Quick Answer
Start with Chrome’s documented computer print flow: open the item you want to print, use File > Print or the applicable keyboard shortcut, and see whether you can select a destination in the window that opens. [1]If you are trying to save directly to Google Drive, check the required Google Drive extension or use the Save as PDF route instead.
What This Problem Actually Means
On a computer, Chrome’s documented print process starts after you open a page, image, or file to print. [1]Chrome then opens a window for selecting a destination. [1]A print preview that stays stuck prevents you from completing that documented print process.
What Chrome Officially Documents
- Chrome can print from a computer. [1]
- Chrome’s computer print instructions apply to a page, image, or file that you open in Chrome. [1]
- You can start printing with File > Print. [1]
- Windows and Linux use Ctrl + P as the Chrome print shortcut. [1]
- Mac uses Command + P as the Chrome print shortcut. [1]
- The print window lets you select a destination. [1]
- The print window lets you change preferred print settings. [1]
- Saving directly to Google Drive from print preview requires the Save to Google Drive extension. [1]
- Google’s alternative Drive workflow starts with Save as PDF. [1]
Checks You Can Make
Confirm whether Chrome can start printing from a different item
[1]Trying a different item helps you record whether the symptom is tied to the item you first tried to print.
- Open a different page, image, or file in Chrome.
- Select File > Print.
- On a Mac, you can instead press Command + P.
- Record whether the print window becomes usable for the second item.
Confirm whether you can choose a print destination
Chrome’s print window is intended to let you select a destination. [1]A usable destination choice is the next documented step before printing.
- Open the page, image, or file you want to print.
- Start the print process with File > Print or the keyboard shortcut for your operating system.
- In the window that opens, select the destination you intend to use.
- Note the destination name you selected before the preview stops responding.
Check the direct Google Drive requirement
Google states that the Save to Google Drive extension must be installed for direct saving to Google Drive from print preview. [1]This check is relevant only when you are selecting Save to Google Drive as the destination.
- Check that the Save to Google Drive extension is installed before retrying that destination.
- Open the item in Chrome and start printing.
- Select Save to Google Drive as the destination.
- If needed, select it from See more.
- Click Save after the destination is selected.
Check the PDF route instead of the direct Drive route
Google provides Save as PDF as an alternative starting point for putting a document in Drive. [1]
- Open the item you want to print in Chrome.
- Start printing with File > Print or the appropriate keyboard shortcut.
- Select Save as PDF.
- Write down whether the preview becomes usable when Save as PDF is selected.
Advanced Fixes
Upload a saved PDF through the Google Drive website
Google’s Drive website workflow is to save the item as a PDF first and then upload that PDF to Drive. [1]Use this route when your goal is to store the document in Drive rather than send it directly to a printer.
- In Chrome’s print process, select Save as PDF.
- Go to drive.google.com after you have the PDF.
- Click + and select File upload.
- Select the PDF to upload.
- Select a folder.
Isolate nonessential browser extensions before repeating the same test
Keep the test narrow by changing only your optional extensions before repeating the same print attempt. [1]
- Temporarily disable nonessential browser extensions.
- Open the same type of item that triggered the issue.
- Start printing with File > Print.
- Repeat the test with the same intended destination.
- Re-enable extensions one at a time after the test.
Use the Drive for desktop workflow if that is your chosen Drive setup
Google’s Drive for desktop workflow starts by selecting Save as PDF. [1]Google then instructs you to upload the PDF to Drive for desktop. [1]This is separate from selecting Save to Google Drive in print preview.
- Open the item in Chrome and start printing.
- Select Save as PDF.
- Upload the resulting PDF to Drive for desktop.
- Keep a note of whether Chrome reached the Save as PDF selection before the preview became stuck.
What Not To Assume
- Do not assume that the stuck preview proves that your printer needs new drivers or that the printer is disconnected.
- Do not assume that a problem occurs only with a particular website until you try another page, image, or file.
- Do not assume that direct saving to Google Drive will work without the required Save to Google Drive extension.
- Do not assume that changing print settings will resolve a preview that does not become usable.
- Do not assume that a Google Drive destination and a PDF-to-Drive workflow are the same setup.
If Uploads Still Do Not Work
If the preview remains stuck for multiple items and multiple destinations, collect a short record before escalating. Include the operating system, whether you used File > Print or a keyboard shortcut, the item type, the selected destination, and the exact point where the process stopped responding.
- Follow your printer manufacturer’s setup instructions for printer-specific setup help.
- Use the feedback prompt on the Google Chrome Help print page to report the issue. [1]Include the details you collected and state whether Save as PDF behaved differently from your printer destination.
- If the issue affects a work-managed computer, give the same record to your organization’s IT support team. Include whether a direct Google Drive destination was involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I start printing from Chrome on a computer?
Open the page, image, or file that you want to print, then select File > Print. [1]
What keyboard shortcut opens Chrome printing on Windows or Linux?
Press Ctrl + P. [1]
What keyboard shortcut opens Chrome printing on a Mac?
Press Command + P. [1]
Can I select a different print destination in Chrome?
Chrome’s print window lets you select a destination. [1]
What is required to save directly to Google Drive from print preview?
You must have the Save to Google Drive extension installed. [1]
How can I put a printout in Google Drive without using the direct Drive destination?
Select Save as PDF, then upload the PDF through Drive for desktop or the Google Drive website. [1]