Bluebeam Print to PDF Not Working: A Comprehensive Troubleshooting Guide (Updated 02/18/2026)
Experiencing issues with Bluebeam’s PDF printer? This guide provides solutions for common problems, including file name restrictions, missing printers, and blank pages.
Today is 02/18/2026 19:45:34 ()
Understanding the Bluebeam PDF Printer
The Bluebeam PDF Printer functions as a virtual printer, seamlessly integrated within the Revu application. Unlike physical printers, it doesn’t utilize ink or paper; instead, it creates PDF files directly from any printable application. This process involves converting the print data into a PDF format, offering a convenient method for archiving, sharing, and managing digital documents.
However, this virtual nature introduces unique troubleshooting considerations. Issues aren’t typically related to hardware malfunctions, but rather to software configurations, file path limitations, or Revu settings. Common problems include the “Save As” dialog not appearing, resulting in failed PDF creation, or encountering errors due to excessively long file names exceeding the 140-character limit. Understanding this fundamental operation is crucial for effective problem-solving.
Regular updates to Bluebeam Revu are essential for optimal performance.
Common Causes of Print to PDF Failures
Several factors can disrupt the Bluebeam PDF printing process. A frequent culprit is exceeding the 140-character limit for file names, causing the PDF creation to fail as the system struggles to save the output. Long file paths also contribute, as the combined path and file name must remain within this restriction.
Furthermore, incorrect settings within Bluebeam Revu itself can prevent the “Save As” dialog from appearing, halting the PDF creation. Issues can also arise within host applications like AutoCAD, where the Bluebeam printer might be hidden or not properly recognized. Finally, outdated software versions or lingering PostScript files can introduce instability, leading to blank PDF pages or print preview errors.
Updating to the latest Bluebeam Revu version often resolves these issues.
Troubleshooting Steps: Basic Checks
Start with simple solutions! Verify the Bluebeam PDF printer is correctly installed and set as the default printer within your system settings.
Verify Bluebeam PDF Printer Installation
Confirming a successful installation is the first step. Navigate to your Windows Control Panel and select “Devices and Printers” (or “Printers & Scanners” in Windows 10/11). Locate the “Bluebeam PDF Printer” within the list of installed printers. If it’s missing, a reinstallation is necessary.
Check for correct driver status. Right-click on the Bluebeam PDF Printer icon and select “Printer Properties.” Ensure the printer is set to “Ready” and that there are no error messages displayed. A paused or offline printer will prevent successful PDF creation.
Consider a restart. After installation or troubleshooting, a system restart can often resolve driver conflicts and ensure the printer is properly recognized by your operating system and other applications like AutoCAD.
Check Default Printer Settings
Incorrect default printer settings can cause unexpected behavior. Within “Devices and Printers” (or “Printers & Scanners”), right-click on the “Bluebeam PDF Printer” and select “Set as default printer.” This ensures all print jobs are routed through Bluebeam for PDF creation unless specifically changed.
Verify paper size and orientation. In the printer properties, confirm the default paper size matches your document’s dimensions. Incorrect settings can lead to scaling issues or truncated content in the generated PDF. Also, check the default orientation (portrait or landscape).
Review advanced settings. Explore the “Advanced” tab in printer properties for options like “Print directly to the printer” – ensure it’s not selected, as this bypasses the PDF creation process.
Addressing Specific Error Scenarios
Encountering unique issues? This section details solutions for long file names, missing “Save As” dialogs, printer visibility in AutoCAD, and blank PDF outputs.
Long File Names and Character Limits
Facing issues with PDF creation due to lengthy file names? Bluebeam’s PDF printer encounters limitations when saving files with excessively long names. The core problem stems from the need to save the output of the print job as a new PDF, triggering a character limit during the saving process.
Specifically, Bluebeam Technical Support identifies a 140-character restriction for file names. To circumvent this, two primary solutions are recommended. Firstly, relocate the file to a directory higher up in the file path, effectively shortening the overall path length. Alternatively, simply rename the file, ensuring the name remains under the 140-character threshold.
Implementing either of these strategies will resolve the issue and allow for successful PDF creation using the Bluebeam PDF Printer.
The 140-Character File Name Restriction
Bluebeam’s PDF printer operates with a strict file naming convention. The underlying mechanism of creating a PDF from a print job necessitates saving the output as a new file. This process is hindered when file names exceed , leading to print failures or incomplete PDF generation.
This limitation isn’t a general operating system constraint, but rather a specific characteristic of how Bluebeam handles the save operation during PDF creation. Exceeding this character limit prevents the printer from successfully finalizing the PDF file.
Understanding this restriction is crucial for troubleshooting. Users encountering issues should prioritize shortening file names or adjusting file paths to adhere to this 140-character boundary, ensuring smooth PDF creation.
Relocating Files to Shorter Paths
A lengthy file path combined with a long file name can easily surpass Bluebeam’s 140-character limit. To circumvent this, relocating the source file to a directory closer to the root of the drive is a highly effective solution.
By moving the file to a folder with a shorter path – for example, directly to the C: drive – you reduce the overall character count contributing to the file’s full designation. This creates sufficient space for a more descriptive file name without triggering the error.
This method doesn’t require renaming the file itself, only altering its location within the file system. It’s a quick and non-destructive way to resolve printing issues caused by excessively long file paths.
Save As Dialog Not Appearing
A frustrating issue is when the “Save As” dialog box fails to appear during PDF creation with Bluebeam. This typically indicates that the necessary settings within Bluebeam Revu haven’t been properly configured to prompt for a file name and automatically open the newly created PDF in the viewer.
To rectify this, navigate to the Bluebeam settings via the ribbon and select “Change Settings.” Ensure both the “Prompt for file name” and “Open in viewer” options are actively checked. Selecting “Create File” after this adjustment should initiate the dialog box.
Be aware that upon initial correction, you might encounter “Save As” prompts for previously failed PDF conversions.
Accessing Bluebeam Settings: Prompt for File Name and Open in Viewer
Resolving the missing “Save As” dialog requires direct access to Bluebeam’s settings. Begin by selecting “Bluebeam” from the ribbon interface within the application. This action will reveal a dropdown menu containing the “Change Settings” option – this is your gateway to configuring the PDF creation process.
Within the settings window, carefully locate and verify the status of two crucial options: “Prompt for file name” and “Open in viewer.” Both of these checkboxes must be selected to ensure the dialog appears and the PDF opens automatically.
Confirm your selections and then attempt to create a new PDF file to test the changes.
Handling Delayed Save As Dialogs
Occasionally, after adjusting Bluebeam settings, a delay may occur before the “Save As” dialog appears. This isn’t uncommon, especially following a configuration change or software update. Bluebeam may be processing previously queued PDF conversions that were unable to complete due to the earlier missing dialog.
Be patient; the system is likely catching up. You might encounter a series of “Save As” prompts, each representing a previously attempted PDF creation. Address each prompt individually, saving the files to your desired locations.
Allow the process to finish before assuming a continued malfunction. This backlog clears once all pending conversions are handled.
Bluebeam Printer Missing from AutoCAD/AutoCAD LT
If the Bluebeam PDF printer isn’t appearing within the printer list in AutoCAD or AutoCAD LT, a specific AutoCAD setting is likely the culprit. AutoCAD possesses a feature that allows users to hide system printers, and the Bluebeam printer is categorized as such.
To rectify this, navigate to AutoCAD’s settings and disable the option to hide system printers. Following this adjustment, confirm that the Bluebeam PDF printer is correctly installed on your system. A proper installation is crucial for it to appear in AutoCAD’s printer selection menu.
Double-check installation to ensure full functionality.
AutoCAD’s System Printer Visibility Setting
AutoCAD includes a setting that controls the visibility of system printers, potentially hiding the Bluebeam PDF printer from the print list. This isn’t a Bluebeam issue, but rather a configuration within AutoCAD itself.
To resolve this, access AutoCAD’s options or settings menu. Locate the section pertaining to printing or plot settings. Within these settings, there will be an option to “Show System Printers” or a similar phrasing. Ensure this option is enabled. Disabling this setting causes AutoCAD to filter out system printers, including Bluebeam’s.
After enabling the setting, restart AutoCAD to refresh the printer list and confirm the Bluebeam PDF printer now appears.
Confirming Bluebeam PDF Printer Installation
If the Bluebeam PDF printer isn’t visible in AutoCAD or other applications, verify its proper installation. Sometimes, the installation process may not complete correctly, or the printer might not be registered with the operating system.
Navigate to your Windows Control Panel and select “Devices and Printers” (or “Printers & Scanners” in newer Windows versions). The Bluebeam PDF printer should be listed among your installed printers. If it’s absent, reinstall Bluebeam Revu, ensuring you select the PDF printer installation option during the setup process.
A successful installation will display the “Bluebeam PDF” printer icon. If issues persist, try a repair installation of Bluebeam Revu.
Blank PDF Pages and Print Preview Issues
Encountering blank PDF pages or a blank print preview can be frustrating. This often stems from corrupted print settings within Bluebeam Revu. A quick resolution involves restoring the default print configurations.
Within Bluebeam Revu, navigate to the “Print” dialog box. Locate the settings menu, typically represented by a gear or ellipsis icon in the corner. Select “Defaults” and then choose “Restore Defaults.” This action resets the print parameters to their original state, often resolving the issue.
Ensure your source document isn’t the cause; test with a different file. If the problem persists, consider updating your graphics drivers.
Restoring Print Defaults
When PDFs print as blank pages or the preview is empty, restoring Bluebeam’s print defaults is a crucial first step. This process effectively resets all printing parameters to their original, factory-set configurations, eliminating potential conflicts or corrupted settings.
To restore defaults, open the Print dialog within Bluebeam Revu. Look for a settings icon – often a gear or ellipsis – located in the corner of the window. Click this icon and select the “Defaults” option. From the dropdown menu, choose “Restore Defaults.”
This action will revert all print settings, potentially resolving the issue; After restoring, re-attempt printing your document to verify the fix.
Advanced Troubleshooting
Persistent issues may require deeper investigation. Explore printing markups from Adobe, address lingering PostScript files, and consider a complete printer reinstall.
Printing Markups from Adobe Acrobat/Reader
The problem: When printing from Adobe Acrobat or Reader, markups made within Bluebeam Revu might not appear in the resulting PDF output. This frustrating issue stems from the default print settings within Adobe, which often prioritize printing only the base PDF document itself, excluding any overlaid annotations or markups.
The solution: To ensure your markups are included, you must adjust the print settings in Adobe Acrobat or Reader. Specifically, navigate to the Print dialog box and locate the “Comments & Form” setting. Change this setting from its default value of “Document” to “Document and Markups”. This instructs Adobe to incorporate all comments, annotations, and markups present in the PDF during the printing process, guaranteeing a complete and accurate representation of your reviewed document.
Bluebeam Technical Support confirms this is a common fix.
Adjusting Comments & Form Settings to Include Markups
Detailed Steps: To rectify the issue of missing markups when printing from Adobe Acrobat or Reader, a precise adjustment within the print settings is required. Begin by opening the Print dialog box within Adobe. Locate the section labeled “Comments & Form” – this is the key to including your Bluebeam Revu annotations.
The Crucial Change: The default setting for “Comments & Form” is typically “Document,” which instructs Adobe to print only the underlying PDF content. Change this setting to “Document and Markups.” This ensures that all comments, annotations, highlights, and other markups added in Bluebeam Revu are incorporated into the final printed or saved PDF file.
Bluebeam Technical Support highlights this as the primary solution. Confirm the change before proceeding.
PostScript Files Remaining After Printing
The Issue: Users have reported encountering leftover PostScript (.ps) files in the source folder after utilizing the Bluebeam PDF Printer or its plugins. These files are temporary and related to the printing process, but their persistence can be concerning and consume disk space. This behavior was identified as a bug within earlier versions of Bluebeam Revu.
The Solution: Fortunately, Bluebeam addressed this issue in Revu 20.2.20. Updating to the latest version of Bluebeam Revu is the recommended and most effective solution to eliminate the creation of these residual PostScript files. Bluebeam Technical Support confirms this resolves the problem.
Ensure you’re running Revu 20.2.20 or a newer release to prevent this from occurring.
Updating to the Latest Bluebeam Revu Version (20.2.20 or later)
Why Update? Maintaining the most current version of Bluebeam Revu is crucial for optimal performance and bug fixes. Several printing issues, including the persistence of PostScript files after PDF creation, have been resolved through updates. Specifically, version 20.2.20 directly addresses the problem of unwanted .ps files remaining in the source folder.
How to Update: Bluebeam Revu typically prompts users when a new version is available. Alternatively, you can manually check for updates within the software itself. Navigate to Help > Check for Updates. Following the on-screen instructions will download and install the latest release, ensuring a smoother printing experience.
Bluebeam Technical Support strongly recommends updating to resolve known issues.
Reinstalling the Bluebeam PDF Printer
When to Reinstall: If troubleshooting steps fail to resolve persistent printing issues, reinstalling the Bluebeam PDF Printer can often restore functionality. This process ensures a clean installation, eliminating potential conflicts or corrupted files that may be causing problems.
Reinstallation Process: Begin by completely removing the Bluebeam PDF Printer through the Windows Control Panel (Programs and Features). After uninstalling, restart your computer. Then, reinstall the printer through the Bluebeam Revu installation process, ensuring you select the PDF printer option during setup.
Verify Installation: After reinstalling, confirm the printer appears in your list of available printers within Windows and your applications. A fresh installation often resolves complex printing errors.
Preventative Measures
Stay updated! Regularly updating Bluebeam Revu (to version 20.2.20 or later) proactively addresses known bugs and ensures optimal PDF printing performance.
Regularly Updating Bluebeam Revu
Maintaining the latest Bluebeam Revu version is crucial for a stable printing experience. Updates frequently include fixes for known issues, like the PostScript file retention problem resolved in Revu 20.2.20. These updates aren’t just about new features; they directly address printing glitches and compatibility concerns.
How to Update: Bluebeam typically notifies users of available updates within the application. Alternatively, you can manually check for updates through the “Help” menu. Prioritize installing these updates promptly, as they often contain vital bug fixes that can prevent frustrating print-to-PDF failures. Ignoring updates can leave you vulnerable to recurring problems that have already been solved in newer releases.
Benefits of Updating: Beyond fixing specific issues, updates improve overall performance and stability, leading to a smoother workflow and fewer interruptions during critical tasks.