How to batch print multiple PDFs in Mac OS X?

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Level 3

548 points

How to batch print multiple PDFs in Mac OS X?

Does anyone know of any new software that allows one to batch print multiple PDF files with a print dialogue for the first file, followed by dialogue-less printing for the rest?

I work for an architect's firm and we often find ourselves printing dozens of A1 PDFs, going through the print dialogue window for each file.

We used to be able to batch print when Preview.app could open multiple PDFs in one window; it lost this capability in a regression when it gained bookmarks and we've been living in batch print stone age ever since.

(A desktop printer doesn't work by the way)

Mac OS X (10.5.4)

Posted on Jul 29, 2008 2:21 AM

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Answer 1

Best reply

Lamont E

Level 1

10 points

Aug 8, 2008 11:47 AM in response to Christiaan

Open one of the PDFs in Preview then drag the rest of the files into the sidebar. Print the resulting file. If you don't want to save it as a single PDF just select 'Don't Save' when you exit.

Another option is to open the printer window and drag all the files into it. They will print automatically with no dialog box.

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Answer 2

Christiaan Author

Level 3

548 points

Aug 11, 2008 3:13 AM in response to Lamont E

Lamont E wrote:
Open one of the PDFs in Preview then drag the rest of the files into the sidebar. Print the resulting file. If you don't want to save it as a single PDF just select 'Don't Save' when you exit.

Wow! I've been asking this question repeatedly for a couple of years now and you're the first person to mention this. Thanks a lot. There will be some happy campers in our office, I tell ya.

I missed it because all the large PDFs we create include a table of contents and you have to switch to thumbnail view before you can drag and drop additional PDFs.

With the type of files we produce It takes 30 seconds or so to add 8 files together, so it's not ideal but it's a lot faster and more convenient than Acrobat Pro or printing each file separately.

Another option is to open the printer window and drag all the files into it. They will print automatically with no dialog box.

This doesn't work because you can't choose the size of paper you want to print to.

Thanks again, your first post too. 🙂

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Answer 3

Lamont E

Level 1

10 points

Aug 15, 2008 8:28 AM in response to Christiaan

Glad I could help. This feature is new to preview in 10.5 and has been a lifesaver for me, too. I used to use Automator and its Combine PDFs function. But, this works better.

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Answer 4

Oct 6, 2008 2:17 PM in response to Lamont E

Thanks again Lamont E! An elegant solution to printing multiple PDFs that I didn't see elsewhere. Worked fine for me printing 85 PDFs this pm.
...b

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