Print PowerPoints from D2L by opening in D2L → Print → Save as PDF → Upload PDF to the print portal.
This method prevents most formatting and printing issues.

Introduction

This article explains how to successfully print PowerPoint files accessed through D2L by first saving them as PDFs. This method resolves most common printing issues, including blank pages, formatting errors, or failed print attempts.

Instructions

Steps to Print a PowerPoint from D2L

 

1. Open the PowerPoint in D2L

   • Log in to D2L and navigate to the course module where the PowerPoint is located.
   • Important: Open the file directly through D2L. Do not download and open from your device first, as this may cause formatting or access issues.

2. Select the Print Option

   • In the PowerPoint viewer within D2L, choose Print from the available menu options.

3. Choose Page Layout Settings

   • Select how many slides you want printed per sheet (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 6).
   • Choose the number of copies or the desired print quantity.

4. Save the File as a PDF

   • Instead of printing directly, choose Save as PDF (sometimes listed under “Print to PDF”).
   • Save the PDF file to your device.

5. Upload the PDF to the Web Portal

   • Access the printing web portal you normally use (e.g., campus print portal).
   • Upload the saved PDF and send it to the printer.

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Tips

• Saving as a PDF ensures the layout, fonts, and slide formatting remain consistent.
• If the PDF will not upload, confirm it is saved correctly and is not protected by the instructor.

Troubleshooting Common Errors

1. The PowerPoint won’t open in D2L

• Refresh the page or try a different browser (Chrome/Edge recommended).
• Disable browser extensions that block pop‑ups or downloads.
• If the file is unsupported in the previewer, download it and open in PowerPoint, then use File → Save as PDF.

2. Print button is missing or does nothing

• Switch browsers—D2L’s built‑in viewer can behave differently across platforms.
• Clear your browser cache.
• If still missing, download the file and save as a PDF manually.

3. Printing gives blank or partial slides

• Always choose Save as PDF first—direct printing from D2L often causes blank pages.
• In the print settings, ensure Print Layout → Slides is selected.
• Confirm any instructor‑added restrictions aren’t blocking content.

4. PDF won’t upload to the printing portal

• Verify the file isn’t 0 KB.
• Rename the file (sometimes long names break uploads).
• Move the file to the local device (avoid uploading directly from OneDrive if the network is slow).
• Check that your PDF viewer isn’t set to “Protected Mode.”

5. PDF prints but cuts off content

• In the print portal, enable Fit to Page or Scale to Fit.
• Check orientation: if the slides are widescreen, switch to Landscape.
• Re‑save the PDF using “Standard” size instead of “Minimum size” in PowerPoint.

6. Error: “This file type is not supported”

• Re‑save the PowerPoint as:
  • PDF (best)
  • PPTX (if needed)
• Check if the original file is a PowerPoint Show (.ppsx) — convert it to PPTX before saving as PDF.