Cannot print from SD card - what to do?
There are many reasons why printing from SD card is not possible. We'll show you how to solve the problem.
Troubleshooting: Printing from the SD card
In order to be able to print directly from an SD card, it is best to refer to the operating instructions for your printer. Printers only support the printing of certain file formats from certain SD card types and formats. Therefore, check the following:
- SD card type: Check the instructions for use to see if your printer supports the SD card you are using. Many printers only support SD cards up to 2 GB and no larger SDHC or SDXC cards.
- SD card formatting: Also check whether your printer only supports FAT or FAT32 cards. This practical tip shows you how to format an SD card in FAT and FAT32.
- File format: The operating instructions for your printer usually state which formats your printer can print directly from an SD card. You may need to convert the file you want to print.
- In many other practical tips we explain how you can convert DOC and DOCX to JPG and to PDF, images to PDF, PDF to DOC, XPS to PDF and PDF to JPG.
- Defective SD card: Connect your SD card to the PC to rule out that the card is defective. This practical tip shows you how to repair a defective SD card.
Work around problems printing from the SD card
If the suggestions described above did not help, you can work around the problem with the following information - at least for individual prints:
- Copy the files you want to print to another SD card and try again.
- If your printer can also print from USB sticks, copy files you want to print onto a USB stick.
- Print directly from the PC. To do this, copy the files from the SD card to the computer and start printing from there.
- Another article will show you other common printing problems and how to fix them.
You can find out what you generally need to consider when buying and printing SD cards in other practical tips.