Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Preview doesnt let me create pdfs since catalina

I used to create pdfs with preview from the printing menu. Since Catalina it doesnt work. It gives me an error.


any sudgestions

Posted on Oct 14, 2019 9:14 AM

Reply
Question marked as Best answer

Deleting my printer worked for me.

Posted on Nov 28, 2019 6:03 AM

53 replies

Oct 14, 2019 6:50 PM in response to hoppet1

The "Error while Printing" error?


If so, there are a few workarounds:


1) Use an AirPrint or generic PS/PCL printer, not a printer added with vendor drivers; it doesn't need to be real printer

2) Use "Open in Preview" from the pdf menu in the print dialog

3) Use Preview, File->Export as PDF…

4) Open the PDF in Safari, where Print->Save as PDF works.


Hope this helps.

Oct 25, 2019 8:44 AM in response to hoppet1

PREVIEW application issue in Catalina 10.15 with supplemental update - SAVE AS PDF ISSUE - opened files in Preview, selected "save as" PDF I get an error message "error while printing" since upgrading to Catalina (including the supplemental update). I've tested various files on my iMac and also on an external hard drive - jpegs, screen shots, scanned documents - ranging from a single image to 23 images opened in Preview>Save As>PDF and always get the same error message "error while printing." Never had this issue before upgarding to Catalina 10.15. I've checked my "permissions" in Finder for example on files on my Desktop and it says "read and write" so I'm assuming it's not a Permissions issue. I've submitted this bug report to Apple Feedback - MacOS. IMPORTANT NOTE REGARDING A TEMPORARY FIX: A workaround is to go up to the Preview "File" menu and select "Export as PDF" but note that this reduces the final file size considerably (from a 100MB file of 23 images to 4MB) - so if you need it to remain a high quality image, do not use this. The link to submit feedback is here: https://www.apple.com/feedback/macos.html

Nov 8, 2019 10:24 AM in response to hoppet1

"It gives me an error"... what is the error message, exactly? Post a screenshot if possible


Also, where are you trying to save the pdf? In another thread a problem with saving to the desktop was mentioned. Are you saving to the desktop, or some other folder? Try saving to a different location - any difference?


FWIW, I print to pdf just about every day, and Catalina did not change that for me.

Preview doesnt let me create pdfs since catalina

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple ID.