Google maps won't print directions

**KyDan** · 05-20-2022, 11:05 AM

We've used google maps on a windows desktop PC to print step by step
directions for years. Earlier this year it developed a bug where you can plan
your trip just fine but when you get ready to print the steps you just get blank pages.
If I search google for "google maps won't print" there is a discussion in google help that acknowledges the issue but that thread is locked as some "google expert" said they could no longer duplicate the issue.
It still won't print for me even tho I tried on the latest versions of Chrome and FireFox browsers.
Do any of you know of a work around other than copy pasting the google directions into word for windows or some such?

**Iwritecode** · 05-20-2022, 11:38 AM

You can have them sent to your phone. Although I don't know if that requires having the app on your phone or not.

AFAIK, just using google maps on a phone doesn't require data. Just a GPS signal.

Cut/paste screenshots to a word doc might work.

camper_Lucy · 05-20-2022, 11:41 AM

i do not know why, but i can only print details with map using the selections, or by right click on route map. details without map is blank on printing as well, has been this way for a while now.

FYI, WAZE is a much better application for planning trip routes and also is a Google product, for some reason they maintain this better then the original google maps.

Kcoulter · 05-20-2022, 11:43 AM

I just tried it and didn't have any problem printing. Chrome 101.0.4951.67

Kcoulter · 05-20-2022, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by camper_Lucy

i do not know why, but i can only print details with map using the selections, or by right click on route map. details without map is blank on printing as well, has been this way for a while now.

I did it with map and had no problem...but you're right, text-only comes up blank.

Reverse_snowbird · 05-20-2022, 11:51 AM

You pointed out a problem I didn't know existed.

If I try to print 'Text only", i get one line of test showing the time.
If I select 'print including maps', I can print to a PDF file (don't have the computer on at the moment.)

camper_Lucy · 05-20-2022, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kcoulter

I just tried it and didn't have any problem printing. Chrome 101.0.4951.67

running the same version of Chrome. guess i can play with settings and see if it makes a difference. Thanks

**KyDan** · 05-20-2022, 12:40 PM

Yes as you've seen it apparently will work with printed maps but if you
choose to save ink and print directions only you get a tiny line of print on page 1 that's the disclaimer and then all other pages are blank.

I'm old school enough that even with GPS in the vehicle and possibly on a phone sitting on the dash- I still like a step by step print out. AAA calls them "trip ticks".
I guess I will print with maps.

The internet is moving away from PCs and more and more to "mobile devices" aka cell phones. I can no longer get updated maps for my 2017 Titan truck from the dealer/manufacturer. But it's in that age where it's not capable of connecting to a cell phone for navigation. I guess the new cars and trucks will let you show your google maps from your phone right on the vehicle screen?

camper_Lucy · 05-20-2022, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KyDan

Yes as you've seen it apparently will work with printed maps but if you
choose to save ink and print directions only you get a tiny line of print on page 1 that's the disclaimer and then all other pages are blank.

I'm old school enough that even with GPS in the vehicle and possibly on a phone sitting on the dash- I still like a step by step print out. AAA calls them "trip ticks".
I guess I will print with maps.

The internet is moving away from PCs and more and more to "mobile devices" aka cell phones. I can no longer get updated maps for my 2017 Titan truck from the dealer/manufacturer. But it's in that age where it's not capable of connecting to a cell phone for navigation. I guess the new cars and trucks will let you show your google maps from your phone right on the vehicle screen?

Give WAZE a try, it is google and works from a browser just like maps. even more options then maps, like, you can set a start trip time and it will let you see historical traffic conditions, pick a different time to leave, etc.

Waze.com just a hint the first time you enter waze, on the message to allow location click yes, or you will have to change browser settings later, it is much more secure then Maps is.

PenJoe · 05-20-2022, 05:18 PM

Recently, I have experienced another glitch. When printing maps and directions, inevitably, part of the map is off the paper.

OYO · 05-20-2022, 06:35 PM

"I guess the new cars and trucks will let you show your google maps from your phone right on the vehicle screen?"

Yes. And it's getting better about downloading automatically to your phone in case of cell connection interruptions.

But... our truck has satellite navigation built in and we carry a Garmin GPS for backup.

(I'm not anal or anything)

mlmay12 · 05-20-2022, 06:46 PM

It started doing that to me a couple days ago so I just selected all the directions with my mouse then copied it (CTRL-C) and Pasted it (CTRL-V) onto a blank Word Document. Worked fine.

Larry-NC · 05-21-2022, 12:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by camper_Lucy

i do not know why, but i can only print details with map using the selections, or by right click on route map. details without map is blank on printing as well, has been this way for a while now.

FYI, WAZE is a much better application for planning trip routes and also is a Google product, for some reason they maintain this better then the original google maps.

Waze was developed by an Israeli group and acquired by Google. I suspect the creating team is still responsible for fixes and enhancements. That would explain the better level of support. Google's part might be just to tell them where to pepper the map with MickeyD icons.

chriscowles · 05-21-2022, 01:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by camper_Lucy

Give WAZE a try, it is google and works from a browser just like maps. even more options then maps, like, you can set a start trip time and it will let you see historical traffic conditions, pick a different time to leave, etc.
...

Maps has the same arrive/leave time options, as well as historical traffic conditions. Perhaps it came from Waze but it works well.

Larry-NC · 05-21-2022, 07:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chriscowles

Maps has the same arrive/leave time options, as well as historical traffic conditions. Perhaps it came from Waze but it works well.

The Maps improvements came after Google acquired Waze. I expect Google bought Waze for the technology, but was driving (no pun intended) for a less-detailed user experience.

The Tahoe has one of the first in-dash Android units. Not Android Auto--it's essentially a 7" Android tablet mounted in the dashboard with links for a rear camera, AM.FM antenna, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. It hasn't had a software update in years. My son--who had it first--had put on Waze (pretty polished, not much different from the latest version. He also put on the latest available version of Google Maps which starts up by reporting that it is BETA software.

It works reliably and does report mileage remaining and expected time of arrival.

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