If you’re in the process of adding a printer to your Mac computer – there’s good news! The process is fairly simple and straightforward. Many printers will connect directly to your Mac through a USB cable, but you can also easily connect a wireless printer through AirPrint technology. Even though printers compatible with AirPrint connect through your network, Apple still treats them like locally connected printers, so the setup process will still be the same.  Depending on the version of OS X and the type of printer you are currently using, the process may vary slightly. Generally, here are the instructions for setting up a printer on your Mac computer.

The Basics:

Mac OS supports a number of different printers from different brands and models. If yours is a fairly new printer, it’s safe to assume it will most likely be supported by the current version of OS X. If you’re not sure, you can check directly on the printer’s manufacturer’s website. You can connect a new printer to your Mac in the following ways:

  • USB cable
  • AirPort router
  • Apple Time Capsule
  • AirPlay

Generally, the installation will take about 15 minutes. Your Mac comes with a robust printer support system in place, as well as many third-party printer drivers. This means that Apple will conveniently include any relevant updates to your printer’s driver automatically during its software updates.

Installing A USB Printer:

With most USB printers, you just have to update your software and then simply connect the printer to your Mac. Your computer will automatically detect the printer and download any necessary software. In some cases, you may be asked to complete a few additional steps:

Go to “System Preferences” in the Apple Menu

  1. Click “Software Update,” then install any updates listed. Even if there are no updates available, doing this ensures you don’t get an error message further down in the process.
  2. Make sure your printer is filled with toner, ink, and paper, and then power it on.
  3. Connect the printer to your Mac with the USB cable.
  4. Download and install any software if you are prompted to do so.

Installing A Wi-Fi Printer:

For most compatible wi-fi network printers, your Mac will automatically install any necessary software or drivers, with no necessary input from you. In fact, as you power on your printer, you’ll likely find that it has already created a printer queue, assigned your printer a name, and made it available to any app that uses the Apple printing services. To check if your printer has been installed automatically, simply go to print a document. If you see your printer in the drop-down list, everything’s set.  No need to change complicated settings or find your printers IP address.

  1. Go to “System Preferences” in the Apple Menu
  2. Click “Software Update,” then install any updates listed. Even if there are no updates available, doing this ensures you don’t get an error message further in the process. (If you have an AirPrint printer, you don’t need to check for software updates.)
  3. Make sure your printer is filled with toner, ink, and paper, and then power it on.
  4. Follow the printer’s instructions for connecting it to your network. You may need to connect your printer with a USB cable at first to set up Wi-Fi printing. After setting up, you’ll remain connected to the Wi-Fi network without the need for a cable.
  5. Go to the Apple menu and select “System Preferences,” then click “Printers & Scanners.” If your printer doesn’t automatically appear, click the Add button “+” at end of the list.
  6. Select your printer from the list, then click “Add.”
  7. Download and install any software if you are prompted to do so.

Installing an Epson Printer on Mac:

In case you need additional set up for your Epson printer, follow these steps for the installation process:

  • Download and run the Epson Connect Printer Setup Utility.
  • Click “Continue”
  • Click “Agree” to the Software License Agreement
  • Click “Install,” and then “Close”
  • Select your printer, and then click “Next”
  • Select “Printer Registration” and then click “Next”
  • When you’re prompted with the “Register a printer to Epson Connect” message, click “OK”
  • Click the checkbox next to “I accept the Terms and Conditions,” then click “Next”
  • Fill out the “Create An Epson Connect Account” form, then click “Finish”
  • Click “Close”

Installing an HP Printer on Mac:

In case you need additional set up for your HP printer, follow these steps for the installation process:

  • Click the “Apple” icon, then select “Software Update” to check for any printer updates that you may have missed.
  • Power on your HP printer
  • Connect your HP printer to your Mac using a USB cable
  • Click the “Apple” icon and select “System Preferences”
  • Click on “Print and Scan”
  • Click on the plus “+” icon
  • Choose the name of the printer you want to add
  • Click “Add”

Installing a Lexmark Printer on Mac:

In case you need additional set up for your Lexmark printer, follow these steps for the installation process:

  • Select the Apple icon from the menu bar and select “Software Update to check for any printer updates that you may have missed.
  • On the “Software Update” list, select “Lexmark Printer Drivers”
  • Click “Install”
  • The drivers will be downloaded to your Mac and the driver package will be installed on the system.

If you’re having trouble installing your printer onto your Mac computer, try troubleshooting methods from your printer’s manufacturer’s website. You can also find more information directly on Apple’s website.