Convert an Acrobat form PDF into a regular PDF that can be opened by Apple Preview?

[drewc12795211]

Hi! I downloaded an Acrobat PDF, but unfortunately my printer flips out when I try to print it (seems to be able to print everyting else NP)... Literally all the lights start blinking and the file just sits in the queue. It is an older printer, but yeah.

So I thought, "No problem! I'll just save it as a 'normal' PDF and print it that way!" but I can't figure out how to do that.

Neither can I see how to "Save as PDF" using the print dialog, as usual.

I'm using Macbook Air M2 running 13.4.1. Printer is an old Lexmark E250d laser printer.

Verya frustrating.

Definitely need some help, thanks.

PS - On the topoic, I also spoke with Staples and they tell me they likely can't print this file for me (they have issues with Adobe PDFs apparently).

[gary_sc]

A PDF is a PDF. There is no such thing as a "Normal PDF." Apple's Preview can open that PDF; there's nothing that you should need to do. 

My caveat to that, though, is that if it cannot open the file, that may indicate why Acrobat is coughing during the printing operation. 

Let me also add that MANY years ago, I had a PDF that Acrobat could not print. I'd start the process, and then nothing happened. Then, on a whim, I tried to print the document from Preview, and it did a fine job. I asked Adobe how this could happen. How could Preview print what Acrobat could not? I was told that 'not all PDFs are the same and some are built poorly, and it's not Acrobat's job to take engineering time to fix the issues that poorly made PDFs create. They'd rather spend their time improving what they have.'

For more options, can you please verify what version of Acrobat are you using (and what release #)?

[drewc12795211]

Hi Gary!

To be clear, Acrobat can open the file; not the other applications. It seems intentional by Adobe, as though the file has some features that are unique to Acrobat. When I try to open the file in Apple Preview—as well as Google Drive's PDF viewer, this is what the file displays:

That message is:

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@gary_sc wrote:

A PDF is a PDF. There is no such thing as a "Normal PDF." Apple's Preview can open that PDF; there's nothing that you should need to do. 

My caveat to that, though, is that if it cannot open the file, that may indicate why Acrobat is coughing during the printing operation. 

Let me also add that MANY years ago, I had a PDF that Acrobat could not print. I'd start the process, and then nothing happened. Then, on a whim, I tried to print the document from Preview, and it did a fine job. I asked Adobe how this could happen. How could Preview print what Acrobat could not? I was told that 'not all PDFs are the same and some are built poorly, and it's not Acrobat's job to take engineering time to fix the issues that poorly made PDFs create. They'd rather spend their time improving what they have.'

For more options, can you please verify what version of Acrobat are you using (and what release #)?

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Again, my immediate reaction/assumption is that the file requires/contains proprietary features/content that are unique to Acrobat.

I need to print this file.

Thanks!

[gary_sc]

Wow, I've never EVER seen that. 

So the question is presented: Do you have the most recent release of Acrobat Reader?

[drewc12795211]

Update: Just received a comment on my superuser.com post as follows:

that is NOT a PDF it is a XFA in sheeps clothing. IT is dynamically altering pages so you only see the one when opening in any standard non Adobe reader/Printer. Some can be "neutered" as "flattened forms" (as recommended by Adobe prime supporter) but you need to provide a link for testing.

[gary_sc]

Ah, thanks for that. I'll pass this on to you and the SuperUser person.

Meanwhile, I did a quick search and found these:

https://www.file-extension.org/extensions/fxa

https://fileinfo.com/extension/fxa

https://www.file-extension.info/format/fxa

https://www.fileregistry.org/en/file-extension,fxa.html

Good luck!

[JR Boulay]

You should read this:

What is the difference between AcroForms and XFA?

https://appligent.com/what-is-the-difference-between-acroforms-and-xfa/