Unable to separate tabs on initial print to pdf

[MDM MD]

I use dual monitors and require 2 separate windows for multiple pdf documents.  In each window, I require multiple documents in tabs.  I have up to 5 docs open per window.  I print to pdf from some of the documents (several pages of a larger file) to a new file to annotate/edit.  On the FIRST print to pdf from within the program, Acrobat Pro opens the new file in a new tab in the active (single) window but I'm unable to drag that tab to open a second window.  I have to exit the program, restart it, open two files (in tabs in one window) then am able to drag one of the tabs to start a new window.  After that, as long as I keep both windows open, I can print to pdf and drag a tab from one window to the other.  However, if I restart the program, unable to drag tab to open a new window.  Always have to print then restart to drag tab to open a new window.  Printing or opening new docs in a new window is not an option.  I can't have 10+ different windows open.  I must use tabs within a window.  Looking for a solution or a bug fix.  Thanks.

[aisha85adams · Accepted solution]

I use dual monitors and require 2 separate windows for multiple pdf documents.  In each window, I require multiple documents in tabs.  I have up to 5 docs open per window.  I print to pdf from some of the documents (several pages of a larger file) to a new file to annotate/edit.  On the FIRST print to pdf from within the program, Acrobat Pro opens the new file in a new tab in the active (single) window but I'm unable to drag that tab to open a second window.  I have to exit the program, restart it, open two files (in tabs in one window) then am able to drag one of the tabs to start a new window.  After that, as long as I keep both windows open, I can print to pdf and drag a tab from one window to the other.  However, if I restart the program, unable to drag tab to open a new window.  Always have to print then restart to drag tab to open a new window.  Printing or opening new docs in a new window is not an option.  I can't have 10+ different windows open.  I must use tabs within a window.  Looking for a solution or a bug fix.  Thanks.

By TalkToFoodLion @MDM MD

Hello,

Based on your description, the problem seems to be related to how Acrobat Pro handles tabs and windows when printing to PDF. Here are a few suggestions and potential workarounds:

1. Update Acrobat Pro: Ensure you're using the latest version of Acrobat Pro. Adobe frequently releases updates that address bugs and improve functionality. You can check for updates by going to Help > Check for Updates within the program.

2. Reset Preferences: Sometimes, resetting Acrobat's preferences can resolve unusual behavior. To do this:

   • Close Acrobat Pro.

   • Navigate to the preferences folder (usually found in `C:\Users

\[Your Username]\AppData\Roaming\Adobe\Acrobat

\[Version]`).

• Rename the preferences folder (e.g., add "_backup" to the folder name).

• Restart Acrobat Pro, which will create a new preferences folder.

1. Enable Multi-Window Mode: If Acrobat Pro has a setting for enabling/disabling multi-window mode, ensure it's configured correctly. You can check this under Edit > Preferences > General and look for options.

Hope this helps!
Best regards,
Aisha

[AnandSri]

Hello!

I hope you are doing well.

I hope you found the suggestions above helpful. Are you still experiencing the issue? Please ensure you have the latest version of Acrobat installed on the machine: 25.001.2043x Optional update, Mar 19, 2025. Check for any pending updates from the Menu > help > check for updates, install the updates, restart the app and the machine, and check. For more information, see this: https://adobe.ly/3E652Z1

Ensure that the Tabbed Viewing option is enabled. Go to Edit > Preferences > General and check Open documents as new tabs in the same window (requires restart). After enabling tabbed viewing, you should be able to drag tabs to create new windows. If this doesn't work initially, try restarting Acrobat. 

When you print to PDF and the new file opens in a new tab, but you can't drag it to a new window, follow this workaround:

• Open two PDFs in tabs within one window.
• Drag one tab to create a second window.
• Now, print to PDF. You should be able to drag the new tab to the second window without restarting Acrobat. To learn more, see this article: https://adobe.ly/42oRi3z

I hope this helps.

Thanks,

Anand Sri.

[MDM MD]

Thanks for the reply.

I am still having the problem.

I am using the current version, no updates required.  Other settings have been adjusted as recommended.

Your work-around doesn't work.  With two windows open, when initially printing to pdf, unable to move anything to or from the two open windows.    Nothing in either direction.  Opening new files (not printing to pdf) in either window does not make a difference, still unable to move a file to the other window.

Again, only happens on the first print to pdf.