InDesign documents won't print

Last updated on Jun 2, 2026

Resolve print failures by isolating document issues, resetting preferences, and updating printer drivers in Adobe InDesign.

When you print from InDesign, the print job may fail, produce blank pages, display an error such as Could not complete your request, or cause the application to freeze. In some cases, the print job appears to start, but nothing prints.

Your InDesign document won't print, produces blank pages, or displays error messages when you attempt to print.

If the document still won't print, test whether the issue affects only this document or all InDesign files.

Corrupt InDesign preferences

Corrupted InDesign preferences can prevent the app from communicating with your printer, leading to print failures across all documents.

Quit InDesign.

Launch InDesign and immediately press and hold the following keys:

  • Ctrl + Alt + Shift (Windows)
  • Control + Option + Command + Shift (macOS)

A Delete InDesign Preference Files dialog box appears. Select Yes.

Wait for InDesign to rebuild the preference files.

Open the document, and then try printing again. If printing works after the reset, reapply your custom preference settings.

Damaged graphics

Damaged graphics in your document can cause print failures even if other documents print correctly. If the document prints without graphics, one or more images are damaged. Export each graphic again from its original application before placing it back in InDesign.

Select File > Print (Ctrl + P).

In the Print dialog box, select Graphics from the panel.

Select None from the Send Data drop-down menu under the Graphics > Images group.

Select Print the document without graphics.

Damaged fonts prevent printing to a PostScript printer

Select File > Print (Ctrl + P).

In the Print dialog box, select Graphics from the panel.

Select None from the Download drop-down menu under the Graphics > Fonts group.

Select Print the document again. If the document prints without embedded fonts, identify and replace the damaged fonts.

Tip

For PostScript printers, you can also try the Adobe Universal PostScript Printer Driver

Outdated, corrupt, or incompatible printer drivers

Visit the printer manufacturer's website.

Download the latest printer driver for your printer model and operating system.

Remove the existing printer driver from your computer.

Install the updated printer driver.

Restart your computer.

Print from InDesign.

Corrupt InDesign document

Document corruption caused by failed conversions, crashes during save, or other data issues can prevent InDesign from printing successfully.