How to Print a PDF in Adobe Acrobat Reader

Printing a PDF doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re a student, remote worker, or just trying to print tickets, Adobe Acrobat Reader makes it easy. This guide walks you through how to print a PDF step by step – no tech skills needed!

What Is Adobe Acrobat Reader?

Adobe Acrobat Reader is a free program that lets you open, view, and print PDF files. It’s super popular because it’s simple to use and works on most devices.

Getting the best print from your planner PDF is easy! Follow these simple steps whether you’re printing at home or using a professional print shop.

What You Need Before You Start

Before you print anything, make sure you have:

• A working printer connected to your device
• The PDF file you want to print
• Adobe Acrobat Reader installed (free from Adobe’s website)

How to Print a PDF in Adobe Acrobat Reader (In 7 Simple Steps)

Step 1: Open the PDF File

• Open Adobe Acrobat Reader.
• Click File > Open.
• Find your PDF and click Open.

Step 2: Go to the Print Menu

• Press Ctrl + P (Windows) or Cmd + P (Mac).
• Or go to the top menu and click File > Print.

This opens the Print dialog box, where you’ll choose your printer and customize your settings.

Step 3: Choose Your Printer

• In the print window, choose your printer from the Printer drop-down menu.
• If you’re printing to a file, choose Microsoft Print to PDF or Adobe PDF.,

Tip: Make sure the printer is turned on and connected.

Step 4: Select the Pages to Print

You have three options:

• All: Print the whole document.
• Current page: Print only the page you’re looking at.
• Pages: Type in the page numbers (like 1-3 or 5, 7).

Step 5: Adjust Page Size and Layout

Under Page Sizing & Handling, choose how the content fits the page:

• Fit – Scales pages to fit your paper size (great if something’s getting cut off).
• Actual Size – Prints at the original size (best for forms or legal docs).
• Shrink oversized pages – Only reduces large pages, doesn’t enlarge smaller ones.

You can also:

• Print multiple pages per sheet (useful for slides or notes)
• Print as a poster (splits a large page across multiple sheets)
• Print as a booklet (formats pages to fold like a booklet)

Orientation Options:

• Portrait (vertical)
• Landscape (horizontal)
• Or set it to Auto and let Acrobat decide.

Tip: Always check the Preview on the right before printing. It shows how your pages will look.

Step 6: Choose Color or Black & White

If your printer allows it, you can switch between:

• Color – Full-color printing.
• Black & White or Grayscale – Saves ink, ideal for drafts or text-heavy documents.

Step 7: Print Single or Double-Sided

If your printer supports duplex printing:

• Check Print on both sides of paper
• Choose how to flip the page:
  • Flip on long edge – Like a book
  • Flip on short edge – Like a calendar

If not, you can still print odd pages first, then reload and print even pages manually.

What to Do If You Have Two PDF Designs: One With Crop Marks and Bleed, One Without

When you’re preparing to print, it matters which version of the file you choose. Here’s how to decide which one to use – and what settings to tweak in Adobe Acrobat Reader to make sure it prints the right way.

Design With Crop Marks and Bleed

This version is meant for professional printing, where the document will be trimmed to size after printing.

It includes:

• Bleed – Extra space around the edges of the design so no white edges appear when trimmed.
• Crop marks – Lines showing where the document should be cut.

When to Use It:

• You’re printing through a commercial print shop
• You’ll trim the paper manually
• You want edge-to-edge color with no white borders

How to Print It in Acrobat Reader:

1. Open the file in Acrobat Reader.
2. Go to File > Print.
3. Under Page Sizing & Handling, select:
   • Actual Size – This ensures crop marks and bleed aren’t scaled or cut off.
4. Uncheck Choose paper source by PDF page size (optional, depends on your printer).
5. Check the preview window to make sure crop marks appear.
6. Use larger paper than the final trimmed size (e.g., print A5 on A4).

Pro Tip: If your home printer can’t handle full bleed, just print on oversized paper (like A4 for an A5 flyer) and trim using the crop marks.

Design Without Crop Marks and Bleed

This version is made for standard printing, where you won’t be trimming the final document.

It includes:

• No bleed or crop marks
• The design ends exactly at the edge of the page

When to Use It:

• You’re printing at home or at an office
• You don’t need trimming
• You’re fine with small white borders (most home printers can’t do full bleed)

How to Print It in Acrobat Reader:

1. Open the file in Acrobat Reader.
2. Go to File > Print.
3. Under Page Sizing & Handling, choose:
   • Fit – So the entire design fits within the printable area
4. Use your normal paper size (e.g., A4 or Letter).
5. Hit Print!

How to Tell the Difference Between the Two Files

If you’re not sure which is which, here’s what to look for:

Quick Decision Guide

Extra Settings You Might Find Helpful

Click the Advanced button (bottom left) if needed:

• Print as image: Helps if text or images don’t print right.
• Custom scaling: Set a specific size (like 90% of the original).
• Comments and forms: Include or hide notes and form fields.

Helpful Tips for a Great Print

• Use good quality paper for resumes or presentations.
• Preview your print to avoid wasted pages.
• Save ink by using grayscale or multiple pages per sheet.

Troubleshooting Common Print Issues

My printer isn’t showing up:

• Make sure it’s connected and turned on.
• Try restarting Acrobat Reader.

The print is cut off:

• Select Fit under Page Sizing & Handling.

It only prints blank pages:

• Try Print as image in the Advanced settings.

You’re Ready to Print Like a Pro

Now that you know how to print a PDF in Adobe Acrobat Reader, you’re set for success – whether you’re handling business paperwork, class notes, or printable tickets.

Take the next step:

Open a PDF and try printing it using the tips above. The more you do it, the easier it gets!