Additionally, other programs, such as Microsoft Word, allow you to print without any special setup.
There are several benefits to printing a PDF on a Mac, including:
- Flexibility. You can customize your print settings on a Mac, such as selecting specific pages to print, choosing one-sided or double-sided output, and printing in grayscale.
- Consistency. macOS preserves your formats, fonts, and images; what you see on your screen will be the same when you print on paper.
- Reliability. You can count on macOS's stable rendering. Usually, even large files with detailed graphics can be printed without crashing.
- Security. macOS respects PDF security settings, so password-protected files stay locked unless you enter the correct password.
How to Print a PDF on a Mac: Step-by-Step
Here is how to print a PDF file on a Mac from Preview:
- Go to Preview.
- Select File > Open in the dropdown. Your PDF will appear.
- Select File > Print in the dropdown.
- Customize your print settings.
- Look at the preview panel on the left to confirm everything is ready for printing.
- Select Print.
If you want to print only some of the PDF pages, you should:
- Choose View > Thumbnails before step 3.
- Press Command and select the thumbnails of the pages you want to print on the left panel.
- Select File > Print in the dropdown.
- Check your printing settings and modify them if necessary.
- Preview the pages on the left to ensure everything is in order.
- Click Print.
How to Print a PDF on a Mac from Chrome or Safari
To print a PDF on a Mac from Chrome or Safari, follow these steps:
From Chrome:
- Open the PDF in a new tab.
- Select the Printer icon in the right corner at the top of the screen. A Print dialog will appear.
- Set your preferences; click the More settings dropdown to see all your options.
- Verify that your file is ready for printing by previewing it in the left-side panel.
- Press Print.
From Safari:
- Open the PDF in a new tab.
- Press Command-P (⌘P) on your keyboard. A Print dialog should appear.
- Customize your print settings. Select your printer and set the number of copies. Then, check the box next to Two-Sided if you want a double-sided print. To print all or designate the page ranges, check the All radio button.
- Verify that your pages are ready for printing by checking the preview panel on the left.
- Choose Print.
Tip: If your PDF won’t open, it may be due to an issue with your internet connection or security settings. Disabling pop-up blockers temporarily and trying to open the PDF again might help in such cases.
Printing Password-Protected PDFs on a Mac
If the PDF creator applied restrictions to specific actions, such as printing, copying, or editing, without fully locking the file with a password, those options may appear grayed out. These can be set separately from a full-document password.
To check if your PDF has restrictions:
- Open the PDF in Preview.
- Click Tools > Show Inspector.
- Choose the padlock icon to look at the Encryption tab. Review the Permissions to see if a password is needed.
If you know the password, enter it to unlock the PDF for printing. Once unlocked, you can save the document as a new copy without restrictions:
- Go to Preview.
- Choose File > Export.
- Choose PDF in the Format dropdown.
- Click Save.
If needed, you can use PDF.net to remove restrictions from PDFs. However, make sure you have legal permission to print encrypted PDFs on a Mac, as unauthorized removal of restrictions may violate the terms of use.
Printer Not Responding: Common Troubleshoots and Fixes
Sometimes, even when everything appears to be working properly, your printer may not respond, or your PDF may not print correctly on a Mac. This can happen for several reasons, including outdated drivers, temporary glitches, or file errors.
#1. Update Printer Drivers
Your Mac can’t communicate with the printer properly if you have outdated printer drivers. To troubleshoot this, try to:
- Go to Apple Menu > System Settings (System Preferences on older macOS).
- Select Printers & Scanners.
- Choose your printer and click Options & Supplies.
- Look for any available driver updates or visit the manufacturer’s website to download the latest version.
Most of the time, updating drivers resolves connection problems.
#2. Restart the Printer and the Mac
If there are temporary glitches, power cycling your devices clears them. These four steps can help address unresponsive printers:
- Turn off your printer and unplug it for 30 seconds.
- Shut down your Mac.
- Plug the printer back in and turn it on.
- Restart your Mac and try printing again.
#3. Save a New Copy of the PDF
If it's not your printer’s fault, the culprit may be your PDF; a complex or corrupted PDF file may easily fail to print. Therefore, it is best to create a fresh version, free of hidden errors, in the following way.
- Open the PDF in Preview.
- Click File > Export as PDF.
- Save a new copy to your desktop.
- Try printing the new file.
#4. Check Printer Status and Supplies
Make sure your printer has paper and enough ink or toner by doing the following:
- Go to Apple Menu > System Settings (System Preferences on older macOS).
- Select Printers & Scanners.
- Choose your printer and click Options & Supplies.
Also, confirm that it is selected as the default printer; its status in macOS should be 'Ready'. If the issue persists, try printing a different PDF or a test page to see whether the problem is with the PDF or the printer itself. Then, it is easier to find a way to fix PDF printing issues on your Mac.
Before Printing PDFs: Essential PDF.net Tools
If you want to prepare your PDF files before printing them on a Mac, you can use PDF.net. This browser-based platform provides a full suite of tools to help you manage PDFs quickly and securely.
For example, when you are working with contracts, you can make them fillable for legally binding eSignatures. With reports, you can optimize PDFs for web use by compressing or splitting large documents. Additionally, when handling invoices you need to archive, it’s also possible to merge multiple files in a few clicks, and much more.
No matter what you're working on, PDF.net can help you save time and keep your PDFs ready for printing. Moreover, you can rest assured that all files are processed over encrypted connections to protect your information.
Final Thoughts
Printing a PDF on a Mac is simple once you know where to look and how to adjust your settings. With built-in apps like Preview, Safari, and Chrome, you can print your documents without installing extra software.
If you run into issues, try updating your printer drivers, restarting your devices, or saving a new copy of the PDF. For password-protected or restricted PDFs, tools like PDF.net help you unlock files and prepare them for printing.
How to Print a PDF on a Mac FAQs
#1. How to print a screen as a PDF on a Mac?
To print your screen as a PDF on a Mac, press Command + Shift + 4 to capture your screen. The screenshot will be saved as a PNG file on your desktop. Open it in Preview, and click File > Export as PDF to save it as a PDF. Then, open the PDF, click File > Print. Alternatively, you can save your screenshot as a PDF using PDF.net, then print it from Preview (File > Print).
#2. Why can’t I print my PDF on a Mac?
If you cannot print your PDF on a Mac, your PDF may be password-protected, corrupted, or too large. Try to unlock restrictions using PDF.net or save a new copy in Preview. If it still doesn't work, try splitting the PDF into smaller files before printing.
#3. How do I print double-sided?
To print double-sided, look for the Two-Sided box and check it in the Print dialog. However, note that your printer must support duplex printing.
#4. Can I print in black and white only?
Yes, you can print in black and white only. In the Print dialog, find the Color options and choose Black & White to print your PDF in grayscale on a Mac.
#5. What if Preview won’t open my file?
If Preview will not open your PDF, try using Chrome or Safari. You can also re-download the PDF or convert it to a new PDF using PDF.net to fix compatibility issues.