Mac OS X: How to print from a Classic application

This document describes printing from a Classic application.

Note: The steps you follow to print from the Classic environment depend on what kind of printer you are using. You may need to use the Desktop Printer Utility, which is located in the Utilities folder inside the "Applications (Mac OS 9)" folder. Printers compatible with built-in LaserWriter 8 software allow you to print without first doing this, but some printer features may not be available in the absence of the printer's own PPD file.

Note: Before a third-party printer will appear in the Classic Chooser, you must start up from your Mac OS 9 System Folder and install the required printer drivers. If your computer only starts up in Mac OS X, contact the manufacturer of the printer driver for a Mac OS X version or more information.

This article has been archived and is no longer updated by Apple.

USB (non-PostScript)

To print to a USB printer, follow these steps:

    1. Be sure a Classic application is active, or in the foreground.
    2. Choose Chooser from the Classic Apple Menu.
    3. In the upper left section of the Chooser, select your printer type.
    4. In the field to the right, select the printer name or printer port (either may appear, depending on the printer driver).
    5. Close the Chooser.


AppleTalk printer

To print to an AppleTalk printer, follow these steps:

    1. Be sure a Classic application is active, or in the foreground.
    2. Choose Chooser from the Classic Apple Menu.
    3. In the upper left section of the Chooser, select your printer type.
    4. If AppleTalk Zones appear on your network, select one from the lower left section of the Chooser.
    5. In the field to the right, select the printer by name.
    6. Close the Chooser.

Note: To change the PPD file, you may set up the printer using the Desktop Printer Utility, as described in the next section.



LPR or PostScript USB

Follow these steps to print to an LPR or Postscript USB printer:

    1. Open the Desktop Printer Utility.
    2. Select the printer type (LPR or USB).
    3. Click OK.
    4. Click the upper Change button to select a PPD file, then click Select.
    5. Click the lower Change button to select your printer. USB users choose the printer from a list. LPR users select the printer by entering its DNS name or IP address for the printer in the Printer Address field. Then click OK.
    6. Click Create.

For more information on using an LPR printer, see technical document 106687: "Mac OS X: How to Select an LPR Printer in Classic".


After choosing your printer

After you set up your printer, there are two ways to issue the Print command:

  • Choose Print from the File menu, or
  • Use the Command-P key combination

Note: This document covers one aspect of printing in Mac OS X. For more information, see technical document 106706: "Mac OS X: How to Print".

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