Printing a specific page from a PDF file using the command line can be a challenge, especially when using Adobe Acrobat or other standard PDF readers. However, there are multiple approaches to achieve this goal, including Adobe Reader commands, scripting methods, and third-party software like Ghostscript and VeryPDF PDFPrint Command Line. Below, we explore different ways to print a specific PDF page from the command line.
1. Using Adobe Reader’s Command Line Options
Adobe Reader provides some command-line options to open and print PDF files. However, it does not offer a direct way to print specific pages. The commonly used commands include:
Basic Adobe Reader Printing Commands:
AcroRd32.exe /A "page=3" "file.pdf" AcroRd32.exe /p "file.pdf" AcroRd32.exe /t "file.pdf" "printername" "drivername" "portname"
Unfortunately, Adobe Reader does not support selecting a page range directly from the command line. Users must rely on additional scripting methods.
2. Using a VBScript to Print Specific Pages with Adobe Reader
Since Adobe Reader does not provide a built-in option for printing specific pages via the command line, one workaround is to use a VBScript. The script automates the process of opening the Print dialog, selecting pages, and confirming the print command.
Example VBScript:
Dim ObjArgs
Set ObjArgs = WScript.Arguments
cmd = ObjArgs(0) & " /P " & ObjArgs(1)
Set objShell = WScript.CreateObject ("WScript.shell")
objShell.Exec(cmd)
WScript.Sleep 5000
objShell.AppActivate "Print"
objShell.SendKeys "%g", TRUE ' Alt + g [Pages]
objShell.SendKeys "{TAB}", TRUE ' Input Pages
objShell.SendKeys ObjArgs(2), TRUE ' Start and End Page
objShell.SendKeys "{ENTER}", TRUE ' Print!
Set objShell = Nothing
To use this script, run the following command:
wscript "C:\path\to\pdf_print_sendkeys.vbs" "C:\Program Files (x86)\Adobe\Acrobat Reader DC\Reader\AcroRd32.exe" "C:\path\to\file.pdf" "2-3"
This method is a workaround but may not be the most efficient way to print specific pages programmatically.
3. Printing Specific Pages with Ghostscript
Ghostscript is a powerful command-line tool that allows precise control over printing PDFs, including selecting specific pages.
Ghostscript Command for Printing a Specific Page:
gswin64c.exe -sDEVICE=mswinpr2 -o "%printer%Printer Name" -sPageList=3 "C:\path\to\file.pdf"
This command prints only page 3 of the specified PDF file. Ghostscript provides more control over the printing process and runs in a more silent mode than Adobe Reader.
4. The Best Solution: VeryPDF PDFPrint Command Line
For users looking for the most reliable, efficient, and fully automated solution, VeryPDF PDFPrint Command Line is the best choice. Unlike Adobe Reader and Ghostscript, it offers a direct and simple way to print specific pages without additional scripting.
https://www.verypdf.com/app/pdf-print-cmd/index.html
Key Features of VeryPDF PDFPrint Command Line:
- Directly prints specific pages from a PDF file.
- Supports various printer settings like resolution, duplex printing, and scaling.
- Works with both local and network printers.
- Fully silent mode for automated printing.
- High-speed printing with optimized performance.
Example Command to Print Specific Pages:
pdfprint.exe -printer "HP LaserJet" -firstpage 3 -lastpage 3 "C:\path\to\file.pdf" pdfprint.exe -printer "docPrint" -firstpage 1 -lastpage 1 C:\input.pdf
pdfprint.exe -firstpage -1 -lastpage -1 C:\lastpage.pdf
This command prints only page 3 of the specified PDF file, making it the simplest and most efficient solution available.
Conclusion
While Adobe Reader and Ghostscript offer methods to print specific PDF pages, they require additional scripting or complex commands. The best solution for printing PDF files from the command line is VeryPDF PDFPrint Command Line, which provides a direct, efficient, and feature-rich approach to automated PDF printing.
For businesses and developers looking for an easy-to-use and powerful PDF printing solution, VeryPDF PDFPrint Command Line is the best software on the market. Download it today to streamline your PDF printing workflow!