When you update Windows 10 and an application that generates PDFs appears on your screen, you will encounter the QuickBooks cannot create PDF error. It displays an error message on your screen stating, “QuickBooks could not save your form as a PDF file.”
The other one is, “Your forms were not sent because QuickBooks could not create the necessary PDF files.” The application provides the QB print and PDF repair tool to fix the basic printing errors, which sometimes fail to rectify the QuickBooks cannot create PDF error.
Understanding the Root Cause: QuickBooks Cannot Create PDF Error Occurs
Various reasons trigger QuickBooks cannot create a PDF; some of them are mentioned below:
- You might be using an outdated version of the application
- Microsoft XPS document writer is disabled in Windows settings
- You don't have proper admin privileges to use the temp folder and the XPS document
- A faulty QBPrint.qbp file
- You might be using a damaged application
- Using the faulty, damaged or outdated Adobe reader app
Note:- QuickBooks Error 3645 appears when company data becomes unreadable, causing crashes and workflow delays. Repairing damaged files restores smooth performance.
Proven Methods to Eliminate the QuickBooks Cannot Create PDF Error
After understanding the root cause of the QB's inability to create PDFs, it’s time to learn how to eliminate it from your system:
Method 1: Utilize the QB PDF & Print Repair Tool
- Find and open the QuickBooks Tool Hub
- Choose the Program Problems
- Next, hit the QuickBooks PDF and print repair tool
- Wait, as the tool will take a minute to launch
Method 2: Again, set the Temp Folder Permissions
- Tap Windows + R keys to open the Run command
- Next, type %Temp% > click Enter on the keyboard
- Now, right-tap a space in the temp folder > pick Properties, followed by Security
- Make sure that all the users’ names and groups in Security have Full Control
Method 3: Check if you can print the XPS
- First, you have to open Notepad
- Type Test > choose File and then print
- Pick the XPS Document Writer, and then print
- Note: If you can’t see XPS Document Writer, allow the system to print to your XPS printer
- Type a filename > store it on your device
- Head to the desktop and view the XPS document you printed from your notepad
Method 4: Update the Print Spooler service properties
- First, right-click Start, select Run, then type Services.msc > choose OK
- Look for the Print Spooler service
- Again, right-tap on the Print Spooler service > select Properties
- Go to the Startup type, and then select Automatic, followed by Apply, and then OK
- At the end, you have to right-tap on the Print Spooler service > choose Start to initiate the service
Method 5: Temporarily disable the UAC settings
- Click Windows + R > open the Run Window
- Type Control Panel > pick OK
- Then, choose User Accounts
- Now, pick the User Accounts (Classic View)
- Select Change Account Type
- Move the slider
- To disable it, set it to Never Notify and select OK to turn UAC off
Also read about:- QuickBooks Error 30114 occurs due to corrupted system components or blocked processes, disrupting tasks. Fixing configuration issues ensures stable and reliable QuickBooks operations.
Conclusion
In this blog, we have listed the top 3 solutions to resolve the problem that QuickBooks cannot create PDF errors, along with the reasons that trigger it. However, if you are unable to fix this dial +1(855)-510-6487, consult our QB specialist to get the proper guidance.
QuickBooks Cannot Create PDF FAQ
What does QuickBooks Cannot Create PDF mean?
- This message appears when QuickBooks is unable to generate or save a PDF file due to issues with printer settings, drivers, permissions, or internal PDF components.
Why does QuickBooks stop creating PDF files unexpectedly?
- It usually happens when the QuickBooks PDF converter faces conflicts, damaged components, outdated drivers, or blocked background processes inside Windows.
How do printer settings cause QuickBooks Cannot Create PDF?
- Incorrect default printer settings or disabled Microsoft print features can interrupt the PDF creation process, leading QuickBooks to show errors while saving forms or reports.
Can outdated Windows components trigger the QuickBooks Cannot Create PDF issue?
- Yes, outdated system files or disabled Microsoft XPS services can prevent QuickBooks from generating PDFs, as these features support file rendering and printing.
Does damaged QuickBooks installation affect PDF creation?
- Corrupted or missing QuickBooks program files can break the PDF engine inside the software, causing errors whenever you try to create, email, or save documents.
Why do permission conflicts cause QuickBooks Cannot Create PDF?
- If your system lacks proper access rights for folders or temporary files, QuickBooks cannot write or store PDF output, which triggers the error message.
Is the QuickBooks PDF converter important for creating documents?
- The built-in PDF converter is responsible for generating invoices, reports, forms, and statements. Any damage or misconfiguration in this converter leads to PDF failures.
What role does background printing services play in this problem?
- If print spooler services are disabled or stuck, QuickBooks cannot initiate the rendering process required for generating a PDF file.
Can security software cause QuickBooks PDF issues?
- Yes, overly strict antivirus or firewall rules can block the PDF component, preventing QuickBooks from saving or emailing PDF documents.
Does insufficient temporary storage cause PDF creation errors?
- When QuickBooks cannot access or write to the temp folder, the software fails to produce PDF files, resulting in this error.
Why does QuickBooks fail to email PDF forms?
- Emailing PDFs requires QuickBooks to generate the file first, so if the PDF component is damaged or blocked, QuickBooks cannot attach or send the document.
Is QuickBooks Cannot Create PDF linked to system updates?
- System updates that modify printer drivers or Windows printing features can disrupt the PDF mechanism, causing QuickBooks to fail during document creation.