Summary
Learn how to access and configure common printing settings on a Mac, including color, paper size, labels, paper trays, stapling, hole punching, and other finishing options. Available settings may vary depending on the application, printer model, and installed printer software.
Body
Introduction
Most print customization options on a Mac are available from the Print dialog in the application you are printing from, such as Microsoft Word.
The available settings and their names may vary depending on the application, macOS version, printer model, and installed printer software. Some advanced settings may only appear when the appropriate printer driver or software is installed.
Instructions
Access Print Settings
- Open the document you want to print.
- Select File > Print, or press Command (⌘) + P.
- Select the appropriate printer from the Printer menu.
- Review the available print settings. Depending on the application and printer, additional printer-specific settings may be available within the Print dialog.
Common Print Options
Basic Settings
Depending on the application and printer, you can typically:
- Select the number of copies.
- Choose the desired paper size.
- Choose the paper orientation, such as Portrait or Landscape.
- Select Color or Black & White/Grayscale, when supported.
- Select Two-Sided printing, when available.
Finishing Options
If the selected printer is equipped with the appropriate finishing hardware, options may be available for:
- Located under the Printer Options menu, and then Printer Features
- Stapling.
- Hole Punching.
- Collating multiple copies.
For more information about collating, see Printing Multiple Copies Using the Collate Feature.
Media & Quality Settings
Select the appropriate paper or media type, such as Plain Paper or Letterhead. (Printer options/Printer Features menu)
- Adjust print quality.
- Select a paper source or tray when available.
- Configure other printer-specific quality or media settings.
The names of these options can vary depending on the printer and installed printer software.
Labels, Envelopes, and Special Paper Sizes
For labels, envelopes, or other non-standard media:
- Select File > Print.
- Select the correct printer.
- Select the appropriate Paper Size for the media you are using.
- If available, select the appropriate paper type/media type.
- If the printer has multiple trays, select the appropriate paper source or tray when that option is available.
- Review the print preview and settings before printing.
Important: Make sure the labels, envelopes, or other specialty media are supported by the printer before printing. Load the media into the appropriate tray according to the printer's requirements.
Important Notes
- Print menus and terminology may differ between applications.
- Available settings can vary based on the macOS version and printer model.
- Features such as stapling and hole punching are only available on printers equipped with the required finishing hardware.
- If the printer has multiple trays, verify that the selected paper size and media type match the paper loaded in the tray.
Troubleshooting Tips
If an option such as stapling, hole punching, color, or tray selection is not available:
- Confirm that the correct printer is selected.
- Confirm that the printer supports the desired feature.
- Confirm that the correct printer software or driver is installed.
- Verify that any applicable printer accessories or finishing options are recognized by the Mac.
- Close and reopen the Print dialog after making printer or driver changes.