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Session Id : x5BR/jZ8gxvbbNHMzHQOxn
Power Automate - Power Automate Desktop
Unanswered

Printing PDF to Microsoft Print to PDF

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Posted on 18 Nov 2021 11:52:13 by 12

I am trying to print certified digitally signed pdf's to pdf (so I can merge them and have the digital signature on all pages) but I get stuck on the "Save Print output As" window.

I can't select the UI element to enter a file name as it appears to be part of PAD.

Is there a workaround for this or it's just a bug?

  • JamesHinton Profile Picture
    12 on 27 Jun 2023 at 13:54:18
    Re: Printing PDF to Microsoft Print to PDF

    Hi @caracadrian

     

    What is sometimes overlooked is that often you can just use Send keys without first "looking" for the UI element.

    JamesHinton_0-1687873867716.png

     

    As the current window and text box is already in focus and is expecting keyboard input withiut having to navigate there. 

     

  • VJR Profile Picture
    7,635 on 19 Nov 2021 at 04:14:12
    Re: Printing PDF to Microsoft Print to PDF

    Hi @caracadrian 

     

    The file name textfield in the Save As dialog box is detectable. Your situation may be different so need to understand more.

     

    https://powerusers.microsoft.com/t5/Power-Automate-Desktop/Populate-text-field-in-window-UI-automation-failed-when-printing/m-p/1318677

     

    https://powerusers.microsoft.com/t5/Power-Automate-Desktop/powershell-code-or-any-another-to-convert-from-jpg-to-pdf/m-p/1284758

     

    Can you take a look at all the posts in both the above threads. Something might ring a bell after seeing them.

    Post back with what issues are you still facing with some screenshots.

  • caracadrian Profile Picture
    12 on 18 Nov 2021 at 17:10:35
    Re: Printing PDF to Microsoft Print to PDF

    The issue is still there.

    Installing another printer is not a valid workaround for me.

  • MichaelAnnis Profile Picture
    5,721 Super User 2025 Season 1 on 18 Nov 2021 at 17:03:34
    Re: Printing PDF to Microsoft Print to PDF

    Ok, so are you still having an issue?

  • caracadrian Profile Picture
    12 on 18 Nov 2021 at 16:43:42
    Re: Printing PDF to Microsoft Print to PDF

    Not Adobe. I have Win2PDF.

    It works with a different PDF printer. Not with Microsoft print to PDF.

  • MichaelAnnis Profile Picture
    5,721 Super User 2025 Season 1 on 18 Nov 2021 at 16:40:34
    Re: Printing PDF to Microsoft Print to PDF

    Do you have the Adobe PDF Printer?

    MichaelAnnis_0-1637253623928.png

     

  • caracadrian Profile Picture
    12 on 18 Nov 2021 at 16:35:35
    Re: Printing PDF to Microsoft Print to PDF

    This is the first thing I thought of. It doesn't solve the problem.

    Set default printer.png

    I also tried setting it from windows settings and turning it off and on again.

    See also messages 4 and 5.

    If I install a different pdf printer it works. I can get the Save file as window as a UI element and continue the flow.

    Apparently just Microsoft print to PDF behaves like this.

  • MichaelAnnis Profile Picture
    5,721 Super User 2025 Season 1 on 18 Nov 2021 at 16:25:44
    Re: Printing PDF to Microsoft Print to PDF

    I haven't seen it said yet, so try this:

     

    "Set Default Printer" to Microsoft Print to PDF first.

    Then "Print Document"

     

    This will bypass you even having to open the file, it should take you straight to a Save As PDF screen.

     

    I apologize, I completely misread the question.  Try to focus the "Save Print Output As" Window.  After that, if you are still not in the "filename" text box, try using Send Keys {Tab} to get to it.  If that still isn't working, you could always use Move Mouse to Image.  For this screen, I grab the "File Name:" and some of the whitespace to the right, then tell the click to go far right center in the Advanced Options.

     

    Best of luck!

  • caracadrian Profile Picture
    12 on 18 Nov 2021 at 13:03:33
    Re: Printing PDF to Microsoft Print to PDF

    Yes. Adobe Reader is set as the default application for pdf

  • Henrik_M Profile Picture
    2,006 Super User 2024 Season 1 on 18 Nov 2021 at 12:56:37
    Re: Printing PDF to Microsoft Print to PDF

    Is it set as your standard app for PDF files?

    Henrik_M_0-1637240188644.png

     

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