General Printing Problems on a Mac
1. Make sure you have the correct Printer driver and Printer descriptions. This is the main reason print errors occur. Printer drivers and descriptions are data files that include printer-specific information for a particular printer model. This characterization file gives the computer all the information it needs about the print device, i.e., model, resolution, and added information like trays installed or if the duplex is installed.
- Download Printer Descriptions directly from the print manufacture's website (i.e. Epson, HP, or Tektronix).
- Perform a search for PPDs.
2. Check the printer's general settings on your computer, by performing an Auto-Setup. If the setup shows as generic or in correct printer description, then go back to step 1.
3. Troubleshoot and narrow down the problem:
- Try printing another document in the same application.
- Print from another application.
- Is anyone else having trouble printing?
- Are there any error messages on the screen or on the printer?
- Is there paper in the tray?
- Is there a paper jam?
4. If the printing problems are related to a specific application visit these pages:
Problems printing any file from the Mac OS: try these suggestions.
