How to Print in Mac OS Panther

Mac users have a distinct advantage over Windows users, in that the hardware and software are made by one company and have extremely tight integration with one another. If your Mac OS Panther system is set up correctly, and peripherals like printers are added in the proper step-by-step, plug-and-play manner, basic systems tasks like starting applications, saving files to disk and printing documents can proceed without error and continue working almost forever (unless the user creates a problem). On their own, the Mac OS Panther components will continue to operate as they are designed unless some outside influence (usually human) creates a problem.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Print in Mac OS Panther

1. Make sure your printers are correctly configured, have the most recent required drivers, are supplied with correctly functioning ink cartridges, are turned on and are properly connected to your Mac.

2. Run the "Printer Setup Utility" located in the "Utilities" folder within the "Applications" folder.

3. Confirm that your attached printers show up in the resulting window, labeled "Printer List." If not, consult Apple the support page for printing (see Resources below) for how to set up your printers in Mac OS Panther with "Printer Setup Utility."

4. Start an application that supports printing and from which you wish to print a document.

5. Click and hold on the "File" menu and choose "Page Setup."

6. Check the resulting dialog box for "Page Setup" to ensure that all settings are appropriate and desired for the print job you are doing.

7. Close the "Page Setup" window after confirming settings.

8. Select "Print" from the "File" menu and choose/change the variables that will affect your printed output, such as the printer you want to use, special paper settings, the number of copies desired and the page range you wish to output.

9. Confirm all your choices and then click "Print" at the lower right of the dialog box.

10. Consult the Apple support page for printing with Mac OS Panther if your page does not print or you encounter any difficulties.

Tips & Warnings

• From "Print" dialog boxes you can also save documents as PDF files or use your fax/modem to send the document to a fax number.
• You can monitor the progress of your print jobs if you have "Desktop Printer" icon(s) set up, or you can select the printer icon when it becomes active in the "Dock" after the chosen printer begins processing the print job.
• If you cannot resolve a printing problem with the Apple support information or the Steps in this article, you may need to contact the printer manufacturer. Every printer manufacturer has a website with drivers, model information and troubleshooting tips.

Resources

• Apple support page for printing