GDS-Print - Adding a Printer to macOS
This document covers how to add a networked printer to macOS computers.
Notes
Troubleshooting Tips: Macs and network printing can be challenging and the following are common issues that cause printing failures.
- Improper Network Path: Make sure that the slashes are in the proper direction and the path name is exactly as it should be. Copying and pasting the path can cause issues so it may be necessary to type the full path. The Name in Advanced settings must also be correct.
- WI-Fi - Make sure that if you are using WI-fi, that the VPN (Global Protect) is being used, this ensures they can connect to the networked server. If this does not work, connect to the network with an ethernet cable, this sometimes resolves "Printing Paused" issues on first time setup.
- Credentials - The user must be logged in using their NetID.
- Drivers - If all else fails, manually download the drivers for the specific printer and then re-install it.
- Printer Codes - On a few printers, you are required to use a printer code to make color copies. Instructions for printer codes can be found here.
Procedure
Option A
- Choose System Preferences from the Apple menu.
- Choose Print & Fax from the View menu.
- Click the + button to add a printer.
- Press the Control key while clicking the "Default" icon (or any other icon on the toolbar), then choose Customize Toolbar from the contextual menu that appears.
- Drag the Advanced (gear) icon to the toolbar.
- Click Done.
- Click the Advanced icon that was added to the toolbar.
- Choose Windows from the Type pop-up menu.
- In the URL field, type the printer's address in one of the following format:
smb://dds-printserver.ad.wisc.edu/(Printer name) - In the Name field, type the name you would like to use for this printer in Mac OS X.
- Choose the appropriate PPD or printer driver from the "Print Using" pop-up menu.
- Click Add.
Authentication: You will need to be logged into the machine with an admin account, or authenticate with your account by pressing the lock on the printers & scanners screen.
Option B
This works - just ensure you have the right Drivers installed prior.
- Navigate to System Preferences
- Select Printers and Scanners from the menu
- If not logged into an admin account, authenticate by pressing the lock.
- Click Plus (+) under the list of printers to add a new printer.
- If not already present on the toolbar, you will need to add the Advanced button to the toolbar. 2-Finger Click on the empty space in the toolbar and click Customize Toolbar.... Drag Advanced to the toolbar.
- In Advanced settings, enter the following information:
- Type: Windows printer via spoolss
- Device: Another Device
- URL: smb://dds-printserver.ad.wisc.edu/insert printer's name here → See 6.a. for clarification
- Name: insert printer's name here (Copy & Paste from URL)
- Location: can leave space blank
- Use: Select Software... → See 6.b. for clarification
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- 6.a. To locate the printer's name, visit the DoIT Supported Network Printer List, or connect to the dds-printserver.ad.wisc.edu on a Windows machine.
- 6.b. Download the most current driver from the manufacturer's support page. It will then automatically appear in the list of drivers.
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- Click Add and the printer will set up.
- Print a Test Page to confirm the printer is working. In the Printer and Scanners menu, double-click the printer and select the Printer tab from the toolbar, next click Print a Test Page.