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QuickBooks Desktop PDF Save Error? Here’s the Fix You Need!

In QuickBooks, invoices are generated in text format by default. However, they are meant to be in PDF format for easy downloading in a user-friendly environment and convenient emailing.

QuickBooks typically offers a PDF printer feature to enable users to save financial statements, reports, and forms as PDF files. PDF files are smaller in size and can be viewed on any device that supports the PDF format.

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However, users may occasionally encounter an error: can't save PDF in QuickBooks Desktop. This error commonly occurs when attempting to create, email, or print a report. It can also occur after refreshing Windows 10 or Windows 11 and then accessing PDF files.

Additionally, In QuickBooks, if a form cannot be saved in PDF format, there may be an issue with the Windows update. The Microsoft XPS document writer may not be updated to the latest version, causing problems when converting an invoice to PDF format.

This comprehensive guide will provide you with the necessary steps to resolve the issue and get back to using QuickBooks Desktop smoothly.

You can contact the 24/7 QuickBooks error support team at a toll-free number +1(855)-738-0359 and our experts will resolve the issue for you.

What causes the Can't Save PDF issue in QuickBooks Desktop?

Below are the primary reasons for Can't Save PDF errors:

  • If there is an issue with the printer, such as the Microsoft XPS Document Writer on the XPS port.
  • If the PDF converter is shown as offline.

Explore more about:- How To Fix QuickBooks Error 30159?

Solutions to Fix Can't Save PDF issue in QuickBooks Desktop

Certain solutions can be applied to fix the QuickBooks error.

We will explore each method individually:

Solution 1: Reinstalling Microsoft XPS Document Writer

One of the initial solutions to consider is reinstalling Microsoft XPS.

Here are the steps for this process:

  • Click on the Windows or Start button.
  • Go to the Control Panel.
  • Navigate to the System group and click on Uninstall/change a program.
  • Select Turn Windows features on or off.
  • Scroll down to locate the XPS services and the XPS viewer.
  • Check the boxes next to both services to enable them.
  • Click OK to apply the changes.
  • Test QuickBooks to check if the issue is resolved.

Solution 2: Fixing PDF Converter Offline Issue

  • Check the status of the PDF converter in the Devices and Printers section of the Control Panel.
  • If it is shown as offline, right-click on it and select Use Printer Online to change its status.
  • Ensure that the printer connected to the PDF converter is turned on and connected properly.
  • Reboot the computer and verify if the problem has been resolved. If not, try reinstalling the PDF converter driver.

We conclude this post with the hope that the information shared above will help resolve the can't save PDF in QuickBooks Desktop. If you have any additional questions, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Feel free to call our dedicated support team at +1(855)-738-0359. Let our QuickBooks Enterprise technical support team resolve the error for you as quickly as possible.

Cannot Save PDF in QuickBooks Desktop: Frequently Asked Questions

Why can’t I save a PDF in QuickBooks Desktop?

  • The issue usually occurs due to missing or damaged PDF components, an outdated QuickBooks version, incorrect printer settings, or conflicts with security software.

How do I fix the QuickBooks PDF saving issue?

  • You can resolve this by updating QuickBooks, running the QuickBooks PDF & Print Repair Tool, resetting the temp folder permissions, and reinstalling the Microsoft XPS Document Writer.

What is the QuickBooks PDF & Print Repair Tool, and how does it help?

  • This tool is designed to fix printing and PDF-related errors in QuickBooks by repairing damaged components and resolving compatibility issues with Windows.

Does an outdated QuickBooks version affect PDF saving?

  • Yes, running an outdated version of QuickBooks can lead to PDF-related errors. Updating to the latest release ensures bug fixes and compatibility with Windows updates.

How do I check and reset temp folder permissions for PDF saving issues?

  • Access the temp folder by typing %temp% in the Windows Run dialog, right-click inside the folder, select Properties, go to the Security tab, and ensure full control is granted to the logged-in user.

Can reinstalling Microsoft XPS Document Writer fix the issue?

  • Yes, QuickBooks relies on the Microsoft XPS Document Writer to create PDFs. Reinstalling it through Windows settings can help restore functionality.

Why does my QuickBooks freeze when trying to save a PDF?

  • This may happen due to damaged QuickBooks components, insufficient system resources, or conflicts with background processes. Running QuickBooks as an administrator and repairing the installation can help.

Can a corrupted QuickBooks installation cause PDF saving errors?

  • Yes, if QuickBooks files are damaged or missing, it can affect PDF-related functions. Repairing QuickBooks or performing a clean install may resolve the problem.

Does security software or firewall settings block QuickBooks from saving PDFs?

  • In some cases, security software or firewall settings can interfere with QuickBooks. Temporarily disabling them or adding QuickBooks as an exception can help.

What should I do if QuickBooks says “Save as PDF not working” after trying all fixes?

  • If none of the solutions work, consider repairing your Windows installation, checking for system updates, or contacting QuickBooks support for advanced troubleshooting.

Is switching to QuickBooks Online a solution for persistent PDF saving issues?

  • QuickBooks Online does not rely on local components to generate PDFs, so switching could eliminate recurring PDF-related errors while offering cloud-based accessibility.