This article shows you how to print content using a Windows system or a Mac. To be able to print a document, you must have a properly configured printer connected to your computer.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Windows systems
Step 1. Make sure the printer is turned on and connected to the computer
If the printing device uses a wireless connection over the Wi-Fi network, you must be sure that the computer is connected to the same LAN network. If not, you can make a direct connection via a regular USB data cable.
Check your printer's user manual to make sure you know how to set it up properly if you haven't done so already
Step 2. Access the "Start" menu by clicking on the icon
It features the Windows logo and is located at the bottom left of the desktop.
Step 3. Choose the "File Explorer" option characterized by the icon
It is located at the bottom left of the "Start" menu and is shaped like a folder.
Step 4. Navigate to the folder that contains the document you want to print
Select the relative icon located in the menu available in the left sidebar of the "File Explorer" window. The contents that print most frequently are listed below:
- Word, Excel or PowerPoint documents;
- PDF files;
- Pictures and photos.
Step 5. Select the document
Click on the icon of the file you want to print.
Step 6. Go to the Share tab
It is located at the top of the window. This will bring up its toolbar.
Step 7. Choose the Print option
It is located within the "Send" group of the "Share" tab ribbon. The print dialog will be displayed.
If the icon Press it is not selectable, it means that the selected document cannot be printed. This is the case with documents generated with the "Notepad Next" editor.
Step 8. Select the print device
Go to the "Printer" drop-down menu and select the name of the printer you want to use for printing.
Step 9. Choose the number of copies to print
In the "Copies" text field, type the number of copies of the document you want to print.
This option should not be confused with the number of pages to print
Step 10. Configure other print settings if needed
The print dialog box varies depending on the type of document, but in most cases you will be able to change the following options:
- Orientation - determines how the pages will be printed. You can choose between a horizontal or vertical orientation;
- Color - you can choose whether to print in color or black and white. If you want to print in color, your printer must be equipped with color cartridges.
- Front and back - allows you to choose whether to print a single page per sheet or whether to print one on both sides of the paper support.
Step 11. Press the Print button
It can be placed at the bottom or top of the print window. At this point the document will be sent to the printer for printing.
Method 2 of 2: Mac
Step 1. Make sure the printer is turned on and connected to the computer
If the printing device uses a wireless connection over the Wi-Fi network, it means that you need to make sure that the computer is connected to the same LAN. If not, you can make a direct connection via a regular USB data cable.
Step 2. Open a Finder window
Click on the blue stylized face icon on the System Dock. A new window will appear.
Step 3. Navigate to the folder containing the document to be printed
Click on the relevant icon located in the left sidebar of the Finder window.
Step 4. Select the document
Click on the icon of the file you want to print.
Step 5. Access the File menu
It is located in the upper left corner of the screen. A new drop-down menu will appear.
Step 6. Choose the Print… option
It is located at the bottom of the menu File. The print dialog will be displayed.
Step 7. Select the print device
Go to the "Printer" drop-down menu and select the name of the printer you want to use for printing.
Step 8. Choose the number of copies to print
In the "Copies" text field, type the number of copies of the document you want to print.
Step 9. Configure other print settings if needed
If you need to change other print settings besides the number of pages to print, press the button Show details:
- Pages - allows you to choose which pages of the document to print. To print the entire content, select "All";
- Page size - allows you to select the size of the sheet of paper to be used for printing;
- Orientation - allows you to choose whether to print the pages vertically or horizontally;
- Front and back - allows you to choose whether to print a single page per sheet or whether to print one on both sides of the paper support.
Step 10. Press the Print button
It is located in the lower right corner of the print window. At this point the document will be sent to the printer for printing.
Advice
- You can quickly access the print menu using the hotkey combination Ctrl + P (on Windows systems) or ⌘ Command + P (on Mac). If nothing happens when pressing the indicated key combination, it means that the program in use is not compatible with this function.
- If you are unsure if the print settings are correct or if the printed document will look the way you want it, try printing just one page to get an overall idea of what it will look like.
- It is also possible to print directly from the iPhone if you are using a printer that supports the AirPrint feature. If you have an Android device, you can print using Google's CloudPrint service.
- Always keep a spare ink cartridge or toner. If the ink or toner runs out during a printing phase, the content you are printing will not be perfect.
