Feb 20 2025 13 mins 44
In this episode of Hands-On Mac, Mikah Sargent explores the Print Center utility in macOS - an essential but often overlooked tool for managing printers and print jobs. Mikah gives a comprehensive walkthrough of the app's features, showing how it can help troubleshoot printer issues and manage your printing needs without requiring bloated third-party software.
Accessing Print Center - Mikah demonstrates multiple ways to open the utility, including using Spotlight (Command+Space), the menu bar search icon, or navigating through Finder to Applications > Utilities
Viewing connected printers - The sidebar displays all connected printers with status indicators
Adding new printers - Mikah shows how to add printers using the plus icon, explaining the three connection methods
Connection protocols - AirPrint is recommended when available as it makes the printer accessible across all Apple devices, not just Macs
Printer management options - The interface allows pausing print jobs, viewing detailed printer information, and checking supply levels for ink or toner
Scanner integration - For multifunction printers, Print Center provides access to the scanning functionality through the Image Capture app
Right-click menu options - Users can make a printer the default, add it to the Dock for quick access, or remove and re-add printers for troubleshooting
System Settings integration - The Printers & Scanners section in System Settings provides similar functionality but with additional options like printing test pages
Job history tracking - Print Center keeps records of completed print jobs, helpful for remembering which printer was used in multi-printer environments
Printer webpage access - Mikah highlights how Print Center provides direct links to printer web interfaces, avoiding the need to install bloated manufacturer software
Manage printers and print jobs - Apple Support - https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/manage-printers-print-jobs-center-mac-mchl33bd189d/mac
Host: Mikah Sargent
Download or subscribe to Hands-On Mac at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-mac
Want access to the ad-free video and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit
Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.
