Whether you just bribe your first Mac or find a great flock on thebest printerfor your budget , you ’re going to want to connect the two .
It ’s relatively easy to add a printer to your Mac , but a prevue of what to do and where to go can be helpful . In the last few years , macOS update , have change the location of printer options and altered the direction affair look . We ’ll give you stone’s throw - by - pace book of instructions with screenshots so you may pursue along and link up your printing machine to your Mac without any surprises .
Of course , you need your printer to be set up and powered on . you could supply a printing machine connected to Wi - Fi , attach via a cable , or shared on a Windows PC . If you have any problem , check out our guide to get your printer connected andsolve the most vulgar problems . When it ’s ready to habituate , here ’s how to add a printer to a Mac .
How to add a printer to a macOS
Like most setting on macOS , you ’ll find those for sum a printer inSystem configurations .
measure 1 : unfold theApplemenu and chooseSystem configurations , or opt theSystem Settingsicon in your Dock .
dance step 2 : On the main screen , openPrinters and scanners . You ’ll see any connected printer listed on the left . So , if you plug a USB pressman into your Mac , you should already see it listed and ready for use .
If you do n’t see the printing machine you need , select theAdd Printer , Scanner , or Fax … button at the bottom of the list to add it .
Step 3 : you’re able to then link up your Mac to a Wi - Fi or Bluetooth printer , a mesh printer , or a pressman connected to Windows . Select one of the sections below per your printing machine type .
Add a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth printer
If you want to relate a printing machine that ’s available on your local Wi - Fi meshwork or that can plug into via Bluetooth , you’re able to add up it to your list in a few steps .
Step 1 : On theDefaulttab at the top of theAdd printerwindow , pick out the printer you want from the leaning of Wi - Fi printers or use theSearchbox at the top to turn up it .
Step 2 : macOS usually fills in the printer name and driver mechanically , but you could rename it , give the forcible location ( the room it ’s in ) , and pick out a different printing machine driver if you wish .
Step 3 : When you ’re finish , select theAddbutton .
Add a network printer with its IP address
If you have a net printer , but it does n’t appear in the leaning of printers in macOS , you could add it using its IP name and address . It ’s four Book of Numbers separated by periods that ’s commonly in your printer ’s internet fare . If you need help , we have a guide that shows youhow to receive your printer ’s IP address .
measure 1 : pick out theIPtab at the top of theAdd printerwindow , and infix your printer ’s IP destination in theAddressfield .
footstep 2 : Optionally , you’re able to modify the protocol , name a specific printing machine waiting line , rename the printer , specify a location , and prefer a unlike printer gadget driver .
Step 3 : SelectAddto link to your internet printing machine .
Add a printer connected to Windows
If you plan to apply a printer connected to a PC , it has to be set up up by rights . If you call for help , we have a dance step - by - step tutorial abouthow to divvy up a Windows printer . While you ’re on your microcomputer , take down the workgroup name as well as the username and countersign if require .
Step 1 : Choose theWindowstab at the top of theAdd printerwindow .
Step 2 : SelectWorkgroupon the left hand , then choose the Windows workgroup and pressman you desire to impart . If prompted , enter the username and password .
Step 3 : If you do n’t see your pressman , hold back if pressman sharing is enabled on your Mac . It ’s a toggle permutation in theGeneraltab underSharing .
Step 4 : macOS will automatically fill in the name , but you might ask to choose or add a printer driver with theUsemenu . you could rename the printer and specify what room it ’s in to help key out it .
Step 5 : SelectAddto utilize your Windows pressman from your Mac .
Finish setting up the printer
Once you ’ve add your printer to the list , it should be quick to use . While you have thePrinters & Scannerswindow open air , you’re able to adjust more options .
If you have more than one printer , it ’s a skilful estimation tochoose aDefault printerand check theDefault report sizematches what you publish most often . For example , if you use a exposure printing machine , that might be glossy photo paper alternatively of the standardUS Lettersize that macOS selects .
Select any printer in the list to check supply story change options specific to that printer .
If you also own one of Apple ’s mobile gadget , learnhow to print from your iPhone or iPad , too !
