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andree77378073
andree77378073
Participant
April 27, 2018
Answered

"An unexpected error occurred. PDFMaker was unable to produce the Adobe PDF."

  • April 27, 2018
  • 3 replies
  • 32860 views

One of my users got this error recently when she was trying to convert or combine Excel spreadsheets to PDF via the context menu.  We tried removing Adobe Standard DC and reinstalling it, and then running a full repair on Office 365.  When that didn't work, I disabled the COM plug-in in Excel, but I could not then *re-enable* the plug-in.  So I set up a new machine also with Office 365 ProPlus (16.08431.2242) and installed Adobe Standard DC (18.011.20038), and I continue to get the "An unexpected error occurred" right away.  However, if I open one Excel file and use the ribbon, the file converts just fine.

    Correct answer ceez_

    If the solution below does not work, or if a repair or reinstallation does not resolve the issue either, I have found that the folder path name (whether it's local or on a network) and the file name can contribute to this error. (It cannot be too long)

    I copied the file to a shorter folder path, such as C:\temp, and it worked without any issues.

    3 replies

    C
    ceez_Correct answer
    Participant
    August 11, 2025

    If the solution below does not work, or if a repair or reinstallation does not resolve the issue either, I have found that the folder path name (whether it's local or on a network) and the file name can contribute to this error. (It cannot be too long)

    I copied the file to a shorter folder path, such as C:\temp, and it worked without any issues.

    C
    ceez_
    Participant
    August 11, 2025

    The folder path or the file name cannot be too long. At least in this case, it's what solved it for my user.

    Additionally, only have one instance of Adobe installed. My user also had Adobe Reader and Pro installed.

     

    E
    eatwhite
    Participant
    October 5, 2022

    I have the same issue. 

     

    Have checked the com add-ins, it's toggled on. I have even uninstalled and reinstall it as well, still doesn't work. Kindly advice.

     

    Amal.
    Community Manager
    Amal.Community Manager
    Community Manager
    October 5, 2022

    Hi @eatwhite 

     

    Hope you are doing well and sorry to hear that.

    Please try the steps shared in the correct answer https://community.adobe.com/t5/acrobat-sdk-discussions/quot-pdfmaker-was-unable-to-produce-the-adobe-pdf-quot/m-p/8576581#M24351 and see if that works for you.

     

    Also, what is the workflow/steps you are doing to create the PDF, please share the version of the OS and the Acrobat DC you are using.

     

    Regards

    Amal

    J
    JohnCh_CG
    Participant
    October 6, 2022

    This thread should be open back to Not resolved instead of resolved. What is the update/fix on this? 

    AnandSri
    Community Manager
    AnandSriCommunity Manager
    Community Manager
    April 27, 2018

    Hello Andree,

    We apologize for the inconvenience caused, as per the description above, you are getting an error message with Adobe PDFMaker in excel in Acrobat Standard DC version 18.011.20038, is that correct?

    Please refer and try the solutions from the following Adobe article Troubleshoot Acrobat PDFMaker issues in Microsoft Office on Windows

    Also, please use Acrobat cleaner tool to remove Acrobat once Download Adobe Reader and Acrobat Cleaner Tool - Adobe Labs

    Reboot the machine and install Acrobat back from Download Pro or Standard versions of Acrobat DC | Non-subscription

    If you still experience issue, please share the following details:

    Let us know how it goes and share your findings.

    Regards,

    Anand Sri.

    andree77378073
    andree77378073Author
    Participant
    May 1, 2018

    Hi Anand,

    I still get errors using PDFMaker.  If I convert the file from the Adobe ribbon in Excel, it works, and I can print to PDF, but I still can't convert or combine files.  Attached please find screenshots.  Also tried a test profile but same thing.  Windows version is Windows 10 Pro version 1709, OS Build 16299.64.

    Anything else to try?  Thanks in advance!

    Andre

    Convert to PDF:

    Combine to PDF:

    fjh241
    fjh241
    Participating Frequently
    April 18, 2022

    OK. I post again:

    The error is still there, I cannot produce a PDF with PowerPoint. My system is:

    • Windows 10 Enterprise 21H2 19044.1645
    • Adobe Acrobat 2020 pro 2020.005.30334
    • MS Office 2019 fully updated: PowerPoint Version 1808 (10385.20027)

     


    I looked at https://helpx.adobe.com/acrobat/kb/troubleshoot-acrobat-pdfmaker-problems-office.html and have the following conclusions:

    • Most of the lenghty text does not apply.
    • "Troubleshoot PDFmaker"
      I tried "smallest file size" and the error persists. I cannot find any "word", "bookmark" or "security" tab. Please advice where to find it. Screen shot below:
    • "Troubleshoot document-specific issues"
      Once again: It does not even work with an empty slide. Tried again; does not work.
      What I did not do again is de-install and re-install everything. I did that before, even with the Adobe cleaner tool inbetween. No effect.
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