How to print a pdf with comments?

Printing a PDF with comments is a useful feature when reviewing documents, collaborating on projects, or providing feedback. Comments, also known as annotations, can include highlights, sticky notes, text boxes, and other markings that help convey additional information beyond the document’s main content. This guide will walk you through the steps to print a PDF with comments, ensuring that all your feedback is visible in the printed version.

Understanding PDF Comments

Before diving into the printing process, it’s important to understand the types of comments that can be included in a PDF. Common types include:

  • Sticky Notes: These are small notes that can be placed anywhere on the document, usually containing text feedback.
  • Text Boxes: These allow you to add text directly onto the PDF, which is visible within the body of the document.
  • Highlights: Highlighting text or sections in different colors to emphasize or draw attention.
  • Strikethroughs and Underlines: Used for editing purposes, where you might want to suggest the deletion or emphasis of specific text.

Each of these annotations can be crucial during document review and collaboration.

Step-by-Step Guide to Printing a PDF with Comments

1. Open the PDF in a PDF Viewer

First, open your PDF document in a PDF viewer that supports comments, such as Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader, or other similar tools. Adobe Acrobat Reader is the most commonly used and is available for free.

2. View Comments

Ensure that all the comments are visible. In Adobe Acrobat Reader, you can view comments by clicking on the “Comment” tool on the right-hand side. This will open a list or pane showing all the comments within the document. Make sure none of the comments are hidden or collapsed if you want them all to be printed.

3. Adjust Print Settings

When ready to print, go to the “File” menu and select “Print.” A print dialogue box will appear. Here, you need to make specific adjustments to ensure comments are included in the printed document.

  • Print Comments in a Summary: In Adobe Acrobat, you can choose to print comments in a summary format. This option consolidates all comments and prints them on separate pages at the end of the document. This method ensures that all comments are included but may not show them in the exact context where they appear on the PDF.
  • Print Comments with Markups: If you prefer to see the comments directly on the pages where they appear, you can choose to print “Document and Markups.” This option will print the document with all the comments and annotations visible in their exact locations.
4. Check the Print Preview

Always check the print preview before proceeding. This will give you an idea of how the comments will appear on the printed pages. Ensure that the comments are legible and positioned correctly.

5. Print the Document

Once satisfied with the preview, select your printer and click “Print.” Your document should now print with all the comments included.

6. Troubleshooting Common Issues
  • Comments Not Appearing: If the comments are not appearing in the print preview or printed document, double-check the print settings to ensure that “Document and Markups” is selected.
  • Small or Unreadable Comments: If the comments are too small or unreadable, consider adjusting the zoom level or the scale in the print settings. Some PDF viewers allow you to increase the size of the comments without affecting the rest of the document.

Conclusion

Printing a PDF with comments is a straightforward process, but it requires attention to detail to ensure all annotations are included as intended. By following the steps outlined above, you can easily print a PDF with visible comments, whether you prefer them integrated into the document or summarized on separate pages. This capability is particularly useful for collaborative work, ensuring that all feedback is preserved and visible in the printed version. Always remember to review your print preview before finalizing the print job to avoid any mistakes or omissions.