Mac Tutorials
How to Print from Your Mac: A Step-by-Step Guide
Are you new to using a Mac and wondering how to navigate through it for basic tasks? Don’t worry, we have got you covered! In this article, we will guide you on how to print from any Mac. It’s pretty straightforward, and we will take you through the whole process step by step.👍 Let’s get started!
Opening up the Application
First, open up the application that has the content you intend to print. For instance, if you want to print a webpage, open up your browser like Google Chrome.👌
Accessing the Print Section
After opening up your application, look for the Print option. This is usually under the File menu in the top left corner of your screen. Clicking on File and then on Print should get you to the Print settings.
However, there is a simpler shortcut. On your keyboard, just hold down the Command button and press on P. This combination, Command + P, will take you right to the same Print settings page.✔️
Configuring the Print Settings
Once you’re on the Print settings page, you will see several options to configure depending on your printing needs:
- Destination Printer: This is where you set the printer you want to use. If you’re not sure how to connect to a printer, searching for a guide should help.🖨️
- Save As PDF: If you wish to have a digital copy of the document, you have the option to save it as a PDF file.
- Pages: This allows you to select the particular pages you want to print. By default, it prints all the pages.
- Copies: You can also change the number of copies you want to print.
- Layout: Here you can choose if you want the printout in Portrait or Landscape.
- Color: Lastly, you can select between Color or Black and White printouts.🎨
Final Step: Hit Print
After checking and adjusting all your settings, simply press on Print. This button is usually at the bottom right of the Print settings page. And there you go! Your Mac is now sending your document to the printer!🚀
Conclusion: 🏁
And that’s it! You have successfully learnt how to print from a Mac. This process should make it easier to handle your printing needs when using a Mac. As you can see, it’s a pretty straightforward process with options customized to suit whatever you need to print. Remember, the key combination Command + P is your quick shortcut to the Print settings page. Happy printing!🖨️💡
FAQ
What kind of printer is compatible with a Mac computer?
Most modern printers are compatible with Mac computers. They just need to support the printing protocol Macs use, which is called AirPrint. You can check this on your printer’s specifications.
How to add a printer to a Mac?
Open Apple menu -> System Preferences -> Printers & Scanners. Click on the ‘+’ button. This will open a new window where you can see available printers. Select your printer and click Add. If your printer is not listed, ensure it is ON and properly connected.
What is AirPrint?
AirPrint is a feature in Apple that lets you print high-quality photos and documents from your Mac, iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch without having to install additional software (drivers).
My printer is not showing up on the list. What am I doing wrong?
Ensure your printer is turned on and connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Mac. If it’s a wired printer, check your USB or Ethernet connection. Also, make sure your printer supports AirPrint.
Do all printers work with AirPrint?
No, not all printers support AirPrint. Check your printer’s user manual or consult with the manufacturer to confirm if it supports AirPrint.
How to print a PDF on Mac?
You can open the PDF in Preview or any PDF reader. Then, go to File > Print. You can select your printer, number of copies, and other settings before clicking on Print.
Can I print in black and white on a Mac?
Yes, you can choose to print in Grayscale or Black & White in the print options. Just click on the dropdown that defaults to ‘Color’ and select ‘Black & White’.
How to print on both sides of the paper on a Mac?
In the Print options, check the box that says ‘Two-Sided’ or choose ‘Long-Edge binding’ or ‘Short-Edge binding’ from the Two-Sided dropdown menu. Note: This feature is available only if your printer supports duplex printing.
Can I cancel a print job?
Yes, you can. Open the Print Queue by clicking on the Printers & Scanners Preferences, select your printer and click on ‘Open Print Queue’. Then you can select the print job and click on ‘Cancel’.
How to print a web page on a Mac?
You can print a web page directly from your browser. Go to File > Print or use the keyboard shortcut Command + P.
How can I print from my iPhone or iPad to my Mac-connected printer?
With AirPrint, you can print directly from your iPhone or iPad if both your device and your printer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
How to check printer ink levels on a Mac?
Open System Preferences -> Printers & Scanners, select your printer. Depending on the printer’s software, you may see an ‘Options & Supplies’ button where you can check ink levels.
My Mac says ‘The printer is not connected’. What should I do?
Check your printer’s connection. If it’s a wireless printer, ensure it’s connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Mac. If it’s a wired printer, check the USB or Ethernet cable.
How to remove a printer from a Mac?
Go to System Preferences -> Printers & Scanners, select the printer you want to remove and click on the ‘-‘ button.
Why won’t my Mac connect to my printer?
There could be several reasons. Check your printer and computer’s connectivity, ensure the printer’s drivers are up to date, and that both devices are on the same network.
How do I select a different printer on my Mac?
In the Print options, you can click on the dropdown menu that defaults to your last used printer and select any other printer that is connected to your Mac.
Can I print a document from my Mac to a printer on a different network?
Generally, you can only print wirelessly to a printer on the same local network as your Mac. If you want to print to a printer on a different network, you will need a printing solution that supports that setup.
Can I share my printer with another Mac?
Yes, you can. Go to System Preferences -> Sharing, and check the ‘Printer Sharing’ box. Then select which printers you want to share.
Who can see or use the printer I share?
The printer can be used by other computers on the same network. You can control who can use it by adding or removing users in the ‘Users’ section in ‘Printer Sharing’.
The ‘Printer Sharing’ is greyed out, what should I do?
If the ‘Printer Sharing’ option is greyed out, it might be disabled due to your Mac’s security and privacy settings. You might need to click the lock at the bottom of the window and enter your Mac’s admin username and password to enable changes.
What is ‘Software Update’ on Mac?
‘Software Update’ is a feature on the Mac that automatically updates the system’s software, including printer drivers.
How can I run a ‘Software Update’ on my Mac?
Go to System Preferences -> Software Update. If updates are available, you can click on ‘Update Now’.
Why is my printer not working after updating my Mac?
Some updates might affect the compatibility between your Mac and your printer. If this happens, check the printer’s manufacturer’s website for updated drivers.
What should I do if the print quality is poor?
Poor print quality might due to various reasons. This may include low ink levels, using non-genuine ink cartridges, or the print head needing cleaning. It’s best to consult your printer’s manual for specific troubleshooting steps.
Can I print wirelessly from my Mac without AirPrint?
Yes, some printers offer their own solutions for wireless printing and may have their own apps. You might need to install the printer’s software on your Mac.
How do I print a hard copy of a document on a Mac?
Open the document you want to print. Go to File > Print and choose your printing preferences before you click on Print.
Does installing many printers slow down my Mac?
Generally, having multiple printer drivers installed on your Mac shouldn’t noticeably slow it down, unless your Mac is low on storage space.
Can I print from a Mac at a public printer, like at a library?
This largely depends on the library’s printing setup. Some might allow you to send your documents via email, while others may require you to install their printer’s software on your Mac.
How do I check the printer’s status on my Mac?
Go to System Preferences -> Printers & Scanners, select your printer. There you can see the printer’s status, i.e., whether it’s ready, offline, or has a printing error.
Why is my printer constantly pausing when I try to print from my Mac?
The printer might go into pause mode if there is an issue like a paper jam, low ink, or a disconnected cable. Check the printer for such issues and also take a look at the printer’s queue on your Mac to resume printing.