# How to Print a PDF on a Mac: Easy Guide for All macOS Users URL: https://pdf.net/blog/how-to-print-a-pdf-on-mac Published: 2025-07-24 Author: Alex Chen Reading time: 9 min Categories: PDF Features > Learn how to print a PDF on a Mac easily from Preview, Chrome, and Safari, and fix any potential issues with our handy, step-by-step instructions. 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. ## Key Takeaways - You can print PDFs on a Mac with built-in apps like Preview, Safari, Chrome, or Microsoft Word, all of which support direct printing with customizable settings. - macOS ensures** **consistency and reliability, maintaining layout, fonts, and images during printing. Also, it supports security features like password protection. - Password-protected PDFs can be unlocked and printed through Preview or pdf.net (with proper authorization), allowing you to save and reprint unrestricted copies. - Common printing issues are easy to fix by updating printer drivers, restarting devices, saving a new PDF copy, or checking printer status and supplies. ## Can You Print a PDF on a Mac? Yes, you **can print **a PDF on a Mac, as the [macOS operating system](https://support.apple.com/en-by/mac) 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](https://pdf.net/blog/what-does-pdf-format-mean) on a Mac from **Preview**: 1. Go to **Preview**. ![How to Print a PDF on a Mac](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/i16te7yp/production/61924668ad2c0acc2b8a3287987e08649d735b46-408x196.png?fit=max&auto=format) 2. Select **File > Open** in the dropdown. Your PDF will appear. ![Select File and Open in the dropdown](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/i16te7yp/production/bebf16795c9fff990f1d5ddb4b4f119511428375-264x525.png?fit=max&auto=format) 3. Select **File > Print** in the dropdown. ![Select File and Print in the dropdown](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/i16te7yp/production/f3ead074cb5308a9c11f0f164e766854ebeffd1e-487x615.png?fit=max&auto=format) 4. Customize your print settings. ![Customize your print settings](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/i16te7yp/production/82df4404508419c179c8f257c2b3410abd7e798c-786x539.png?fit=max&auto=format) 5. Look at the preview panel on the left to confirm everything is ready for printing. ![Look at the preview panel on the left](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/i16te7yp/production/ccf8b3b29921b75c1c8cf1a29b75cb3efc4758f7-279x540.png?fit=max&auto=format) 6. Select **Print**. If you want to print only some of the PDF pages, you should: 1. Choose **View > Thumbnails **before step 3. ![print only some of the PDF pages on mac](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/i16te7yp/production/26e55a4c38d60034539d4bd4c8c65e17ef439b70-259x601.png?fit=max&auto=format) 2. Press **Command** and select the thumbnails of the pages you want to print on the left panel. ![Press Command and select the thumbnails](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/i16te7yp/production/cf03f4956abb496edab2068a295eeaf1d8453fdf-1067x864.png?fit=max&auto=format) 3. Select **File > Print** in the dropdown. ![Go to File on the menu and select Print](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/i16te7yp/production/f3ead074cb5308a9c11f0f164e766854ebeffd1e-487x615.png?fit=max&auto=format) 4. Check your printing settings and modify them if necessary. ![Check the printing settings](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/i16te7yp/production/82df4404508419c179c8f257c2b3410abd7e798c-786x539.png?fit=max&auto=format) 5. Preview the pages on the left to ensure everything is in order. ![Preview the pages](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/i16te7yp/production/ccf8b3b29921b75c1c8cf1a29b75cb3efc4758f7-279x540.png?fit=max&auto=format) 6. 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:** 1. Open the PDF in a new tab. ![Print a PDF on a Mac from Chrome or Safari](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/i16te7yp/production/ea8bffed6d600d6bec0d17ba781e501ed8edbb5c-1805x944.png?fit=max&auto=format) 2. Select the **Printer** icon in the right corner at the top of the screen. A **Print** dialog will appear. ![Select the Printer icon](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/i16te7yp/production/3c1d0815c88811ab9f837e7c4fa8726e6ce27a2e-1224x806.png?fit=max&auto=format) 3. Set your preferences; click the **More settings **dropdown to see all your options. ![Set your preferences](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/i16te7yp/production/571e98a203c70fb62fd91d35369f24977864bf9a-1222x806.png?fit=max&auto=format) 4. Verify that your file is ready for printing by previewing it in the left-side panel. 5. Press **Print**. **From Safari:** 1. Open the PDF in a new tab. ![Open the PDF in a new tab in Safari](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/i16te7yp/production/b48b10855087990d4f3570259b52077d29963c67-1546x978.png?fit=max&auto=format) 2. Press **Command-P (⌘P)** on your keyboard. A **Print** dialog should appear. 3. **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.![Customize the print settings](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/i16te7yp/production/1d0e16401ceebcc9e957edb878ce1120eb53fa52-613x399.png?fit=max&auto=format) 4. Verify that your pages are ready for printing by checking the preview panel on the left. ![Verify that the pages are ready for printing](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/i16te7yp/production/da6e2672d303009c964bc6e7550bbf4bbcb2d334-280x404.png?fit=max&auto=format) 5. Choose **Print**. **Tip**: If [your PDF won’t open](https://pdf.net/blog/why-wont-my-pdf-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: 1. Open the PDF in **Preview**. 2. Click **Tools > Show Inspector**. 3. Choose the **padlock** icon to look at the **Encryption** tab. Review the **Permissions** to see if a password is needed. ![Printing Password-Protected PDFs on a Mac](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/i16te7yp/production/42515ab1991cf5e0c70feab5c0a5c95e597a3c58-315x423.png?fit=max&auto=format) If you know the password, enter it to unlock the PDF for printing. Once unlocked, you can [save the document](https://pdf.net/blog/how-to-save-as-a-pdf) as **a new copy without restrictions**: 1. Go to **Preview**. 2. Choose **File** > **Export**. 3. Choose **PDF** in the **Format** dropdown. 4. Click **Save**. ![Save the document as a new copy without restrictions](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/i16te7yp/production/6f7a7146364c8210994ae37c46ef58b4cd410840-357x351.png?fit=max&auto=format) 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. > **Get Your PDF Print-Ready in Minutes** > > Convert or compress large files, remove restrictions, or merge documents—all before hitting print. > > [Try it FREE now](https://app.pdf.net/sign-up) ## 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](https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/glossary/printer-driver/?srsltid=AfmBOoq___VR5l70dC2NRBUaZvGSyH-p5s89Q_9ItDvus1iNUjgRp7YZ)**. To troubleshoot this, try to: 1. Go to **Apple Menu** > **System Settings** (**System Preferences** on older macOS). ![Update Printer Drivers](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/i16te7yp/production/47c7054c2c3cd5125a83c01d9c0ee80b3fcdecb5-247x285.png?fit=max&auto=format) 2. Select **Printers & Scanners**. ![Select Printers & Scanners](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/i16te7yp/production/5f8a5826a50284b8d5efdd448fcba624a7db42d1-261x212.png?fit=max&auto=format) 3. Choose your printer and click **Options & Supplies**_. _![Printer Settings and Supplies](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/i16te7yp/production/07221ee053836fe106beb6da1a80a71a3a1b65d5-661x450.png?fit=max&auto=format) 4. 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: 1. Turn off your printer and unplug it for 30 seconds. 2. Shut down your Mac. 3. Plug the printer back in and turn it on. 4. 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. 1. Open the PDF in **Preview**. 2. Click **File** > **Export as PDF**_._ 3. Save a new copy to your desktop. 4. 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: 1. Go to **Apple Menu** > **System Settings** (**System Preferences** on older macOS). ![Check Printer Status and Supplies](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/i16te7yp/production/47c7054c2c3cd5125a83c01d9c0ee80b3fcdecb5-247x285.png?fit=max&auto=format) 2. Select **Printers & Scanners**. ![Select Printers & Scanners](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/i16te7yp/production/5f8a5826a50284b8d5efdd448fcba624a7db42d1-261x212.png?fit=max&auto=format) 3. Choose your printer and click **Options & Supplies**_. _![Printer Options and Supplies](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/i16te7yp/production/2a291a5ee65cbb914f8f9f53334cad90b2b2b06f-538x429.png?fit=max&auto=format) 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](https://www.cartridgepeople.com/info/blog/printer-testing-print-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. ![Set as the default printer](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/i16te7yp/production/819432b0f82603f2ed18709a1bb0cc50465f460d-436x137.png?fit=max&auto=format) ## 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](https://pdf.net/blog/is-electronic-signature-legal). With reports, you can [optimize PDFs for web use](https://pdf.net/blog/how-to-optimize-pdf-for-web) by compressing or splitting large documents. Additionally, when handling invoices you need to archive, it’s also possible to [merge multiple files](https://pdf.net/blog/how-to-merge-pdfs) 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](https://www.cloudflare.com/learning/ssl/what-is-encryption/) 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 ![Print a PDF on a Mac](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/i16te7yp/production/f2e2d607f42d733c0c0b79082175ea59cc7e6098-1703x753.png?fit=max&auto=format) ### #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](https://pdf.net/blog/how-to-save-screenshot-as-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](https://pdf.net/blog/how-to-split-pdf-into-multiple-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. ## Related Articles [How to Sign a PDF on Mac: Preview, iPhone, and Online Tools](https://pdf.net/blog/how-to-sign-a-pdf-on-mac) [How to Edit PDF Files on Your Mobile: Edit PDFs Anywhere](https://pdf.net/blog/how-to-edit-pdf-file-on-mobile) [How to Annotate a PDF: Adding Comments, Highlights, and More](https://pdf.net/blog/how-to-annotate-pdf)