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How to Print a PDF on Mac: 4 Easy Ways

  • By Monica
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  • Updated on May 13, 2025
Introduction:
As a Mac user, you may find yourself pondering the intricacies of printing documents, seeking to bring them to life in the physical realm. Look no further, for we have arrived with answers in tow! In this comprehensive SwifDoo PDF guide, we will unravel the mystery surrounding how to print a PDF on Mac. Whether you're a seasoned Mac user or a new convert, this blog will provide you with Mac built-in features and third-party printers. Harness the full potential of your device and conquer the PDF printing landscape with ease. 
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How to Print a PDF on Mac with Preview

To print a PDF on a Mac for free, the foremost method is to use its native printing feature. No matter what macOS you’re running, you can find Preview that is installed by default. Preview has multiple identities, including an image viewer and editor, as well as a PDF editor, in which printing PDFs is also available.

If you’re looking for a free and effortless way to print PDFs on Mac, Preview deserves to be your go-to choice. This PDF printer enables you to perform advanced printing functions, such as printing specific or all pages in a PDF, printing comments in PDFs, printing PDFs in color/white and black, etc., all of which becomes a piece of cake.

Let’s see how to print a PDF on Mac using Preview:

Step 1. Launch Preview and open the PDF file you want to print.

Step 2. Click File > Print and choose a print option.

Step 3. Click on Print.

How to Print a PDF on Mac with Preview

Tips: If you only need several PDF pages to be printed, select View > Thumbnails and Command-click all the thumbnails of the pages before printing.

Print a PDF on Mac with 3 Third-party Printers

In addition to choosing built-in PDF printing options on Mac, leveraging third-party PDF printers is also a good way to go. Specialized PDF printing tools often grant you more capabilities for PDF printing, making these tools warmly welcomed by users in this market. In this part, we've reviewed several top-rated Mac PDF printers and offered a step-by-step guide to printing PDFs on Mac with this tool. Let's dive in!

SwifDoo  PDF for Mac

SwifDoo PDF for Mac is warmly welcomed by Mac users and offers advanced and basic features to process PDF issues. Speaking of how to print a PDF on Mac with the software, you can get more capabilities to handle it. In addition to the printing feature, there are more unique features available, such as editing, annotating, page organizing, and password-protecting PDFs. The software has various viewing modes for users to improve their reading experience. 

Step 1. Free download SwifDoo PDF for Mac and launch it.

Step 2. Open all the PDF files you need to print in this software.

Step 3. Click on the Print icon or press Ctrl + P. Select preferred printing options. Tap Print.

Print a PDF on Mac with Third-party Printer 1

SwifDoo PDF also comes with a Windows version. It allows printing PDF in reverse order, selecting a specialized paper size, printing PDFs as booklets, etc., all of which become practical and efficient.

PDF Expert

PDF Expert is an Apple-only PDF editor designed for iPhone, iPad, and Mac. It streamlines the workflows to edit, annotate, sign, organize, print PDFs, and more, offering users a more professional and comprehensive way to manage PDF files. Followed by the easy and simple rules, PDF Expert makes its interface as intuitive as possible, enabling new users to effortlessly breeze through any task.

Speaking of printing PDFs on Mac with PDF Expert, the steps are much alike to that in Preview. You only need to click File > Print and press Print after adjusting related printing settings.

Print a PDF on Mac with Third-party Printer 2

Also Read: How to Print Secured PDF Files in 4 Easy Ways >>

Nitro PDF

Nitro PDF is an experienced PDF editor that is available on all devices and operating systems. It has updated a while ago with a fresh and modern look, as well as a new set of accessibility features to help you work with PDF files faster and easier. Nitro PDF Pro is considered one of the strongest alternatives to Adobe Acrobat DC, and it is committed to helping users manipulate PDFs hassle-free.

To print a PDF on Mac in Nitro PDF, open your PDF file in Nitro and click File > Print (or press Command + P) to open the PDF Print dialog. For more advanced settings, click Show Details, where you can select additional printing options and print PDFs as per your requirements.

Print a PDF on Mac with Third-party Printer 3

Advanced PDF Printing Techniques for Mac Power Users

As a Mac power user, you're likely seeking to push the boundaries of PDF printing and unlock advanced customization options to achieve impeccable results. In this section, we will delve into the realm of advanced PDF printing techniques specifically tailored for Mac users who crave precise control and optimal print quality. Get ready to elevate your PDF printing game and harness the full potential of your Mac.

Advanced PDF Printing Techniques

Customizing Print Settings:

When it comes to advanced PDF printing, customization is the key. Mac offers several powerful features to fine-tune your printouts:

  • Page Range and Selection:

Print specific pages or a range of pages from a PDF to minimize resource usage and focus on relevant content.

  • Multiple Page Layouts:

Optimize paper usage by printing PDF multiple pages per sheet, such as 2-up, 4-up, or N-up layouts.

  • Duplex Printing and Booklet Creation:

Take advantage of duplex printing to automatically print on both sides of the paper, reducing waste. For a professional touch, create booklets by arranging pages in a specific order for folding and binding.

Advanced Print Quality Control:

To achieve stunning print quality, dive into these advanced options:

  • Print Resolution and DPI:

Fine-tune print resolution and dots per inch (DPI) settings for sharper and more detailed prints.

  • Color Management and ICC Profiles:

Manage color accuracy by utilizing advanced color management options and ICC profiles to ensure consistent results across devices and printers.

  • Paper Size and Type Selection:

Select the appropriate paper size and type to match your printing needs, taking into account weight, finish, and printer compatibility.

Automating PDF Printing Workflows:

Efficiency is paramount, and Mac offers tools to streamline your printing tasks:

  • Batch Printing:

Save time by printing multiple PDFs in bulk, automating the process and reducing manual effort.

  • Automator and AppleScript Integration:

Utilize Mac's Automator application and AppleScript to create customized workflows for automated PDF printing.

By embracing these advanced PDF printing techniques on your Mac, you'll gain unparalleled control, precision, and efficiency. Experiment with these features, tailor them to your specific requirements, and witness the transformative power of advanced PDF printing. In the next section, we will explore alternative options beyond traditional printing, expanding your horizons in the realm of digital PDF workflows.

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The Bottom Line

That's all about how to print a PDF on Mac. We've introduced you to three different methods to manipulate PDF printing and also offered useful tips and suggestions. In addition, a bonus part which concludes a Windows PDF printer and how to print PDFs on Windows is also provided. Hope this guide helps you solve your problems with PDF printing and managing!

Monica has accumulated more than three years of experience in writing tech products. Now she works as an English columnist for this website. With her extensive experience, Monica has offered many helpful and feasible recommendations.

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