OS X Mountain Lion: Set up a printer

Set up a printer

To print to a printer, first make sure it’s connected to your computer or network, check for software updates, and then add the printer to your list of available printers. For most USB printers, the printer is added to the list automatically when you connect it. For other printers, you may have to complete a few easy steps to add the printer.

OS X is compatible with most common printers. If you add a printer that supports AirPrint, OS X automatically uses AirPrint. For a non-AirPrint printer, OS X selects the printer software automatically and downloads it from Apple if necessary.

If you need to set up a type of printer that isn’t listed here, see the documentation that came with your printer for more information.

Your computer can usually detect whether a printer has special accessories installed, such as additional paper trays, extra memory, or a duplex unit. If it can’t, a dialog appears that lets you specify them. Make sure the settings in that dialog accurately reflect your printer’s installed accessories so you can take full advantage of them.

Add a USB printer to your list of printers

  1. Follow the instructions that came with the printer to set it up and connect it to your computer.
  2. Choose Apple menu > Software Update to make sure OS X has the latest information about printer software it can download from Apple.

    OS X updates its list of available printer software. It downloads printer software as needed when you add printers.

  3. Open a document to print, and then choose File > Print.
  4. Open the Printer pop-up menu and choose your printer.

    If you don’t see your printer, contact the printer’s manufacturer for more information

Add a wireless printer to your list of printers

If your printer has built-in Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, you can print to it wirelessly. You can also print wirelessly to any printer you can connect to your Time Capsule or AirPort base station.

Set up a printer to print wirelessly

Add a network printer to your list of printers

You can connect to printers on your local network that use Bonjour, IP, and Open Directory, as well as shared printers and printers connected to a Time Capsule or AirPort base station.

Be sure to follow any instructions from your network administrator.

Important: If you connect a printer that includes a scanner to a local network, other computers on the local network can see what’s on the scanner bed. If you scan documents with sensitive information, connect the scanner to your computer’s USB port.
  1. If you’re setting up a printer, follow the instructions that came with it to set it up and connect it to your network.

    If you’re connecting a printer to a Time Capsule or AirPort base station’s USB port, see this help topic:

    Set up a printer connected to a Time Capsule or AirPort base station

  2. Choose Apple menu > Software Update to make sure OS X has the latest information about printer software it can download from Apple.

    OS X updates its list of available printer software. It downloads printer software as needed when you add printers.

  3. Open a document to print, and then choose File > Print.
  4. Open the Printer pop-up menu and choose your printer in the Nearby Printers section of the menu.
  5. If you don’t see your printer, choose Add Printer from the Printer pop-up menu.

    A dialog appears listing any Bonjour, IP, shared, and Open Directory printers on your local network. It may take a minute or two for your printer to appear.

  6. Select your printer when it appears in the list, and then click Add.

    OS X automatically uses AirPrint if your printer supports it, or it selects printer software (also called a printer driver) and downloads it from Apple if necessary.

  7. If you don’t see your printer in the list, do one of the following: