Canon Printer Cannot Print the Specified PDF File

by

If your Canon printer cannot print a specific PDF file, the issue is usually related to the PDF file itself, print settings, or software compatibility rather than the printer hardware. You may receive error messages such as:

  • “Cannot print the specified PDF.”
  • “Printing failed.”
  • “The document could not be printed.”
  • Or the job simply fails without an error.

This guide explains the common causes and how to fix them.

1. Test with a Different PDF File

Before troubleshooting the printer:

  • Try printing a different PDF file.
    • If it prints successfully, the issue lies with the original file.
    • If it doesn’t, the issue may be with printer configuration, driver, or software.

2. Print from a Different PDF Viewer

Sometimes the issue is with the PDF reader, not the file or the printer.

Recommended alternatives:
  • Adobe Acrobat Reader DC (most compatible)
  • Foxit Reader
  • Browser-based printing (open the file in Chrome or Edge)

Try opening the PDF in a different viewer and attempt printing again.

3. Use “Print as Image” Option in Adobe Acrobat

PDFs with complex elements, embedded fonts, or vector graphics may fail to print normally.

How to Print as Image:
  1. Open the PDF in Adobe Acrobat Reader
  2. Go to File > Print
  3. Click Advanced
  4. Check “Print as image”
  5. Click OK, then print

This bypasses rendering problems by flattening the page.

4. Flatten the PDF File

If the PDF was generated from a scan, digital signature, or fillable form, it might contain layers or annotations.

Flatten the PDF:
  • Use “Print to PDF” or “Microsoft Print to PDF” in the print dialog
  • Save the output as a new PDF
  • Open and print the new version

This removes hidden layers and problematic elements.

5. Check for Font or Encoding Issues

If the PDF uses non-embedded fonts or characters from unsupported languages (e.g., Japanese, Arabic):

  • Try changing the default printer language in the printer driver to UFR II, PCL, or PostScript
  • Enable “Download as Soft Font” in the print driver (Windows only)

Or, export the PDF as an image or flattened file before printing.

6. Update or Reinstall Canon Printer Driver

An outdated or incompatible driver may prevent PDF rendering.

Steps:
  1. Go to Canon Support
  2. Enter your printer model
  3. Download the latest printer driver for your operating system
  4. Uninstall the existing driver and install the new one
  5. Restart your computer and retry printing

7. Reduce PDF File Size or Complexity

Large or complex PDFs (with high-res images, layers, or transparency) may exceed the printer’s memory.

How to reduce complexity:
  • Export as a lower-resolution PDF
  • Compress images before printing
  • Use “File > Save As Other > Reduced Size PDF” in Adobe Acrobat

8. Try Printing One Page at a Time

If only part of the PDF is problematic:

  1. Open the print dialog
  2. Set Pages to a range (e.g., 1–1)
  3. Print individual pages to identify the problematic one
  4. Recreate or flatten only that page if needed

9. Disable Advanced Print Features (Windows Only)
  1. Go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers
  2. Right-click your Canon printer > Printer Properties
  3. Go to the Advanced tab
  4. Uncheck “Enable advanced printing features”
  5. Click Apply, then OK

Try printing the PDF again.

10. Try Using Another Computer

To rule out software or system conflicts:

  • Try printing the same PDF from another device connected to the same Canon printer
  • If it prints, the issue is likely with the original computer’s software or driver

11. When to Contact Canon Support

Contact Canon support if:

  • The printer refuses to print any PDFs, even after trying alternate viewers
  • You’ve updated the drivers and still experience issues
  • You encounter firmware errors or specific support codes on the printer

Canon support may offer firmware updates or advanced diagnostics if the issue is printer-related.

Related Posts: